2023 Subaru Solterra: problems, recalls and reliability

“In light snow, the car automatically braked at speed causing the car to veer off the road after skidding, multiple times. The "safety" features of this car make it dangerous to operate.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Feb 2026

“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jan 2026

“Was told by Subaru today that the rear drive unit of the rear motor needs replaced already at 50k miles and was not covered under warranty. Upon searching online it appears that Subaru Solterras and the Toyota Bz4x are having multiple users report this issue. The issue causes a hum and loud concerning noise to the breaking system but no alerts provided by the car. According to online it is a serious problem that needs fixed (I was also told by Subaru not to drive the car until fixed) and I feel like this should be a recall if multiple vehicles are having this issue that has potential safety concerns when operating the vehicle.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2025

“Rear differential has intermittent grinding noise that was confirmed by dealership. Eventually the differential will fail which will cause the car to stop unexpectedly.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2025

“Recently received a recall notice on the software and HVAC compressor. Took vehicle into dealership, and they told me my vehicle failed the recall. They said that there were only 7 replacement parts in the entire nation and they were all taken. When asked what impacts the failed recall will have, they told me I would have no heat due to HVAC compressor being fried. My family and I feel unsafe driving this vehicle without heat in the Wyoming/Colorado winters where windchills repeated get below 0F. Not having heat is extremely dangerous. Halladay motors of Cheyenne, WY refuse to provide us a loaner. This vehicle is truly a lemon and we can't wait until the lease is up next year.”Owner report · Electrical System · Nov 2025

“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.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Oct 2025

“Took the car for new tires and alignment as it did not drive straight. Firestone replaced tires but during attempt to make alignment they found the RIGHT FRONT INNER TIE ROD END BENT. The car has never had an impact nor hit a curb with force. Subaru dealer says entire rack and pinion system needs to be replaced at a cost of close to 6,000.00 dollars. This car has about 35 K miles and has never had an impact. I am concerned for a possible manufacturing defect.”Owner report · Steering · Sep 2025