Most common 2023 Subaru Solterra problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Solterra complaints by model year
Best Solterra years: 2025. Compare all years →
2023 Subaru Solterra recalls (4)
Back over prevention › Display function
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022-2026 Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru Solterra vehicles equipped with a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM) system. Please see the recall report for a complete list of models.
Remedy: Dealers will update the parking assist software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed January 2, 2026. Owners may contact Toyota's customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Visibility › Defroster/defogger/HVAC system
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023-2025 bZ4X, Lexus RZ, and Subaru Solterra vehicles. During certain HVAC system faults, such as electrical compressor failure, the defroster and defogger system may become inoperative.
Remedy: Dealers will update the HVAC control ECU software, free of charge. Dealers will also inspect the electrical compressor, and replace it, if necessary, free of charge.
Wheels › Hub
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2023 Solterra vehicles. Improperly tightened hub bolts may loosen and cause the wheels to detach from the vehicle.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair has been completed. Dealers will inspect and tighten the hub bolts, if necessary, free of charge.
Wheels › Hub
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2023 Subaru Solterra and Toyota BZ4X vehicles. The hub bolts on the wheels may loosen, causing a wheel to detach from the vehicle after low-mileage use.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicles until they are repaired. Dealers will replace the hub bolts and wheels, free of charge. Letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed June 27, 2022.
What 2023 Subaru Solterra owners say
Electrical system
Sudden unintended acceleration while maneuvering to park. The acceleration was instantaneous and forceful, that in less than 20 feet of rapid movement the car forced itself over some utility poles laying behind the intended parking spot, and jumped from the utility poles, fast enough so that the first ground contact was nearly 10 feet beyond the poles (as evidenced by disturbed grass in the photos). Stopped stuck on hard debris, irregular terrain, and dead tree logs. In other circumstances, this could have had grave consequences to others or the driver. We're not sure we can trust this vehicle not to do this again. Not checked with a dealer. (All manufacturers blame drivers for sudden unintended acceleration.) The vehicle is being repaired at a body shop. Damage was to front and underside. There were no prior warnings or symptoms.
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Solterra. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and occupied, while attempting to start to the vehicle, the horn sounded unexpectedly. Several warnings lights illuminated, and the gear shifter failed to shift to drive(D). A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the battery needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred more than eight times. The battery was replaced twice. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the battery would be replaced under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 15,000.
Driver assistance
My Subaru Solterra EV was parked in the driveway of an Airbnb in Virginia. We were about to depart to return home. Vehicle was turned on and driver commenced to back out of the driveway, however rear safety warning activated as car neared a bush. Driver stopped vehicle, then placed in Drive in order to pull forward a few feet to negotiate putting the car in reverse to leave the driveway. The car then lurched forward with great force and collided with the corner of the house we had been staying in, causing significant damage. Two concerns arise: 1. Why did the car lurch forward with great force to begin with? 2. Why didn't the automatic emergency braking system not activate? I shiver when I think what might have happened if a person had been standing in front of the car. The car is now being repaired by a shop selected by my insurance company. …
minor accident in July 2024. it took more that 6 months to get sensor parts. still to this day Subaru cannot reactivate the parking assist braking function after working with the body shop and the locat dealer. they have give up. Subaru knows there is a problem with the software. it's basically a toyota ev. very frustrating.
Speed control & acceleration
My Subaru Solterra EV was parked in the driveway of an Airbnb in Virginia. We were about to depart to return home. Vehicle was turned on and driver commenced to back out of the driveway, however rear safety warning activated as car neared a bush. Driver stopped vehicle, then placed in Drive in order to pull forward a few feet to negotiate putting the car in reverse to leave the driveway. The car then lurched forward with great force and collided with the corner of the house we had been staying in, causing significant damage. Two concerns arise: 1. Why did the car lurch forward with great force to begin with? 2. Why didn't the automatic emergency braking system not activate? I shiver when I think what might have happened if a person had been standing in front of the car. The car is now being repaired by a shop selected by my insurance company. …
Sudden unintended acceleration while maneuvering to park. The acceleration was instantaneous and forceful, that in less than 20 feet of rapid movement the car forced itself over some utility poles laying behind the intended parking spot, and jumped from the utility poles, fast enough so that the first ground contact was nearly 10 feet beyond the poles (as evidenced by disturbed grass in the photos). Stopped stuck on hard debris, irregular terrain, and dead tree logs. In other circumstances, this could have had grave consequences to others or the driver. We're not sure we can trust this vehicle not to do this again. Not checked with a dealer. (All manufacturers blame drivers for sudden unintended acceleration.) The vehicle is being repaired at a body shop. Damage was to front and underside. There were no prior warnings or symptoms.
2023 Subaru Solterra engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric | Single-speed | AWD | 114 / 94 / 104 MPGe | 228 mi |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Subaru Solterra a good car?
There isn't enough complaint history for the Solterra to compare model years reliably. So far owners have filed 42 complaints with NHTSA.
What is the most common problem with the 2023 Subaru Solterra?
The electrical system — 16 complaints, 38% of all complaints for this model year, most often about 12v/24v/48v battery. Next are the driver assistance (12) and speed control & acceleration (6).
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Solterra have?
There are 4 recalls for the 2023 Subaru Solterra, the most recent from October 30, 2025 (display function). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Solterra?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2025. See the full Subaru Solterra years comparison.
At what mileage do 2023 Subaru Solterra problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 16,000 miles; 100% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.