2023 Subaru Outback problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Common 2023 Subaru Outback problems
The 2023 Subaru Outback has been reported to have several issues, primarily related to in-car electronics.
Another issue reported by several owners is the lack of a loud sound for turn signals, which they find to be much quieter than in previous models.
The 2023 Subaru Outback also has issues with its infotainment system, with some owners reporting that it can be slow to respond to commands, leading to problems with both the electronic safety systems and the infotainment system.
The seatbelt warning sound has also been reported to be aggressive and objectionable, causing frustration for some owners.
The infotainment system has been reported to be frustratingly slow to respond to commands in all situations, causing a major driver distraction.
The automatic headlights cannot be overridden even when they are in the off position, causing problems with integration of the daytime running lights, which can dim the instrument panel, making the backup camera very difficult to see during the day, especially if the driver is wearing prescription sunglasses.
Finally, some owners have reported that the entire center console failed to boot up upon turning the car on, with constant rebooting for the next couple of hours, and the navigation and Apple Car Play not working either.
In summary, the 2023 Subaru Outback has several issues related to in-car electronics, including malfunctioning air conditioning systems, quiet turn signals, slow infotainment systems, aggressive seatbelt warning sounds, difficult-to-set seats, and problems with automatic headlights and the backup camera. While the car has many positive features, these issues can be frustrating for some owners.
What is the common issue with Subaru Outback?
Some top Subaru Outback problems include weak windshields, poor cooling systems, oxygen sensor failure, excessive oil consumption due to oil leaks, and faulty airbags.
Is Outback 2023 reliable?
The 2023 Subaru Outback has a predicted reliability score of 73 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What are common Subaru Outback starting problems?
The most common reasons a Subaru Outback won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
What is the problem with the Subaru Starlink 2023?
“The Starlink system suffers from a range of issues caused by a defect in the infotainment system, including: system freezing and re-booting, shutting off, audio skipping when connected to Bluetooth, radio channels skipping, non-responsive touch screen, detection of phantom or “ghost” inputs on the touch screen, and ...
Is Outback 2023 reliable?
The 2023 Subaru Outback has a predicted reliability score of 73 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average, and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
What is the common issue with Subaru Outback?
Some top Subaru Outback problems include weak windshields, poor cooling systems, oxygen sensor failure, excessive oil consumption due to oil leaks, and faulty airbags.
What are the weaknesses of a Subaru Outback?
The Subaru Outback is a vehicle with a lot of strengths but a fair number of weaknesses. Most Outbacks are long-lasting and reliable vehicles, but the head gasket issue and other problems can drastically shorten the life of Outbacks that have those problems.
What issues does the 2023 Subaru Forester have?
Owner Reported Trouble Spots
- In-car Electronics. Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display. ...
- Noises And Leaks. ...
- Climate System. ...
- Exhaust. ...
- Steering And Suspension. ...
- Engine Electrical. ...
- Body Hardware. ...
- Drive System.
2023 Subaru Outback car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Outback problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Electrical system problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2023 Subaru Outback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2023 Subaru Outback
The NHTSA has received 68 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2023 Subaru Outback. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2023 Subaru Outback vehicles.
POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 4S4BTGPDXP3
- Components: POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When coming to a stop at a stop sign, the car jerks and the engine appears to stall. I have brought it to 2 dealerships and both have said that it is "normal". I have had dozens of cars and none have ever performed in this manner. The adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking frequently brakes for no reason or does not recognize cars in front of me. It regularly misses large objects directly in front of the car. The system also has a lot of failures and turns itself off randomly for unknown reasons. (again, "working as designed")
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-21
- VIN: 4S4BTGPD5P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield developed a small crack when struck by a tiny piece of road debris. It appears unrepairable. This requires a windshield replacement and recalibration of the eyesight technology. Seemed to easily be damaged beyond repair.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-01
- VIN: 4S4BTGUD7P3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Car pulses randomly when braking, usually begins once speed drops below 20mph. Dealership completed a “reset and relearn” per Subaru’s instructions, which made the problem occur more often than before. Problem was brought to the dealerships attention shortly after purchase, but unable to assist until they were able to duplicate the problem, which happened in July 2024 after the reset and relearn was completed at 24k service. Vehicle was brought to dealership at least six times between January 2023 and July 2024.
