2023 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2023 SUBARU OUTBACK Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Subaru Outback
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Subaru Outback. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (83) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 8 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Subaru Outback with 1 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Subaru Outback before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Outback Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Outback years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Subaru Outback | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 438 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Subaru Outback | 53 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 283 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Subaru Outback | 1 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | 886 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Subaru Outback Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Subaru Outback, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
15 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyForward Collision Avoidance
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyExterior Lighting
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Subaru onlyLatches/Locks/Linkages
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Latches/Locks/Linkages issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2023 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Subaru Outback
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2023 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance System The Forward Collision Avoidance System has been reported to fail in multiple instances, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues with the electrical system have been reported, leading to system malfunctions and potential safety hazards. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Windshield Cracks Windshield cracks have been reported, with some cracks appearing over time after minor impacts, posing a safety risk. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Pop-Up Ads In Infotainment System Pop-up ads in the infotainment system have been reported, potentially distracting the driver and affecting safety. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Subaru Outback:
Issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance System have been reported, leading to system malfunctions.
Electrical system issues have been reported, causing system malfunctions.
Windshield cracks have been reported, with some cracks appearing over time after minor impacts.
Pop-up ads in the infotainment system have been reported, potentially distracting the driver.
Recall Details for the 2023 Subaru Outback
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2023 Subaru Outback by NHTSA:
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.
Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Consequence: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Subaru Outback
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Subaru Outback with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 5 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
Recently, in my 2023 Subaru Outback, I have been having pop-up ads for SirusXM take over my infotainment screen. The ad appears in the center, does not allow the user to interact with the screen - including air conditioning control and traction control selection - and will not go away until I acknowledge the ad. It has appeared when I start the vehicle and while I am driving. I contacted Subaru...
I have had no working SOS safety button in case of a crash despite having a 3 year plan. This started after a Starlink update failed to load to this date. I took it to the dealer and my software was found to be up to date and I was told not a Subaru problem for months. I wrote to Subura America and told not to take the car in as no fix but any day but never came. I am to renew the Safety and Se...
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while walking around the vehicle attempting to put her husband in the passenger seat, the hatchback opened independently, and they both got pushed independently from the vehicle on the ground from the impact. The contact mentioned by the standers came out of the office to check on them and called 911 immediately. The contact stated th...
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outlook. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the Starlink system failed to function as intended. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact was informed that it was a known failure; however, there was no fix available. In ad...
My 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness experienced multiple complete failures to start over a 2-day period at 51,930 miles, creating significant safety risks and stranding situations.Component Failure: Battery system (SOA821B700, 620 CCA) failed to maintain charge when vehicle parked/off. Component replaced and available for inspection if retrieved from disposal. What Happened: Vehicle experienced repe...
Windshield was struck by a small stone. There was no immediate damage but over a period of several weeks 5 cracks appeared traversing the windshield top to bottom.
The drivers side window frequently will not roll up. Has happened multiple times and dealership says they reset it but still does not work properly. In inclement weather conditions this is a serious safety issue. Most recent information is below
When going down my driveway, the (RAB) Reverse Automatic Braking system will often times turn itself off and not reset like the manual say's it should. I have to stop the car, shut it off and open the door to ensure everything is off and restart the car to get it to reset. It has been in the dealership, Subaru of Kennesaw, Kennesaw Ga 4 time for this issue. Last time it was in the dealership th...
I have had several times where tiny road pebbles have kicked up hitting the windshield and have caused cracks. There is now also a crack forming where there has not been any impact. This is my second windshield replacement in two years. I have never had a windshield that has been as fragile as this one. It seems to be a manufacturing issue with the windshield. Based on research online, appears thi...
My car had an unintended acceleration that caused me to go in a ditch and hit a tree. I could not get car to stop when I realized it was increasing speed. It all happened very fast. My car was totaled. All airbags deployed. front right side of car was completely destroyed. There were no warnings. My insurance company has the car on their tow lot. I have sprains and bruises on my right side and...
