If you’re looking at a used electric SUV, the 2023 Subaru Solterra is probably on your list for its standard all‑wheel drive and Subaru’s reputation for durability. But as Subaru’s first mass‑market EV, and a close twin to the Toyota bZ4X, it’s fair to ask how 2023 Subaru Solterra reliability is actually shaking out in the real world.
Big picture on Solterra reliability
2023 Subaru Solterra reliability at a glance
Quick reliability snapshot for the 2023 Solterra
What this tells you is that the 2023 Solterra isn’t a disaster, but it’s not a slam‑dunk either. You’re looking at a first‑generation EV platform with some early teething problems that have been addressed, at least on paper, through recalls and software updates.
How the 2023 Solterra has performed so far
On traditional dependability, the Solterra starts with some real strengths. The underlying Toyota‑Subaru platform has proven structurally sound, crash performance is strong, and there’s no widespread pattern of catastrophic battery or motor failures. Owner‑reported reliability, though, is more nuanced.
- Independent ratings have pegged the 2023 Solterra as less reliable than the average 2023 vehicle overall, mainly due to electrical and software issues rather than mechanical failures.
- Kelley Blue Book owner reviews skew mostly positive on reliability and build quality, but value and range often take hits.
- Most day‑to‑day complaints revolve around in‑car electronics (infotainment, app connectivity, cameras) and charging quirks, not basic drivability.
If you’re coming from a traditional Subaru like an Outback or Forester, it’s important to reset expectations: where those cars tend to have occasional mechanical or oil‑consumption stories, the Solterra’s pain points are more about software, UX, and early‑EV compromises in range and charging speed.
Major 2023 Solterra recalls you should know about
For any used 2023 Solterra, your first question should be, “Are all recalls completed?” This generation has been hit with several important campaigns, many shared with the Toyota bZ4X and Lexus RZ.
Key 2023 Subaru Solterra recalls (U.S.)
Always run the VIN through NHTSA’s website or a Subaru dealer to confirm all recall work has been completed.
| Issue | Model years affected | Risk | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel hub bolts loosening | Primarily 2023 | Possible wheel detachment and loss of control | Inspect and retorque or replace hub bolts; in some cases, wheels replaced. |
| Rearview camera / Panoramic View Monitor software | 2022–2026 Solterra and related models | Frozen or blank rear camera image while reversing | Parking‑assist / camera software update at dealer. |
| HVAC & defroster failure | 2023–2025 Solterra | Defroster and defogger may stop working, reducing visibility in cold or wet conditions | HVAC control ECU software update; compressor inspection and replacement if needed. |
| Misc. software campaigns | 2023–2025 | Intermittent warning lights, drive‑system behavior, or charging anomalies | Reprogramming control modules with updated software. |
Recall details can evolve; always verify with Subaru or NHTSA before purchase.
Don’t skip the recall check
Common issues 2023 Solterra owners report
Because total production is modest, we don’t have the same mountain of data you’ll see for a Tesla Model 3 or Chevy Bolt. Still, clear themes show up if you talk to owners, browse forums, and look at reliability surveys.
Most frequently mentioned 2023 Solterra trouble spots
Not every car will see these problems, but they’re worth understanding before you buy.
Infotainment & app headaches
Owners often complain that the Solterra’s dedicated app is slow, buggy, or fails to connect, and that the in‑car interface can be clunky.
- Multiple steps just to get simple things like the radio playing.
- Intermittent Android Auto connectivity, better luck overall with Apple CarPlay.
- Slow screen response and confusing menu structure.
Charging compatibility quirks
The car itself is generally sound, but some owners report failed sessions with specific public DC fast chargers or slower‑than‑expected charging.
- Early firmware was picky about certain third‑party chargers.
- Max DC rate around 100 kW for 2023 means longer stops than newer rivals.
- Home Level 2 charging is reliable but not especially quick because of a modest onboard charger.