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-31
- VIN: 4S4BTGUDXP3
- Components: Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
- Summary: Problem occurred after several months of use. The chest straps will not consistently lock into position, despite the release button not being engaged. They can easily be pulled to loosen again. This does not secure the child into the seat. We have ensured that the strap mechanism is not clogged with debris. We have submitted a claim to the Nuna company. Videos of problem are available if needed.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-22
- VIN: 4S4BTGPD6P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-28
- VIN: 4S4BTADC4P3
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: The back of the passenger seat is shaking uncontrollably at higherspeeds. According to my local subaru dealership all 2023 outback they have with power seats are exhibiting the same issu, while the manual seats do not.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-02
- VIN: 4S4BTGUD1P3
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: In the last approximately 8 months my car has deployed the forward collision warning--Slamming on the brakes-red lights flashing on the screen-seat belts locking--for no apparent reason. Nothing was in front of me!! Twice I was in a local construction zone with cars right behind me and was nearly rear-ended!! Very Frightening experience each time! I took it to the Subaru dealer but they found nothing wrong with the eye sight technology. They did a test drive and it did not do that for them.. But what are the chances that it would occur for them when it has only occurred once a month or so. Contacted Subaru Customer line and was basically told unless it could be collaborated by their mechanics -there was nothing they could do.! Unbelieveable!! Ironic if my safety features are going to get me in an accident!! I am fearful about driving the car as there is no rhyme or reason to the device malfunctioning and slamming on the brakes. I hope you have some information on this to help me.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-05
- VIN: 4S4BTGUD1P3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Starlink head unit/infotainment system - system freezes, major system lags, ghost input (buttons pressed without user input), radio cut outs, and delayed system startup and operation). Delay/lag issues are experienced daily and other issues occasionally occur. No warning lamps or messages. I will be bringing the vehicle to the dealership, yet this seems like a common issue with the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-06
- VIN: 4S4BTGND8P3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The Eyesight system on my 2023 Subaru Outback will suddenly stop working. It will go out in all conditions, mornings, afternoons and evenings. Sometimes it will go out a a minute or two. Other times it will be out for hours. Since the feature is involved with automatic braking, this poses a safety hazard if there is any kind of driver distraction that occurs, even if it is from an external source like another vehicle. This has been brought to the attention of the local Subaru dealer for a fix. It worked for a period of time and is happening much for frequently now. Many of the other driver monitoring systems in the car have similar issues.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-03-29
- VIN: 4S4BTGUD7P3
- Components: LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
- Summary: While traveling at highway speeds (75 mph) the hood release mechanism released causing the hood to lift several inches. While the manual release kept the hood from opening completely, I had to immediately pull to the shoulder and firmly close the hood.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- VIN: 4S4BTADC0P3
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: My entire infotainment system, including the "EyeSight" sensors regularly shut off, or won't turn on upon vehicle start. Happens to the radio and other parts of the infotainment system too. It's been happening since about September 2023. I purchased the car in March 2023.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-24
- Crash: 1
- Fire: 1
