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    Subaru Outback

    EPA MPG: 25 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2023 Outback is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2023 Subaru Outback has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2023 Subaru Outback owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "A few time these past 12 months. It resolved ton its own every time after about an hour"

    Anonymous, SC (2023 Subaru Outback Limited Unsure)

    "I randomly turn on the car and it does not connect to the phone. It has to be added again. Which means I have to click on and off the button for apple car"

    Anonymous, RI (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen freezes up

    ""The screen randomly freezes up, and it affects everything: radio, apple play, etc. I have to turn the car off and on again to get it to reset.""

    Anonymous, RI (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Experienced once. Upon ignition the screen would not boot. Turn the engine off and 25 minutes later tried again without a problem."

    Anonymous, OR (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "I can never tell what is going to happen with the system when I turn the car on. Sometimes it simply doesn't work. Sometimes it finds my phone. Sometimes it can't find my phone. One of about eight different screens appears when I turn on the power/ignition!"

    Anonymous A., GA (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Hardware replacement

    "Slow display response"

    Anonymous, NJ (2023 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "when loading home address in system the GPS moves my home location to a different address. Subaru can't determine why it happens since my home address location has been the same for the last 30 years"

    Anonymous, PA (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    ""On screen display, during colder months, very slow on startups, no fix from Subaru.""

    Anonymous A., NS (2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Too many icons on Display screen. Cannot scan quickly while driving to safely select."

    Anonymous, WA (2023 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    "Sometimes it works. Sometimes it doesn't. Sometimes I can't tell what it's going to do!"

    Anonymous A., GA (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Radio

    ""Flaky. No consistent sound level. Many times, the station just cant connect.""

    Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Dated display was incorrect and volume control not working quite right. Entire unit was replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, MD (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The battery with new car did not have capacity to handle electronics as it was in storage for 7 months. The dealer replaced to a bigger battery. The same thing happened to a neighbor who stored their 5 year old Suburu for the winter."

    Anonymous, (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Driver side outside mirror electric controls went haywire. Subaru replaced the mirror."

    Anonymous, TX (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "The USB connector for rear seat easily pushes out of its mount. This caused smoking wires and blown fuse. I had to take it to dealer twice to get it repaired."

    Anonymous, MN (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "Rear gate (hatch) automatic opening mechanism failed. Gate would not open. The dealership fixed it promptly at no cost to us."

    Anonymous, ME (2023 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "CD player skips & they won't repair terrible inside design. Very distracting- interior design very unused friendly..."

    Anonymous, GA (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "replaced battery, two tires replaced(bulge in sidewall of one tire; must replace in pairs and grind tread to match remaining tires)"

    Anonymous, IN (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""Error suggested transmission problem, however issue was resolved after reinstalling system software/factory reset""

    Anonymous A., KS (2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "The driver's side window would not go completely down in very cold weather. The dealer told us that this was a problem other owners also had and fixed it for us quickly."

    Anonymous, SD (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""A software glitch caused the loss of many computer controlled systems, including cruise control, auto braking system, x drive ability, and others. The issues was resolved at a dealership with a software reload.""

    Anonymous, BC (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Car battery goes dead if not driven for two days or more. Subaru dealer cannot diagnose the problem."

    Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Keyless entry

    "To open the back hatch you are supposed to be able to just hold your hand close to the Subaru emblem and when you hear a beep you take your hand away and the hatch is supposed to open but its very hit and miss whether its going to open or not"

    Anonymous A., SK (2023 Subaru Outback Premium 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other electrical system problem

    "Intermittent problem with window up function not working"

    Anonymous A., ON (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    ""The rear power liftgate would randomly not work, stopping mid-cycle. Happened both opening and closing. Turned out to be a failing module, covered under warranty.""

    Anonymous A., KS (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Auto stop/start malfunction

    "Auto engine fails when braking. Would not have purchased if knew this was past problem with Subarus."

    Anonymous, WA (2023 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Heated or cooled seats

    "Seat cooling fans became noisy and vibrated. All replaced under warranty by dealer. No further issues (so far)"

    Anonymous, AZ (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Leather starting to rip at seams on driver's seat after only 18k miles and 2 years. Concerned with the materials quality and stitching, is it going to last to 100k miles?""

    Anonymous, NM (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    "The "cooling seats" are called ventilated seats which simply blow the cool air of the A/C system from floor through the crack of the seat. It seems to be a weak and noisy cheaply made option."

    Anonymous, SC (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Condenser

    "Pin hole leak in the condenser."

    Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Controls not available on infotainment screen

    ""The infotainment screen, where all controls are housed, is slow to start up and freezes mid-drive. More than one input within a few seconds causes delayed reactions.""

    Anonymous, TX (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other climate system problem

    "A/C system is slow to initiate cooling, generally taking about 10-15 minutes to start circulationg cool air into the vehicle on a hot day.It does cool down but takes a little extra time compared to the older model Mazda that I also have. The subaru was checked at the dealership and found to work correctly."

    Anonymous, SC (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Doors or sliding doors

    "The rear passenger in your door was slightly misaligned."

    Anonymous, MN (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Other body problem

    "driver seat leather is tearing"

    Anonymous A., (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat controls - power

    ""Weird intermittent issue that couldnt be duplicated during recent service visit. After driver recognition is completed, seat will go to that drivers setting but then continue raising seat height to its maximum (Other driver uses higher seat position than I do). Driver may not have changed but driver recognition may not recognize as registered. Ive tried having multiple drivers for myself after coming up not recognized and this still doesnt resolve the intermittent not being recognized and the seat issue will occur even when going from me #1 to me #2.""

    Anonymous, MA (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Plastic trim on right front fender around wheel opening separated from body. Dealer fixed it immediately after 8 reported it."

    Anonymous, MN (2023 Subaru Outback Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Rubber under windshield coming loose"

    Anonymous, NM (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Stability control (ESC)

    ""All the safety features, including ESC was turned off""

    Anonymous A., FL (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)
    Traction control

    "All the safety features were disabled on the display"

    Anonymous A., FL (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Electronic or air suspension

    "We bought this for a teen driver and I drove it before she got her license. We should have bought new. It only had 2k miles on it so it seemed ok to buy but quickly it was running rough and loud. I had both front and rear automatic real time breaking problems and had to turn the safety feature off until it could be fixed."

    Anonymous, IL (2023 Subaru Outback Onyx Edition 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "Occurs at cold start-up after sitting one or more nights. Sounds like timing chain or piston slap."

    Anonymous A., CA (2023 Subaru Outback Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    ""Transmission slipping while decelerating was fixed via software update at 16k mile service. This was after being reported at multiple service intervals prior. Now, the transmission slips when accelerating, but Im told its normal.""

    Anonymous, TX (2023 Subaru Outback Limited 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Pulsation or vibration

    "Sometimes the brakes jerk and pulse. This is not warped rotors. Appears to be ABS related but deal can't find anything."

    Anonymous, FL (2023 Subaru Outback XT 2.4-L 4 Cyl turbo)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2023 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    Engine Major
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    Engine Minor
    NA
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    Engine Cooling
    NA
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    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    Drive System
    NA
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    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
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    Exhaust
    NA
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    Suspension/Steering
    NA
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    Brakes
    NA
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    Climate System
    NA
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    Build Quality
    NA
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    Electrical Accessories
    NA
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    Body Hardware
    NA
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    Paint/Trim
    NA
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    Noises/Leaks
    NA
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    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    POWER TRAIN
    Nov 09, 2023
    An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V755000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 95830
    POWER TRAIN
    Sep 21, 2023
    Separation of the front end of the driveshaft increases the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V647000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 4311
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