Range anxiety & efficiency
The EPA range of roughly 222–228 miles feels tight next to newer EVs. First‑time EV owners, in particular, sometimes report buyer’s remorse once they see real‑world highway range.
- Highway speeds, winter weather, and roof racks can drop range noticeably.
- For 40‑mile‑per‑day commuting with home charging, it’s usually a non‑issue.
Less common but notable complaints
- Wind or road noise at highway speeds in a minority of vehicles, sometimes traced to tire choice or alignment.
- Electronic warning lights that ultimately required software updates, not hardware replacement.
- Minor trim and rattle issues, especially in early‑build 2023s.
What we’re not seeing much of
- No widespread pattern of motor failures so far.
- Few reports of battery pack replacement under warranty.
- Brakes, suspension, and steering systems are mostly drama‑free beyond the wheel‑hub recall.
That’s encouraging if you’re planning to keep the car well past the basic warranty period.
Battery health and charging reliability
For any EV, long‑term reliability usually comes down to the battery and charging system more than anything else. Here the 2023 Solterra is conservative rather than cutting‑edge, which may actually help longevity.
- Subaru backs the Solterra’s high‑voltage battery for 8 years or 100,000 miles, with a promise that capacity will not fall below roughly 70% during that period if maintained correctly.
- The pack chemistry and thermal management are tuned more for durability than headline‑grabbing fast‑charge speeds.
- Service guidance from Subaru and dealers encourages owners to keep daily charging in roughly the 20–80% window and to reserve 100% charges and repeated DC fast charging for trips.
How to treat a Solterra battery well
From the data we’ve seen, there is no sign that the 2023 Solterra’s battery is failing faster than peer EVs. What you do give up is speed: a modest 6.6 kW onboard charger and ~100 kW DC peak in 2023 trim mean you’ll spend more time tied to the plug than you would in a newer Hyundai, Kia, or Tesla.
How safe is the 2023 Solterra?
Safety and reliability are often conflated, but they’re not the same thing. Fortunately, the 2023 Solterra’s crash performance and active safety tech are both strong, even if the ownership experience has had some bumps.
Safety and reliability: how they intersect on the Solterra
Crash structure & protection
The Solterra shares its platform with the Toyota bZ4X, which has earned solid crash‑test results. High‑strength steel, multiple airbags, and Subaru’s safety engineering pedigree all work in its favor.
Reliability note: there’s no evidence of structural problems or corrosion issues unique to the Solterra.
Driver assistance & software
Subaru’s driver‑assist suite offers lane‑keeping, adaptive cruise, and automatic emergency braking. When it works, it works well; when software acts up, owners report chimes, beeps, or temporarily disabled features.
That’s where recalls and updates around cameras and HVAC defroster behavior come into play.
Good news on safety
What 2023 Solterra reliability means if you’re buying used
So should you buy a used 2023 Solterra? The honest answer is, “It depends on your expectations.” If you want bleeding‑edge range and fastest‑in‑class charging, this isn’t your car. If you value all‑wheel drive, Subaru‑like road manners, and can live with average range and the occasional software quirk, the Solterra becomes more compelling, especially at the right price.
Where the 2023 Solterra shines
- Standard dual‑motor AWD with confident traction in bad weather.
- Comfortable ride and solid build quality for most owners.
- Conservative battery tuning that favors longevity over raw speed.
- Subaru and Toyota dealer networks that understand all‑weather use and SUVs.
Where you’re making trade‑offs
- Below‑average range and charging speed compared with 2024–2026 rivals.
- Multiple recalls to verify and occasional software gremlins.
- Some dealers are still gaining EV expertise, which can slow complex diagnostics.
- Subaru’s dedicated Solterra app experience lags the best in the segment.
