NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Legacy scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 10 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Legacy achieves an overall five-star rating from NHTSA, securing top marks in every crash-test category. This strong performance, combined with a low volume of owner complaints, contributes to an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100. However, two powertrain-related recalls issued for the model year temper what would otherwise be a near-perfect safety profile based on federal data.
The 2023 Subaru Legacy received a five-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru Legacy ranks 33 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 10 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 33 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
The 2023 Subaru Legacy posts a Safety Index of 92 out of 100 in the Exceptional band, but that figure represents a four-point drop from the 2022 model year's 96. The movement is meaningful: crash protection holds at a perfect 70 out of 70, and the rollover result of No Tip with a 10 percent risk figure is among the strongest in the sedan segment. The drag on the index comes from the avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 and a defect record of 17 out of 20, the latter reflecting the two powertrain recalls. Both recalls are multi-model campaigns rather than Legacy-specific failures, but they still register in the defect record. The driveshaft bolt campaign and the interlock switch campaign both touch core powertrain integrity, which is why used-market shoppers should treat remedy verification as a non-negotiable step. The complaint count of ten is low for a mainstream sedan, though two alleged incidents involving Forward Collision Avoidance are worth noting given that the avoidance tech sub-score already shows room for improvement. Taken together, this is a year defined by outstanding passive protection and a modest but real step back in the overall index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Legacy perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Legacy earned the highest possible scores across the board in federal crash testing. NHTSA awarded the vehicle the maximum rating for overall protection, frontal crash, and side crash. Its rollover risk is rated at 10 percent, with the dynamic tip test returning a "No Tip" result. All categories received the top rating, with no weaknesses or unrated sections noted in the published data.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18425
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Legacy. The first, issued in September 2023, targets the driveshaft center support bolts on certain Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The second, issued in November 2023, addresses the park and neutral start interlock switch across several Subaru models including the 2021 through 2023 Legacy. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory based on available NHTSA data.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH23V755000
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.
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.
Reported 2023-11-09
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V647000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-09-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
Ten owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Legacy. The top alleged problem areas are Unknown Or Other with three reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance and Air Bags with two each. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
10 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
The 2023 Legacy was subject to two recalls, one for its driveshaft and one for an interlock switch. Any shopper considering a used 2023 Legacy should confirm completion of both recall remedies before purchase. Authorized dealers perform recall repairs free of charge.
- The 2023 Legacy is one of a limited group of sedans to earn five stars in all four NHTSA categories, including a No Tip dynamic rollover result with a 10 percent rollover risk rating.
- Two powertrain recall campaigns were issued specifically for 2023 model year Legacy vehicles: one covering driveshaft center support bolts and one covering the park and neutral start interlock switch.
- The Safety Index dropped four points from the 2022 model year (96) to the 2023 model year (92), driven by the defect record sub-score of 17 out of 20 reflecting those two recalls.
- Two of the ten unverified owner complaints filed with NHTSA allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which aligns with the avoidance technology sub-score of 5 out of 10 in the index breakdown.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Legacy places
The 2023 Subaru Legacy qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Legacy safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Legacy crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Legacy, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Subaru Legacy crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Subaru Legacy earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Legacy have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Subaru Legacy. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Legacy?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 10 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Legacy. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Legacy years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18425), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Legacy 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 33 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.