Is the 2023 Subaru OUTBACK reliable?

The 2023 Subaru OUTBACK has 119 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.2x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2023 Subaru OUTBACK?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (24 complaints, avg repair $500); VISIBILITY (19 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (17 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2023 Subaru OUTBACK?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2023 Subaru OUTBACK?

The 2023 Subaru OUTBACK gets 27 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1778. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2023 Subaru OUTBACK often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Subaru OUTBACK: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2023 Subaru OUTBACK?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2023 Subaru OUTBACK is approximately $1,569/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2023 Subaru OUTBACK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2023 Subaru OUTBACK has 119 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.2x the segment average of 539. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2023 subaru outback. the contact stated while driving 65 mph with the cruise control activated, the vehicle made a sudden stop without warning. the contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle operated normally. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer . There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 13 crash reports 2 injuries

119

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.2x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

24 complaints

20%

• The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle made a sudden stop without warning. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer
• 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
• 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

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 4 crashes

“The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle made a sudden stop without warning. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2023 Subaru OUTBACK

Based on 16 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 6K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.

Recalls (2)

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT21/09/2023

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.

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.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2023 Subaru OUTBACK

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,778

Per month

$148

Per mile

14.8¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,182/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,500/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2023 Subaru OUTBACK

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,569

Full coverage / month

$131

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1569

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru OUTBACK Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 119 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the vehicle made a sudden stop without warning. The contact stated that several minutes later the vehicle operated normally. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
VISIBILITY: I've had the vehicle less than 6 months and have already had 3 Safelite repairs for cracks and chips from road debris hitting the windshield. Windshields are fragile and prone to cracking. Attached the latest example, dead-center of photo.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon purchasing the vehicle from the dealer on October 3, 2022, he noticed that the automatic collision alert to the Emergency Services, the diagnostic alert, the remote services, the SOS emergency alert, the stolen vehicle recovery ale
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: Apparent know issue. Subaru Outback windshields prone to chips and eventual cracking of entire windshield. Car does not have 2000 miles yet and already needs windshield replacement from rock chip.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)