Subaru Issues Stop-Sale On 2023 Outback, Legacy - What Customers Need To Know
Subaru of America issued a stop sale on the newly-redesigned 2023 Subaru Outback midsize SUV and 2023 Subaru Legacy sedan. Customers who have ordered one of the new models will have to wait for their new vehicle.
Why did Subaru issue a stop sale on the 2023 Subaru Outback and Legacy? A new report from Alex Prestigiacomo, who works at Bachman Subaru, says the problem with the two new models is due to an issue with the SOS button.
What models are affected?
All 2023 Subaru Outback Premium, Onyx Edition, Limited, Touring, Wilderness, and all Outback XT trim levels are under the stop-sale order. All 2023 Subaru Legacy Premium, Limited, Sport, and Touring XT trims are also under the stop-sale order. The 2023 Outback Base and 2023 Legacy Base trim levels or previous model years are unaffected.
What is the problem with the two models?
The SOS button is used when a Subaru owner is in an accident or needs roadside assistance. A statement from Subaru of America says, "Specifically, when the SOS button is depressed, it does not operate as designed, failing to make a connection." The button is connected to the Subaru Starlink connected services.
When will the problem be fixed?
Alex says Subaru sent out a bulletin to retailers on September 26, expecting to have a remedy within the next ten days (which was October 6). Once a remedy is identified, the repair will be performed by your local Subaru retailer. At the time of the video (10/6/22), Subaru does not have a fix but expects to have one soon.
Orders for Outback and Legacy are open as of October 1, 2022. Alex says Subaru retailers are hoping they can fix the two models and have them available for shipment by October 31. The stop order should not impact future orders for November and December.
The 2023 Subaru Outback and 2023 Subaru Legacy received a minor redesign and are manufactured in the U.S. at the Subaru of Indiana Automotive plant.
The 2023 Outback and 2023 Legacy changes included exterior upgrades, the latest version of EyeSight safety technology, and a new wide-angle mono camera. Subaru also updated both models' multimedia systems with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
If you currently own a 2023 Subaru Outback or 2023 Subaru Legacy, you should receive an email from Subaru of America soon if you haven't already. Your local Subaru retailer should be able to provide the fix once it becomes available.
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Denis Flierl has invested over 30 years in the automotive industry in a consulting role working with every major car brand. He is an accredited member of the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. Check out Subaru Report where he covers all of the Japanese automaker's models. More stories can be found on the Torque News Subaru page. Follow Denis on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
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Photo credit: Alex Prestigiacomo, Subaru