- VIN: 4S4BTGUD2P3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: My son was traveling at an appropriate highway speed when the truck in front of him stopped suddenly. He braked immediately and was able to slow down significantly, but not enough to avoid colliding with the back of the truck in front of him. He was going approximately 20 mph, still braking, when the collision occurred. His best recollection is that the vehicle's pre-collision system did not engage until after he collided with the truck. There was damage to the front end of the vehicle but it was not severe. My son moved the vehicle onto the shoulder of the highway and put it in park. The driver of the truck called the police. My sons got out of the vehicle. While they were talking with the other driver and the police, a fire started under the hood of the vehicle and within several minutes the entire vehicle was consumed. The wreckage was towed to 1022 Shannon Court, Livermore CA 94550. In July 2023 we were involved in an accident that impacted the front bumper, left front quarter panel, and Subaru EyeSight system of the same vehicle involved in this accident. Repairs after the July 2023 accident were performed by Kraft Body Shop in Santa Clara, CA. Repair and calibration of the Subaru EyeSight system were performed by Santa Cruz Subaru after that accident.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-19
- VIN: 4S4BTGND3P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Driving on the highway approximately 65 mph a rock hit the lower right side of the windshield on the passenger side. This caused a broken round style depression in the glass and 2 cracks that radiated out about 5-6 inches. This is will be the second replacement windshield and 3rd repair within 1 year of ownership.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-13
- VIN: 4S4BTAFC2P3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-21
- VIN: 4S4BTALC6P3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the Eyesight feature of the vehicle was no longer operable. The dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 45-50 MPH uphill, the accelerator pedal was released; however, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 63 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that she continuously pumped the brake pedal until the vehicle responded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that no issues were found. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 10-15 MPH around a roundabout, the failure recurred, and the front passenger's side tire struck the curb. The vehicle then decelerated and bounced. The contact depressed the brake pedal and stopped the vehicle. The contact was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and test driven. The dealer informed the contact that due the vehicle striking the curb, the steering wheel was off center, the front passenger's side wheel was bent and imbalanced, and there was an abnormal wheel bearing sound. Additionally, the dealer informed the contact that the ball joint had detached from the knuckles, the brackets were shifted, and the tie rod and control arm showed marks. A Subaru field inspector inspected the vehicle but could not determine the cause of the unintended acceleration. The manufacturer later informed the contact that there were no abnormalities found. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 6,000.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-02
- VIN: 4S4BTGUDXP3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The windshield immediately cracked from a small pebble. I’ve had bigger rocks hit glass in other vehicles and only left a chip. This impacted the upper passenger side corner of the windshield close to the edge, the windshield spider webbed immediately, I’ve never seen anything like it.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-25
- VIN: 4S4BTGND3P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: WINDSHIELD CRACKED EASILY WITH A SMALL PEBBLE ON 2/2023 MIDWAY UP THE WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE. SIZE WAS ABOUT QUARTER/ .25 CENTS. THE VEHICLE WAS LESS THAN 1 MONTH OLD. WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED IN APRIL 2023 BECAUSE TOOK 2 MONTHS TO GET A NEW WINDSHIELD. ON 12/15/2023 TRAVELING UNDER 40 MPH ON A STREET NOT A HIGHWAY A ROCK/PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD MIDWAY UP ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CREATING A ROUNDISH CRACK THE SIZE OF A DIME/.10 CENTS. THIS WAS FIXED AT A WINDSHIELD SHOP WITH EPOXY.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-15
- VIN: 4S4BTGND3P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: ON 12/15/23 TRAVELING ON A CITY STREET AT APROX. 40 MPH A ROCK/PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE CAUSING A ROUNDISH CHIP CRACK THE SIZE OF A DIME/ .10 CENTS. THIS WAS REPAIRED AT A WINDSHIELD SHOP WITH EPOXY. THIS IS THE SECOND CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD IN 8 MOTHS ON A NEW VEHICLE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-14
