NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), 2 recalls, and 84 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness earned a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100, a score that places it in the Exceptional band. This rating is largely driven by its robust crash-test scores and a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. However, prospective buyers should be aware of two active recall campaigns and a moderate defect-record sub-score, which temper an otherwise strong safety showing.
The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness received a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100 and NHTSA 5-star ratings in both frontal and side crash tests according to 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 Outback Wilderness ranks 34 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 0% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 84 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 34 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
The 2023 Outback Wilderness enters the market with an "Exceptional" Safety Index rating of 92 out of 100, a strong debut given no prior-year data exists for comparison. Its crash protection is exemplary, achieving a perfect 70 out of 70, with 5-star ratings in both frontal and side impact tests. Crash-avoidance technology also scores perfectly, 10 out of 10, attributed to standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The primary factor preventing a higher overall score is the defect-record sub-score of 12.3 out of 20. This reflects two recall campaigns and 84 owner complaints. A driveshaft recall is specific to the 2023 production, marking a distinct safety event for this model year. Owner complaints, while unverified, show a concentration in Forward Collision Avoidance, Electrical System, and Visibility/Wiper categories, a pattern in active-safety technology that warrants continued observation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness earned 5 out of 5 stars in both frontal and side crash tests, the strongest data points in its federal safety profile. Overall and rollover ratings remain unrated by NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18427
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this vehicle. The first involves the powertrain driveline driveshaft, where center support bolts on certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles may be affected. The second targets the park/neutral start interlock switch across 2021-2023 Legacy and Outback models among others. Neither carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the available data, but both warrant VIN verification for remedy completion.
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 Outback Wilderness?
Owners have filed 84 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance system behavior, the Electrical System, and Visibility/Wiper components, all unverified consumer allegations and not established facts.
84 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
Among the recall campaigns for the 2023 Outback Wilderness, the most critical for prospective used-car buyers are those addressing the driveshaft and the park/neutral interlock switch. Given these recalls affect a 3-year-old vehicle, buyers should verify the VIN through NHTSA's lookup tool to ensure all necessary remedies have been completed before purchase.
- Two recalls are specific to or include the 2023 Outback production run: one covering the driveline driveshaft center support bolts and one covering the park/neutral start interlock switch, both requiring VIN-level verification for remedy status.
- NHTSA awarded this model year 5 out of 5 stars in both the frontal and side crash-test disciplines, but an overall star rating and a rollover rating are not available from federal testing for this specific vehicle.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most reported complaint category among the 84 unverified owner allegations filed with NHTSA, a notable pattern given that the crash-avoidance tech sub-score is a key pillar of the 92/100 Safety Index.
- No prior-year Safety Index is on file for comparison, meaning the 92/100 Exceptional result reflects this model year's data in isolation rather than as part of a tracked trend.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness places
The 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness, 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 Outback Wilderness crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness earned 5 out of 5 stars for frontal and 5 out of 5 stars for side. Its measured rollover risk is 0%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 84 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Outback Wilderness. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Outback Wilderness 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 18427), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback Wilderness 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 34 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.