2023 Subaru Outback problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru Outback, filed between 2022-10-05 and 2026-09-02. The most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (22, 25%), electrical system (17, 19%) and visibility/wiper (16, 18%). Owners reported 8 crashes, 1 fire and 3 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2023 Subaru Outback complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 22 | 25% | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 19% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 18% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Unknown or other | 15 | 17% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 8% | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 7% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 3 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 2% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 2 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Forward collision avoidance: 22 complaints
- 22 complaints of 89 (25%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 5 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Electrical system: 17 complaints
- 17 complaints of 89 (19%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 16 complaints
- 16 complaints of 89 (18%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Service brakes: 7 complaints
- 7 complaints of 89 (8%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 2 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 3 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Exterior lighting: 6 complaints
- 6 complaints of 89 (7%) name the exterior lighting — headlights, tail and brake lights and turn signals.
- None of these complaints reports a crash, fire or injury.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2023 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Power train: 5 complaints
- 5 complaints of 89 (6%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 2 of them also name the service brakes; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2023 Subaru Outback; the latest, campaign 23V755000, says: “An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 47 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 11 |
| 2026 | 6 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names OUTBACK, OUTBACK WILDERNESS, model year 2023. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2023 Subaru Outback recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Outback?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2023 Subaru Outback's most common problem areas are the forward collision avoidance (22 of 89 complaints), electrical system (17 of 89 complaints) and visibility/wiper (16 of 89 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA has 89 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Subaru Outback, including 8 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2023 Subaru Outback's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Subaru Outback; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.