Model year
2023 Subaru Outback
NHTSA lists 2 recalls and 89 complaints for the 2023 Subaru Outback (recall file dated Oct 23, 2026; complaint file dated Oct 23, 2026). The components listed on the most complaints are ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (17), FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING (17), VISIBILITY/WIPER (16). NHTSA rated the SW AWD 5 stars overall. EPA rates it 23–28 mpg combined depending on configuration (fuel economy file dated Sep 29, 2026). EPA's annual fuel-cost figures for these configurations are $2,400–$2,900, based on 15,000 miles and 55% city driving.
- 2018 816 complaints
- 2019 1,036 complaints
- 2020 901 complaints
- 2021 298 complaints
- 2022 465 complaints
- 2023 89 complaints
- 2024 104 complaints
- 2025 83 complaints
- 2026 20 complaints
- 2027 0 complaints
Recalls
23V755000 · Nov 9, 2023
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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.
23V647000 · Sep 21, 2023
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
Complaints
89 distinct complaints. Crash flag on 8, fire flag on 1, injury field 3, deaths field 0. A complaint can be counted under more than one component. The injury and death figures are the file's numbers (the highest value on each complaint, then added), not a separate verified count of people.
Investigations
No investigations are matched to this name.
Safety ratings
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Pole | Rollover | Photo |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW AWD | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · possibility 0.185 | NHTSA photo |
| Wilderness SW AWD | Not rated | 5 | 5 | 5 | Not Rated · possibility 0 | — |
Fuel economy
| Configuration | Fuel | City | Hwy | Comb | kWh/100 mi | Range | Annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD · 2.5L · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 26 | 32 | 28 | — | — | $2,400 |
| Outback AWD · 2.4L · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 22 | 29 | 25 | — | — | $2,700 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD · 2.4L · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive | Regular Gasoline | 21 | 26 | 23 | — | — | $2,900 |
Open this model year in the fuel-cost calculator. The calculator starts with no fuel price filled in.
Check a vehicle
This page is not a VIN lookup. NHTSA's recall tool checks a specific vehicle: nhtsa.gov/recalls. NHTSA's page for this model year is 2023 Subaru Outback at NHTSA. Complaint narratives stay on NHTSA's site and are not copied here.