2023 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2023 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Outback. Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA, the 17th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the emergency braking system, wipers and visibility and electrical system.
89 complaints 2 recalls 17th worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2023 Subaru Outback problems
Emergency braking problems
22 complaints (25%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
Wiper and visibility problems
19 complaints (21%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield.
Electrical problems
17 complaints (19%) name the electrical system, most often the control module.
Brake problems
7 complaints (8%) name the brakes.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (12 of 89). The amber line is the middle value, about 8,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2023 Subaru Outback recalls
Park / neutral start interlock switch
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail. An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge.
Recall 23V755000 · Nov 2023Driveshaft
The center support bolts for the driveshaft may loosen, resulting in the disconnection of the front end of the driveshaft. Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will clean the bolt mounting surfaces of the center support brace and install new bolts, free of charge.
Recall 23V647000 · Sep 2023Get an email when your 2023 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2023 Subaru Outback, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2023 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Outback. Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA, the 17th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the emergency braking system, wipers and visibility and electrical system.
What are the most common 2023 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the emergency braking system, wipers and visibility, electrical system and brakes. 22 complaints (25%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.
At what mileage do 2023 Subaru Outback emergency braking system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 3,000–7,000 miles, with a middle value near 5,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
2. Park / neutral start interlock switch (23V755000); Driveshaft (23V647000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2023 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the emergency braking system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.