The 2023 Subaru Outback is associated with 88 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 2 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Visibility & Wipers, accounting for 15 reports (17% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 3 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.5l 4-cyl and 2.4l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 23 to 28 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 88 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 2 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Visibility & Wipers (15 / 17%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 8 crash / 1 fire / 2 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 23–28 MPG (3 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 26 MPG | 32 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 22 MPG | 29 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $2,450 / yr |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 21 MPG | 26 MPG | 23 MPG | — | $2,650 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SW AWD | | | | | 18.5% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard & Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2023 Subaru Outback models.
View complete 2023 Subaru Outback crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2023 Subaru Outback problems & component breakdown (31 categories) →
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Defect Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Affected Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Defect Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
View all 2023 Subaru Outback recalls & campaign history (2 campaigns) →