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4S4BTGLD8P3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON A STATE HIGHWAY I HIT A DEER AND MY FRONT END WAS PUSHED IN TO WHERE I COULD NOT OPEN THE DOORS AND THE AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED. I PAID EXTRA WHEN I PURCHASED THE CAR FOR SUBARU STARLINK EMERGENCY SERVICES. THEY HAD GUARENTEED THAT IN ANY ACCIDENT ANYWHERE IF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED STARLINK WOULD CONTACT ALL EMERGENCY SERVICES SO THAT AMBULANCES AND POLICE WOULD COME TO THE SCENED OF THE ACCIDENT. THE STARLINK SERVICES DID NOT WORK AND I WAS FORCED TO GET OUT AND WALK UNTIL I WAS PICKED UP BY A PASSERBY TO TAKE ME TO A SPOT WHERE I WOULD HAVE CELL SERVICE. IF I HAD SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN SERIOUS TROUBLE.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-19
- VIN: 4S4BTGLD0P3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I literally just purchased this vehicle two days ago and I already have a crack in my windshield. There was no accident, and I did not notice any rock/debris hitting the windshield while driving.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-30
- VIN: 4S4BTGPD8P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Spontaneous front windshield crack on passenger side, no impacts in that area.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-02
- VIN: 4S4BTGND0P3
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: Traveling on I-75 SB just outside Atlanta, was in lane 2 of about 7 lanes. One car in lane 1, bumper was near my driver door, another truck in lane 4 or 5 approx 200' in front of us. We were in the front of a pack of vehicles. I had the cruise control set about 70, weather was clear, about 3 in the afternoon. With nothing in front of us and no warning, the car began flashing the red dash lights, the cluster flashed the red warning about braking, and the brakes were automatically applied with enough force to set the seat belt pretensions and we unweighted the seats. The car drastically slowed, I am unsure the slowest speed, I was attempting to override the braking by pressing the accelerator. The system complied with my command and the car sped back up. We were nearly hit from behind when the following cars attempted to brake and go around us. No physical damage occurred in the incident. The Subaru dealership in Kennesaw attempted to recreate the problem without success. The diagnostic computer found no error codes in the vehicle. We have disabled the advanced safety systems of the Subaru to prevent any further unwanted braking.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-10
- VIN: 4S4BTGUD7P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-26
- VIN: 4S4BTGND6P3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Sunroof/Moonroof spontaneously shattered OUTWARD. Car was being driven, inside slider was closed. Driver heard a bang, followed by hearing glass on the roof. Car driven another mile and parked where local police responded, examined the damage and took photos.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-01
- VIN: 4S4BTANC1P3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: When driving east into direct sunshine, the entire windshield sparkles with thousands of diamonds, making it hazardous to drive. Just bought the car June 8, 2023, as a Certified Pre-Owned (it had been a dealer loaner). Had to dealer last week, they claim not a defective windshield and I must have gotten behind a truck with sand or gravel. Well, I have not and there is no damage to the hood or any other part of the vehicle. I am sure it is a defective windshield and they want $1008 to replace and the insurance is not wanting to pay for it. I called Subaru Customer Service and filed a report and have a case number with them. Disgusting to say the least and afraid to drive during the morning hours or late afternoon heading west into the sunset. What should I do? I believe Subaru needs to replace at their cost, not mine. I see other complaints on the Internet about sparkles in the windshield, then it just cracks all over and breaks. That is not something to look forward to. I am 78 and I bought this as my last car. May have to bury me in it. My husband was just diagnosed in July with inoperable cancer and I have to take him to chemotherapy several times a week for several months. Some of those appointments I have to be at the doctor by 8:30 a.m. and don't get out until after 5 p.m. So you can see my dilemma with the windshield driving in the morning sunshine and afternoon sunshine. Please have someone contact me, soon. If there is someplace in Maryland I can take to have the windshield professionally examined, and have them report their findings back to you, let me know. I am close to the Pennsylvania border as well and only 45 minutes from West Virginia if there is no place in Maryland. I thank you for your consideration and time. Regards. The contact wants to thank you for your support and good work getting her windshield fixed.
2023 Subaru Outback recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2023 Subaru Outback.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: 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.
