NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Outback scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 84 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Outback achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it within the Strong band for the model year. This score represents a three-point decrease from the 2022 model's 86 out of 100, a change primarily attributable to a weakened defect record score. While its crash protection remains excellent, the overall safety profile, while solid, is not without its imperfections.
The 2023 Subaru Outback received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, based on NHTSA 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 ranks 72 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 84 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 72 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Outback?
The 2023 Subaru Outback received a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, confirming strong structural performance. Crash protection scored 66 out of a possible 70, indicating this platform's inherent safety. However, the model's computed Safety Index stands at 83/100, a three-point decrease from the 2022 model's 86/100. This decline is largely attributable to the defect record component, which scored 12.25 out of 20 for the 2023 Outback. Two active recall campaigns contribute to this lower defect score, as does the volume of owner complaints. NHTSA has logged 84 owner complaints for this model year. Among these, the forward collision avoidance system is the most frequently cited component, with 20 individual reports. While these allegations remain unverified, they suggest potential real-world issues with the system's behavior. The avoidance technology score, at 5 out of 10, also pulls down the overall Safety Index. While lane departure warning is standard, and forward collision warning is available depending on trim, this score indicates the full suite of technologies does not achieve top-tier performance. For the 2023 Outback, the contrast between its excellent crash protection and its less impressive defect record is notable.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Outback achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating strong performance in its core crash evaluations. It secured perfect 5-star scores in both the frontal and side crash tests. The vehicle's rollover assessment yielded a 4-star rating, with a 19 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18426
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2023 Outback. The first targets the driveshaft center support bolts, which may loosen on certain 2023 Outback, Legacy, Ascent, and Impreza vehicles. The second addresses the park/neutral start interlock switch across 2021-2023 Legacy and Outback models among others. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive advisory in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
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?
Owners have filed 84 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance with 20 reports, Electrical System with 16, and Visibility/Wiper systems with 16. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include reported figures of 8 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.
84 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Outback?
Two recall campaigns affect the 2023 Outback: one for the driveshaft, and another for the park/neutral interlock switch. Prospective buyers of a used 2023 Outback should verify completion of both repairs through NHTSA's VIN lookup tool and confirm the remedy in writing.
- The 2023 Outback's Safety Index dropped three points to 83/100 versus the 2022 model's 86/100, with the defect record subscore of 12.25/20 being the primary driver of that decline.
- Two specific recalls affect this model year: one for potentially loose driveshaft center support bolts and one for the park/neutral start interlock switch, both issued in the second half of 2023.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most complained-about component for this model year, with 20 unverified owner allegations filed with NHTSA, more than any other system.
- Rollover protection scores 4 out of 5 stars with a 19 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test, the one crash category that falls short of the otherwise perfect frontal and side ratings.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Outback places
The 2023 Subaru Outback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Outback safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Outback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Outback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Subaru Outback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Subaru Outback earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Outback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Subaru Outback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Outback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 84 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Outback. 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 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 18426), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback 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 72 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.