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that his wife was driving the vehicle and as she was entering into a parking spot and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration. The contact's wife reported that the vehicle had made an abnormal revving sound as if she had applied the accelerator. The front end of the vehicle jumped the parking bump...
The vehicle has received all scheduled and regular maintenance. I was driving right around the speed limit of 50 mph. Traffic was stopped ahead, and I had plenty of time and space to stop. I pressed the brake pedal, but continued to coast. I pressed it harder, all the way to the floor for at least four seconds, and there was no resistance, no feel of the antilock brakes kicking in, no emergency br...
The WINDSHIELD cracked while I was driving on [XXX] unexpectedly and could have caused an accident, on [XXX] at approximately [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
225/65r17 102h 535 inside side wall of tire blew out on the freeway was able to stop and change it out. when i got home i checked the other ones and they are almost the same way they have 30000
This complain is specific to the wireless charging pad featured in the Touring 2023 model I leased. The wireless charging pad overheats very quickly, thus overheating the phone it's charging. Even if the device is just plugged into a charging cord, located right next to the charging pad, it will overheat the phone, sometimes to the degree that the phone and the screen console will go blank. Thi...
When coming to a stop at a stop sign, the car jerks and the engine appears to stall. I have brought it to 2 dealerships and both have said that it is "normal". I have had dozens of cars and none have ever performed in this manner. The adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking frequently brakes for no reason or does not recognize cars in front of me. It regularly misses large objects...
Windshield developed a small crack when struck by a tiny piece of road debris. It appears unrepairable. This requires a windshield replacement and recalibration of the eyesight technology. Seemed to easily be damaged beyond repair.
Car pulses randomly when braking, usually begins once speed drops below 20mph. Dealership completed a “reset and relearn” per Subaru’s instructions, which made the problem occur more often than before. Problem was brought to the dealerships attention shortly after purchase, but unable to assist until they were able to duplicate the problem, which happened in July 2024 after the reset and relearn w...
Problem occurred after several months of use. The chest straps will not consistently lock into position, despite the release button not being engaged. They can easily be pulled to loosen again. This does not secure the child into the seat. We have ensured that the strap mechanism is not clogged with debris. We have submitted a claim to the Nuna company. Videos of problem are available if needed.
I have had several times where tiny road pebbles have kicked up hitting the windshield and have caused cracks. There is now also a crack forming where there has not been any impact. I have never had a windshield that has been as fragile as this one. It seems to be a manufacturing issue with the windshield. Based on research online, appears this is a known issue.
Showing 20 of 83 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Subaru Outback
Has the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
The 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK has 83 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK involve visibility/wiper (15 complaints), unknown or other (11 complaints), forward collision avoidance (10 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, exterior lighting, latches/locks/linkages.
How many crash reports does the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 83 total complaints (8.4% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 83 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK is acceptable with caveats. It has 83 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (15 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (11 complaints), 3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (10 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (9 complaints), 5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (6 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 15 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Be cautious of potential electrical system and Forward Collision Avoidance System issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety. The 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK has 83 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK receives a reliability score of 75/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 83 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 8 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Forward Collision Avoidance System and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Known issues with the 2023 SUBARU OUTBACK include: Forward Collision Avoidance System, Electrical System, Windshield Cracks, Pop-up Ads in Infotainment System. These are based on patterns found across 83 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Forward Collision Avoidance System and Electrical System issues are the most common, with reports of system malfunctions and potential safety hazards.
Have there been any recalls for the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Yes, recalls have been issued for issues with the automatic transmission park/neutral start interlock switch and driveshaft.
What should I do if I experience windshield cracks?
Inspect the windshield for any cracks and have it checked by a professional to ensure it does not pose a safety risk.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of potential electrical system and Forward Collision Avoidance System issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to ensure safety.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Subaru Outback. The data includes 83 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16