Negative 2023 Subaru Outback car reviews
Positive 2023 Subaru Outback car reviews
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We have owned three Outbacks so far, with the previous ones being Gen 3 and Gen 5. Our 2016 3.6R was a fantastic car, but we decided to trade up due to the high value of the 2016, upcoming maintenance, and our desire to try a turbo-powered car. The new version has a more Euro ride, less body roll, better acceleration, nicer appointments, and a more adjustable passenger seat. While it's not a sports car, it has a nice ride and decent handling for its size. Acceleration from a stop can be slow or very fast depending on how much throttle one uses, but once the turbo comes up around 2000 rpm, the vehicle can take off like a shot. However, this will cost fuel economy. Our average fuel economy is 25+ mpg, and we have seen little turbo lag. Power always seems to be available instantly. The LED headlights are much brighter and reach farther than the HID headlights. We have found the factory settings to be generally acceptable, but the center stack lets you adjust anything that is factory set. Subaru did cheapen some things like the hood struts and the rocker panel covers, and we were disappointed that the faux wood was not included in the 2022 version. However, the fuel economy is likely better with the 2022, with a 2-3 mpg improvement on our current driving cycle. The fuel algorithm is also improved by about 3.5%, or about 1 mpg over reality based on more than a dozen fill-ups. Overall, we are very happy with our purchase and would highly recommend the Outback to anyone looking for a reliable and comfortable car.To get a better feel for highway economy, I think I need to take some long trips. I have noticed that there is less engine braking compared to the 3.6, so I often downshift when slowing from 50 mph. This may reduce the life of the rear brakes. I have also noticed that the fuel gauge isn't as accurate at 1/4 full as the previous model, so I use the 80+/- 10 range estimate to determine when to fill up. As with the previous model, there is a significant inflection point near 1/2 full and then the gauge reading falls quickly. However, I find the information on the space next to the speedometer much more extensive, and it's nice to know the tire pressure, which correlates well with manual measurements. The auto-start stop is okay, though somewhat rough. I haven't experienced any of the problems others have listed for moving out smartly on left turns from lights. The driving position seems different, perhaps a bit lower than the previous generation, and much more bolstered as the previous generation were flatter. The older generation also had a better arrangement of controls on the steering wheel, but this works okay. I think moving the blind spot warning inboard from the mirror and also in the heads-up display is a great improvement. Back seat legroom is also a bit better, and the 2 position setting for the “trunk” cover is another improvement. The map lights are better positioned, and the passenger light can be used without blinding the driver. I recently downloaded the new Starlink software and the local maps through WiFi, which is a nice feature. There are so many features that are not covered well or at all in the manuals, but one can find videos. I did not set up the facial recognition software, so I don’t face the irritation of dealing with that. Since there are only 2 drivers, we just use the buttons on the door to adjust seats and side view mirrors. The one irritating feature is the “keep your eyes on the road” warning and beeping when I back into the garage. I think they need to sense that the car is in reverse and obviate that warning.There seems to be some resonance in the rear door areas when driving at low speeds on rougher roads, but it doesn't seem to be apparent at highway speeds. I suggest having the dealer take a look at it.
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We absolutely love our Outback! We were looking for a car with plenty of passenger and cargo space without being too big, and the Outback fits the bill perfectly. It's the only wagonish competitor in this price bracket, but thankfully it's a great option. The car is incredibly comfortable, which was a top priority for us. It's especially great for long road trips, and the roomy back seat comfortably fits my family of 4. Even taller adults find there to be plenty of room in the back. The ride is also very smooth without feeling numb, and it glides over potholes and rough roads with ease. We're also very impressed with the visibility. The large screen is amazing when using Apple Carplay or Android Auto, which we use almost full time. The wireless connectivity for both makes it even better because it connects automatically when you get in. They also make it fairly easy to switch driver profiles, which is great for a 1-car household like us. The pop-up HVAC control panel is still kind of a cluster, but they improved the basic controls for the '23 model year and that's what you use 90% of the time. Ours came with the wireless charger which was great, but it's poorly ventilated and we've found our phones overheat if they're in there longer than 30-40 minutes, so that's annoying. Although we love our Outback, one of our biggest gripes is the constant safety warnings beeping and dinging at you.You have the option to turn off some of the features, but doing so will trigger the orange light on the dashboard, which may cause concern. The seat belt alarm can be quite bothersome, as it continues to sound until you re-buckle or turn off the car, even when you shift to park. While we had a positive experience with Honda Sensing in our previous Honda Civic, we are not big fans of the EyeSight system in this Subaru. The steering assist can be overly aggressive, making it feel like you are fighting with the car, especially when passing on the highway. Additionally, EyeSight frequently turns itself off in bad weather and takes a while to come back on. In contrast, Honda Sensing rarely disabled even in poor visibility, which was very helpful in maintaining a safe distance from other cars. The low-speed follow feature also needs improvement, as it follows too closely and accelerates too aggressively. However, for most people, the performance of the base 2.5L engine is perfectly adequate. While it may not be the fastest, it accelerates well onto the highway and passing is adequate. The highway fuel economy is slightly lower than the EPA rating, but overall, it is a reliable car that meets the needs of middle-aged dads like myself.The Outback is a very comfortable car with lots of space and a very nice ride. We are extremely happy with it. If you are looking for a family-friendly hauler that doesn't want a bloated SUV, we definitely recommend the Outback. However, we have noticed that the driver assistance/safety tech needs work and we hope they make improvements in the next generation by the time our lease is up. If that's important to you, we suggest trying it out in a thorough test drive before committing.
