This page covers 2 recalls, 84 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2023 Subaru Outback.
25–28 mpg combined
8.4–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2023 Outback draws the most complaints around its driver assistance and visibility systems. Forward collision avoidance is the top reported area, with owners describing false alerts, unexpected braking, and the system activating in situations where no obstacle was present, low-speed parking maneuvers appear in several of these reports. Windshield wiper and visibility complaints are the second-most common, with owners reporting wipers that smear, streak, or fail to clear the glass adequately in rain. Electrical system issues round out the top three, and a recurring theme there is the Starlink connected-services system failing after software updates, owners report losing access to safety and remote features, and several note dealers were unable to provide a fix. A separate pattern involves the infotainment screen being taken over by pop-up subscription prompts that block climate and traction control inputs while the vehicle is moving.
84
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2023 Subaru Outback has 2 recalls, the more serious being a driveshaft support bolt that can loosen and allow the front section of the driveshaft to disconnect, raising the risk of a crash.
The second recall involves the transmission's inhibitor switch, which can fail if water enters it through a faulty weld. When the switch stops working, the reverse lights may not come on and the rearview camera may not display an image when backing up, reducing visibility behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld on the inhibitor switch allows water to enter and damage the switch, causing it to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The center support bolts holding the driveshaft may loosen, causing the front end of the driveshaft to disconnect.
What the fix does
Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces and install new bolts at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
