2023 Subaru Outback Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 89 owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Outback. The EPA rates it 23 to 28 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 2
- Owner complaints
- 89
- Crashes / fires reported
- 8 / 1
- EPA combined
- 23–28 MPG
2023 Subaru Outback recalls
Power TrainNov 9, 2023 · NHTSA 23V755000+
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
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.
Power TrainSep 21, 2023 · NHTSA 23V647000+
Risk: 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. Owner notification letters were mailed November 20, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRN-23.
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 repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2023 Subaru Outback problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Forward Collision Avoidance22
- Electrical System17
- Visibility/Wiper16
- Unknown or Other15
- Service Brakes7
- Exterior Lighting6
- Power Train5
- Vehicle Speed Control3
2023 Subaru Outback gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,300 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,550 |
| Outback Wilderness AWD | 2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 21 | 26 | 23 | $2,800 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2023 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2023 Subaru Outback, most recently for the power train (Nov 9, 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners filed 89 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are forward collision avoidance (22), electrical system (17), visibility/wiper (16).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Subaru Outback at 23 to 28 MPG combined (best version: 26 city / 32 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.