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This car is exactly what I needed, if not everything I wanted. As someone who loves camping, rock climbing, hiking, and the great outdoors, I wanted a car that could competently deal with most trails, and keep me on the road in the snow. I also have a long commute to work every day, so MPG and normal driving performance are important to me. Pros: Honestly, there are very few times when I think I would truly have wanted the extra power from the turbo. The engine still has plenty of oomph to get the car going. So far, after just over 6,000 miles, I am averaging 30mph which is just what I expected. The steering feeling is not too light, not too heavy, and easy to maneuver in car parks. The brakes have a nice feeling to them and can bring the car to a stop very quickly. The AWD system is great! Within a month of having the car, the Midwest got slammed with snow and -30F wind chills, and the car was able to take me up steep snowy hills lined with cars that couldn't make it, with ease. The massive screen is a great feature, especially for using maps and navigation. The audio quality (no Harman system) is perfectly acceptable. The seats are amazingly comfortable even after 2+ hour drives. The AC works great and can warm up or cool down the car quickly, and the seat heaters are perfect in the winter. Wireless Apple CarPlay connects quickly and painlessly and doesn't drop ongoing calls. Cons: The active cruise control can be a bit funny. I have it set to its most passive mode for acceleration, but the second a slower car moves out of the way, the car floors it, which I find annoying. I have also found that using the active lane centering system tends to have the car gently weaving side to side in the lane, so I never turn it on. The car is definitely on the louder side.The Outback is a great car overall! While there are a few minor things that could be improved, they are significantly outweighed by all the positives. The climate control switches are conveniently located on the main screen, although I personally would prefer physical buttons. Additionally, there is some engine noise under acceleration from the CVT and some road and wind noise at highway speeds, but for the price, it's still a good deal. Lastly, there is a slight trickling noise in the doors during rain, which can be a bit annoying, but it's not a major issue. All in all, I am incredibly pleased with my Outback and would highly recommend it, especially considering its cost.
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This car is incredibly fast and handles like a dream. It has a spacious interior with 76 cubic feet of cargo space, making it more of a wagon than an SUV. The Harman Kardon sound system is simply amazing. Additionally, it comes with a full array of safety features, including blind spot monitoring, cross traffic alert, EyeSight, and emergency braking. The only downside is the backup camera, which is low resolution and awkward. However, if you don't need room for 7 or 8 passengers, the Outback XT is a cheaper, faster, and better handling alternative.
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Bought a new 2023 Outback Limited XT and loving it! The turbo provides amazing acceleration and sportiness to the driving experience. Overall, its ride is quiet, comfortable and so fun to drive. The sound system is outstanding and the safety technology makes this an amazing car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2023 Subaru Outback problems:
2023 outback transmission problems : r/Subaru_Outback
Dec 21, 2022 ... 2023 outback transmission problems. Just picked up a 2023 outback XT. It has a continuously variable transmission, but has this weird thing ...
2023 Reliability | Subaru Outback Forums
Mar 14, 2023 ... 24K miles - no problems with CVT, don't notice it and I appreciate the gas mileage with the 2.5L. Had issues with infotainment system but after ...
Is the new Subaru Outback 2020 - 2023 Reliable at all? : r ...
May 17, 2023 ... According to consumer reports, they're extremely reliable with the only issues being an occasionally buggy infotainment system. Subarus in ...
