MotorDeets

2023 Subaru Legacy: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2023 Subaru Legacy: 2 recalls, 10 owner complaints and up to 30 mpg combined.

2vehicle recalls
10owner complaints
2mention a crash
30best combined mpg
2023 Subaru Legacy
Photo: JamesYoung8167 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V647000 · 2023 · 4,311 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.

The fix: 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.

Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V755000 · 2023 · 95,830 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: An inoperative inhibitor switch May prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

The fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Other / unknown3
Airbags2
Forward collision avoidance2
Visibility (wipers, glass)1
Visibility/Wiper1
Electrical1

What owners describe

The 2023 Subaru Legacy has 10 owner complaints, ranking #35 of 36 Legacy model years for complaints (well below the 88 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (5 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 2 years old, at a median of 1,025 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (34 complaints, 2 recalls), 2024 (17 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S8)All-Wheel Drive273530Regular
2.4 L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (AV-S8)All-Wheel Drive233126Regular

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Subaru Legacy.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2023 Subaru Legacy manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2023 Subaru Legacy manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2023 Subaru Legacy manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2023 Subaru Legacy manual

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FAQ

Does the 2023 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Subaru Legacy. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2023 Subaru Legacy problems?

Owners have filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (3), airbags (2), forward collision avoidance (2).

What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Legacy get?

EPA ratings run up to 30 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2023 Subaru Legacy repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other Legacy years

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