This bulletin announces availability of new Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) & Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) module reprogramming files developed to address cases of a cracking-type noise heard under the dashboard in the brake pedal area when the brake pedal is released. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2023 Subaru Outback brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2023 Subaru Outback have filed 3 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
3
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2019 Outback | 10 |
| 2020 Outback | 9 |
| 2022 Outback | 7 |
| 2023 Outback (this page) | 3 |
| 2025 Outback | 3 |
2crashes
What stands out
Of the 19 model years of Subaru Outback we track for brakes problems, this one has the fewest owner complaints on file (3).
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files for the HYDRAULIC UNIT ASSEMBLY(VDC). This logic was developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): C1411 ELECTRICAL CONTROL MODULE. If DTC C1411 is detected with a 30A2 failure detail code by the VDC perform the reprogramming procedure outlined.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases of DTC C1C40 being detected by the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) in addition to Failure Detail Code 30A2 stored within the Freeze Frame Data (FFD).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases of DTC C1C40 being detected by the Electronic Brake Booster (EBB) in addition to Failure Detail Code 30A2 stored within the Freeze Frame Data (FFD).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the front brake pads developed to reduce any brake pulsation and/or vibration felt during brake operation.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The vehicle has received all scheduled and regular maintenance. I was driving right around the speed limit of 50 mph. Traffic was stopped ahead, and I had plenty of time and space to stop. I pressed the brake pedal, but continued to coast. I pressed it harder, all the way to the floor for at least four seconds, and there was no resistance, no feel of the antilock brakes kicking in, no emergency…
Had brakes trouble with your 2023 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2023 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 3 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 3 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 268,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2023/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.