repaired · 2025 Q4
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
Risk. An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
2023 Subaru OutbackProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 89 owner complaints about the 2023 Subaru Outback, most often about the forward collision avoidance. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-755 the manufacturer reports only 90% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 2, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2023 Subaru Outback has problems
89 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
22Forward collision avoidance3 crash/fire/injury
17Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
16Visibility/wiper
7Service brakes3 crash/fire/injury
6Exterior lighting
5Power train
3Latches/locks/linkages
3Visibility
3Vehicle speed control
159 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidance | 22 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 17 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 16 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 3 |
| Exterior lighting | 6 | 0 |
| Power train | 5 | 1 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 3 | 1 |
| Visibility | 3 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 2 |
| 9 other systems | 15 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2023 Subaru Outback recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q3
Driveline: driveshaft
Risk. Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2023 vs. every other Outback year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outback median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2023 Subaru Outback safety ratings
2023 Subaru Outback SW AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard & Optional
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Outback owners report
Recent forward collision avoidance complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Phantom Braking of Pre-Collision Braking 2023 Subaru Outback Turbo Wednesday, July 29, 2026. 9:30 am, sunny day Driving south on local city street. Brakes slammed on, car stopped, flashing yellow lights on left Combination Meter stating that Pre-Collision Braking was activated. There was no…
The Advanced Driver Assistance System (EyeSight/Automatic Emergency Braking), the Service Brakes, and the Central Electrical System malfunctioned. The vehicle is currently held at an authorized dealership and is available for inspection.On Monday, June 22, 2026, at approximately 4:47 PM, while…
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…
Own a 2023 Outback?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.