2023 Subaru Outback Problems
Compared with other Subaru Outback years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
0/100 0.3× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.3× that of a typical Subaru Outback year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 83 of its 89 complaints were filed by the end of 2025.
- Most reported problem: Windshield chips and cracks easily (22 complaints, median 2,200 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 89filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 7,500miles, 12 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- Too newThis model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl AWD · 22 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2023 Subaru Outback (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Complaints on this 2023 Outback are dominated by two themes: the EyeSight driver-assist system behaving unexpectedly (false braking, random shutdowns) and windshields that owners say chip or crack easily. A third cluster covers infotainment/Starlink electronics (frozen screens, failed remote services, battery drain). Most reports arrive at low mileage, often within the first few months of ownership.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield chips and cracks easily
- 22 complaints (25%)
- median 2,200 mi at 0.7 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners report windshields cracking from small road debris that they say would only chip other vehicles, and several describe cracks appearing with no impact at all. Some mention chips spider-webbing quickly, multiple replacements in a short period, and the added cost of recalibrating the EyeSight cameras after glass replacement. Dealers commonly told owners the damage came from road debris and was not covered, though a few complaints dispute that explanation. Often within the first months of ownership, from a few hundred to a few thousand miles, on both highways and city streets.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The front window cracked from what sounded like a small object. The vehicle is only a few months old. A co-worker also had a new 2023 Outback and her window cracked w/in the beginning few months. I recall an extra warranty purchase option when initially buying the vehicle. Makes me suspension of this being a known issue and trying to take advantage of customers.”
NHTSA complaint #11521474, filed 2023-05“My 23 Subaru Outback Wilderness windshield cracked within 3 months of ownership. The crack occurred directly at eye-level of the driver side, posing a serious safety hazard. I do not know what, if anything, hit the windshield but it occurred while driving on a busy interstate highway during rush hour.”
NHTSA complaint #11549272, filed 2023-10 - Electrical system
Frozen or restarting infotainment, Starlink failures
- 17 complaints (19%)
- median 5,600 mi at 0.6 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2022–2025
Complaints describe the main touchscreen and driver display freezing, lagging or restarting on their own, which knocks out navigation, the backup camera and driver-assist displays. Others report Starlink/SOS connected services not activating or failing after a software update, and some had batteries go flat, with dealers citing a radio or module drawing current. Several owners say the dealer could not duplicate the problem or told them a fix was not yet available. Mostly reported on new or nearly new vehicles, from delivery to about 24,000 miles, and in one case after a software update.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My car's battery died when I was on vacation. A friend of mine tried to jump start with his car and he couldn't. Then a roadside service jump started the car. After the jump start I was told to drive the car around so that it can charge the battery. The car did two unexpected things: 1- The steering was jittery and sometimes moving to the opposite direction that I was turning. This issue has been confirmed by the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11533520, filed 2023-07“I purchased a new 2023 Subaru Outback in December 2022. The two displays on my 2023 Subaru Outback (both the main entertainment one and the tiny dash one) randomly restart without notice and/or freeze and are unresponsive. This disables adaptive cruise control, EyeSight warnings, lane departure warnings, front collision warnings, rear back up camera, navigation, Apple Car Play, phone capabilities, and electrical display odometer. …”
NHTSA complaint #11513176, filed 2023-03 - Forward collision avoidance
EyeSight false braking and random shutdowns
- 16 complaints (18%)
- median 7,500 mi at 0.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2023–2026
Owners describe the vehicle braking hard on its own with nothing in the road, sometimes while on cruise control or approaching a clear green light, and sometimes with the warning chime and red lights and sometimes silently. Others report the EyeSight system disabling itself repeatedly, which also takes out adaptive cruise control and automatic braking, and say dealers attributed it to weather, a dirty windshield or found no codes. A few report the system not reacting until after a collision. Reported from a few hundred miles to about 20,000 miles, often within weeks of purchase and in everyday driving.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“They EyeSight continuously disables. Dealership cannot find any codes or issues with it. They say it is the weather, dirty windshield, clouds. It has been happening since week 3 of ownership. I clean the windshield all the time, there is no clouds. I have another Subaru with EyeSight and it doesn’t disable like this one. 90% of the time the system disables itself as soon as I turn it on.”