2023 Outback Premium transmission stuttering/ jerking while driving ...
Jul 15, 2023 ... This issue is most common with the higher performance Subaru cars, but we had it with our 19 2.5. I have only heard of one case with the DI 2.5 ...
2023 Subaru Outback Problems, Issues & Top Complaints
There is a software issue that affects Starlink in the Outback, as well as a hardware issue that prompted a stop-sale order in September 2022. The hardware ...
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Are you having problems with your 2023 Subaru Outback?
Ignacio Maggio 2025-10-15
The driver monitoring system disarms when you wear sunglasses or a hat, and the backup alarm only works from the side, not if something is right behind you. The radio keeps changing screens from stations to cell phone, and unfortunately, you cannot shut off the engine stop and go feature. Additionally, the memory seat only works if the passenger gets in the car first, and you can only program what the vehicle allows you to. Despite these challenges, I wish you the best of luck with this vehicle!
Wilton Stehr 2025-09-27
Overall, I think it's a great car, but I probably wouldn't buy it again. This is our first Outback, and we enjoy it very much. I test drove several trim and engine models before selecting the Limited XT. The additional options on the Touring didn’t seem worth the extra money. The XT was a must, since the non-turbo models felt sluggish and heavy. The engine runs unusually loud on startup, but smooths out quickly. The interior is very well made and has quality materials. I think the seats are great, but my wife finds them uncomfortable. The controls are okay, but there are too many AC controls (max AC, vent selection, etc) buried deep in menus, and changing them while driving pulls your eyes from the road. That’s a prevalent problem with the menu system, causing enough of an attention pull that the car itself will warn you to The console well is deep and just fine, but the pockets on the side of the console are very narrow and I haven’t found any utility for them. The AC struggles against the Texas heat and the front vents are narrow, limited directionally and oddly placed so that the steering wheel blocks the airflow from directly reaching the driver. However, overall it's a great car, and while there are some annoyances, they are not deal-breakers and can be easily overlooked.
Aaron Braun 2025-07-28
Hello! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. We're sorry to hear that you've been having some issues with your new 2023 Outback Limited XT. It sounds like the transmission and eyesight have been causing some trouble. We appreciate your feedback and want to make sure that we can help you resolve these issues as soon as possible. On the bright side, we're glad to hear that you're enjoying the great sound system and that the car handles really well with minimal road noise. Please let us know how we can assist you further!
Tyrese Kohler 2025-07-19
The 2023 Outback Touring XT has some quirks that I can live with, but unfortunately, the Eyesight function doesn't work most of the time. Additionally, the tires that came with the vehicle are not up to par with what I expected from a top-of-the-line Outback. I was disappointed to find out that they are rated B for traction, which is not ideal for a vehicle that is touted for its safety features. I had an instance where the vehicle lost traction at low speed in gentle rain, which was concerning. I contacted Subaru to express my concerns, but unfortunately, I have not received a satisfactory response yet. While I understand that tires are not covered by the vehicle's warranty, I believe that this is a quality issue that needs to be addressed. I have been without my vehicle for almost a month now, as it is in the shop for the Eyesight failure, which is also occurring on the loaner vehicle I have been driving. As a long-time Subaru customer, I am disappointed with the quality of the tires and the lack of response from the customer service team. I hope that this issue can be resolved soon, as I have always been a fan of Subaru and would like to continue to be in the future.Not recommended.
Arden Schowalter 2025-06-26
We recently purchased a fully loaded Outback, but unfortunately, we have been disappointed with it. The ease of use that our 2017 model had is gone, and it has been replaced with a confusing mess of screen options and features that are of limited value. The screen is not something that you should try to negotiate while driving, which can be frustrating. Although the storage capacity is about the same as the 2017 model, the center console is a bit of a joke. It's now clogged with the CD player and a power outlet (old cigarette lighter style) and will hold hardly anything, which is quite useless. The glove box is also lacking, especially if you carry the owner's manual, which is larger than a large bible. If we could go back to our 2017 model, we would. We are sorry that we