How Recharged helps de‑risk a used Solterra
Checklist: what to inspect on a used 2023 Solterra
Pre‑purchase checklist for 2023 Solterra shoppers
1. Run a full recall and software check
Ask a Subaru dealer to pull the VIN and confirm all recall campaigns, wheel hubs, HVAC/defroster, camera software, and any ECU updates, are completed. Get paperwork or service history to back it up.
2. Review battery health beyond the guess‑o‑meter
Don’t rely only on the in‑car range estimate on a cold day. Have the battery evaluated with a professional tool (like the Recharged Score) or at least compare indicated range at 100% charge to EPA figures and owner reports.
3. Test Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging
If possible, plug into a home‑style outlet, a 240‑volt Level 2, and at least one reputable DC fast charger. Look for errors, slow charging, or sessions that inexplicably stop, signs of either charger incompatibility or car‑side issues.
4. Exercise all infotainment and app functions
Pair both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, test Bluetooth, run navigation, and try the Subaru Solterra app. Occasional lag is normal; repeated connection failures or frozen screens point to software or hardware that may need attention.
5. Inspect wheels, tires, and suspension carefully
Given the wheel‑hub recall and some noise complaints, check for even tire sizes and wear, listen for hums or vibrations at highway speed, and have an alignment check done if anything feels off.
6. Check HVAC and defroster performance
On a cool or damp day, verify that front and rear defrosters clear the glass quickly, the system blows hot and cold as commanded, and no warning lights appear, especially important on cars that haven’t had the HVAC recall done yet.
7. Confirm remaining warranty coverage
Subaru’s basic, powertrain, EV‑component, and battery warranties are time‑ and mileage‑limited. Get an in‑writing breakdown of what’s left so you know how much factory backing you have for electronics and the high‑voltage system.
2023 Solterra reliability vs other used EVs
In a used‑EV marketplace that now includes Tesla Model Y, Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach‑E, and others, the 2023 Solterra sits in an interesting niche. It’s not the efficiency or tech leader, but it has a straightforward, easy‑to‑drive personality and a Subaru‑style focus on bad‑weather confidence.
How the 2023 Solterra stacks up on reliability themes
A high‑level comparison of the Solterra with a few common alternatives.
| Model | Typical range (EPA, AWD) | Reliability storyline | Best fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Subaru Solterra | ~222–228 mi | Early recalls and software annoyances, but solid hardware and conservative battery tuning; owner reliability sentiment generally positive once updates are done. | Drivers who prioritize AWD traction, comfortable ride, and don’t mind slower charging or shorter range. |
| 2023 Hyundai Ioniq 5 (AWD) | ~256–266 mi | Generally strong reliability with faster charging; some early‑build issues around 12‑V batteries and software that have improved. | Shoppers who want road‑trip‑friendly fast charging and modern tech at a similar price point. |
| 2023 Kia EV6 (AWD) | ~252–282 mi | Good long‑term outlook with very fast DC charging; isolated reports of minor electronic glitches. | Drivers who want a sportier drive and top‑tier charging speed, with a bit firmer ride. |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y (AWD) | ~279–330 mi | Excellent range and charging network; build quality and squeaks/rattles more variable than Subaru or Toyota products. | Buyers who prioritize range, Supercharger access, and software over traditional cabin feel. |
Individual vehicles vary. Always compare specific VINs and inspection reports, not just nameplates.
Watch the dealer’s EV experience level
FAQ: 2023 Subaru Solterra reliability
Frequently asked questions about 2023 Solterra reliability
Bottom line: the 2023 Subaru Solterra is not the trouble‑free unicorn some Subaru loyalists might hope for, but it’s also far from a horror story. Treat it as what it is, a first‑generation EV with a few software and recall scars, and shop carefully. If you find a car with clean history, completed campaigns, and a strong battery‑health report, you can enjoy the Solterra’s all‑weather confidence and quiet driving manners for years to come. And if you’d like a second set of expert eyes on a specific VIN, Recharged was built to make that used‑EV decision simpler and more transparent.