NHTSA complaint #11511110, filed 2023-03“The Eyesight keeps disabling itself. And the infotainment system is not working properly. My car is at the dealership and they are telling me they are waiting for back up camera to come off backorder 10/3/23. This means my vehicle will have been at the dealership for repair a total of 45 days if backorder date is correct. I purchased this vehicle brand new 5/6/23. I have researched online and there is a class action lawsuit for the issue. …”
NHTSA complaint #11541207, filed 2023-08
Buying note. Before buying, drive the car at night to judge the headlights and confirm EyeSight stays active, and check the windshield and sunroof glass for chips, cracks or prior replacement. Ask the dealer whether infotainment and Starlink software updates have been applied and whether the battery has a history of going flat.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 89 consumer complaints for the 2023 Subaru Outback. 12 of the complaints include a mileage, and 92% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 7,500 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 334 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Subaru Outback model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 0 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system17 19%
- Other or unknown16 18%
- Brakes7 7.9%
- Exterior lighting6 6.7%
- Vehicle speed control3 3.4%
- Air bags2 2.3%
Also reported: Fuel system (2), Lane departure (2), Steering (2), Body and structure (2), Tires (2), Engine (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Forward collision avoidance: “Pulling into our home driveway at a slow rate of speed, the auto emergency braking engaged for no reason and came to an abrupt stop. This system now has be concerned that it will engage at random times while driving and potentially cause an accident. We are taking the car to the dealer for inspection”
NHTSA complaint #11521520, filed 2023-05Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11606894, filed 2024-08Electrical system: “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 of America; they first told me to contact SiriusXM. …”
NHTSA complaint #11702638, filed 2025-12Other or unknown: “It was 5:30 PM and I was driving 80mph (the speed limit) down interstate 84 near Mountain Home Idaho. There was no one near me and I heard a very loud bang and my sunroof had exploded. It exploded out as from the inside and not down as though something had hit it. I did not see anything that could have caused this is just exploded on its own.”
NHTSA complaint #11571827, filed 2024-02Mileage when problems were reported
92% of the 12 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 2,200 and 20,300 miles.
Complaints by year filed
This model year is less than 4 years old, so a trend is not meaningful yet.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Subaru Outback. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Outback Wilderness · wagon AWD | not rated | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | — |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2023 model year: forward collision warning standard on some versions, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard on some versions.
Neighbouring years: 2022: same overall rating; 2024: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2023 Subaru Outback version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | CVT | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switchCovers: Subaru Outback 2021–2023, Legacy 2021–2023, Crosstrek 2021 +1 more
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.
- 23V647000Sep 21, 2023Power train › Driveline › DriveshaftCovers: Subaru Outback 2023, Ascent 2023, Legacy 2023 +1 more
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.
Recall details for the 2023 Subaru Outback → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 334 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036822Aug 31, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036814Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
Other model years of the Subaru Outback
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | — | 0 | — | 24 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 83 | 2,000 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 104 | 3,395 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 89 | 7,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 465 | 13,947 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2021 | 298 | 3,600 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2020 | 901 | 5,750 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 1,036 | 10,194 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 816 | 16,794 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 919 | 30,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 643 | 35,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 510 | 20,000 | 5 | 5 | 28 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 208 | 35,000 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 297 | 44,100 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 294 | 90,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 3 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 653 | 85,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 360 | 68,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 70,350 | 13 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 226 | 79,150 | 8 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 130 | 81,147 | 8 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 277 | 95,316 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 273 | 82,000 | 9 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 90 | 67,693 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 93 | 73,762 | 14 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 143 | 70,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 171 | 72,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 207 | 68,318 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 111 | 89,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 127 | 91,486 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 79 | 103,995 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 46 | 125,453 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Outback model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Complaints on this 2023 Outback are dominated by two themes: the EyeSight driver-assist system behaving unexpectedly (false braking, random shutdowns) and windshields that owners say chip or crack easily. The issues reported most often: Windshield chips and cracks easily; Frozen or restarting infotainment, Starlink failures; EyeSight false braking and random shutdowns.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA recorded 89 consumer complaints for the 2023 Subaru Outback as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2023 Subaru Outback is reported most often?
Forward collision avoidance is named most often, in 22 complaints (25% of the total), followed by visibility with 19.
Has the 2023 Subaru Outback been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2023 Subaru Outback do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2023 Subaru Outback 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Subaru Outback (Outback AWD, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 22 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2023 Subaru Outback reported?
Among the 12 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 7,500 miles and the middle half falls between 2,200 and 20,300 miles; 92% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.