2023 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Subaru Outback: 2 recalls, 89 owner complaints and up to 28 mpg combined.
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. 1 mention a fire, 3 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Forward collision avoidance (22): the most common themes are electrical failure (3), warning light on (2).
- Electrical (17): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), warning light on (2).
- Visibility/Wiper (16): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Other / unknown (15): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2023 Subaru Outback has 89 owner complaints, ranking #27 of 32 Outback model years for complaints (well below the 305 average). Complaints peaked in 2023 (47 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old, at a median of 7,500 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (465 complaints, 4 recalls), 2024 (104 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 32 | 28 | Regular |
| 2.4 L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (AV-S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 29 | 25 | Regular |
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 Outback.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
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FAQ
Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2023 Subaru Outback. 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 Outback problems?
Owners have filed 89 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (22), electrical (17), visibility/wiper (16).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings run up to 28 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S8)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Subaru Outback 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.