2023 Subaru Solterra problems

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA VEHICLE-DATA MISMATCH: The VIN entered in the vehicle-information field belongs to a Toyota-branded 2023 bZ4X AWD Limited, as shown by the vehicle, Toyota app, factory window sticker, and Toyota dealer records. NHTSA's form incorrectly displays a 2023 Subaru Solterra. NHTSA's VIN decoder identifies the manufacturer as TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION but assigns Subaru/Solterra as the make/model. Please correct the classification and associate this complaint with the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. On August 10, 2026, at about 18,309 miles, my wife was driving with our daughters as passengers when the vehicle displayed Brake System and Electronically Controlled Brake System malfunction warnings. Braking felt abnormal, and the vehicle felt harder to drive and brake. The Toyota app recorded the same active faults. Its Brake System alert stated that a malfunction had been detected, continuing to drive may be dangerous, and the driver should stop in a safe location and contact a Toyota dealer. Its Electronically Controlled Brake System alert stated that a malfunction in the Electric Control Braking System had been detected. The driver stopped, and we removed the vehicle from service. It will be transported rather than driven. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle has not yet been inspected, and the components remain available for inspection. The lower front bumper has minor scuffing and slight mis-seating visible on close inspection. Its origin is unknown; there was no known collision, and possible curb contact is speculation. I am disclosing it without asserting any causal relationship. Please record and evaluate this in-motion brake-system and electronically-controlled-brake failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

NHTSA VEHICLE-DATA MISMATCH: The VIN entered in the vehicle-information field belongs to a Toyota-branded 2023 bZ4X AWD Limited, as shown by the vehicle, Toyota app, factory window sticker, and Toyota dealer records. NHTSA's form incorrectly displays a 2023 Subaru Solterra. NHTSA's VIN decoder identifies the manufacturer as TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION but assigns Subaru/Solterra as the make/model. Please correct the classification and associate this complaint with the 2023 Toyota bZ4X. On August 10, 2026, at about 18,309 miles, my wife was driving with our daughters as passengers when the vehicle displayed Brake System and Electronically Controlled Brake System malfunction warnings. Braking felt abnormal, and the vehicle felt harder to drive and brake. The Toyota app recorded the same active faults. Its Brake System alert stated that a malfunction had been detected, continuing to drive may be dangerous, and the driver should stop in a safe location and contact a Toyota dealer. Its Electronically Controlled Brake System alert stated that a malfunction in the Electric Control Braking System had been detected. The driver stopped, and we removed the vehicle from service. It will be transported rather than driven. No crash, fire, injury, or fatality occurred. The vehicle has not yet been inspected, and the components remain available for inspection. The lower front bumper has minor scuffing and slight mis-seating visible on close inspection. Its origin is unknown; there was no known collision, and possible curb contact is speculation. I am disclosing it without asserting any causal relationship. Please record and evaluate this in-motion brake-system and electronically-controlled-brake failure.

NHTSA complaint #11755825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

November 1, 2024 (46,750 Miles): Vehicle suffered an initial internal high-voltage electric A/C compressor meltdown (Diagnostic Trouble Code B14721C). The authorized dealership replaced the compressor under warranty but left the original, contaminated micro-channel condenser assembly in the vehicle, attempting to clear it via a basic fluid flush. January 15, 2026 (121,269 miles): Vehicle was brought to an authorized Subaru dealer for the mandatory Federal Safety Recall WRD-25 (NHTSA Campaign 25V577). The software patch was applied, and the dealership explicitly stated that the A/C compressor was in good working condition at that time. No physical flush or deep system contamination audit was conducted. July 2026 (132,911 Miles): Only six months after the recall certification, the high-voltage electric compressor suffered a subsequent, total mechanical failure. The servicing dealership confirmed that the closed thermal loop is actively contaminated with metal debris. Because parallel-flow EV condensers cannot be flushed clear of metal shards, the leftover debris from the 2024 warranty failure acted as a physical abrasive, causing the rapid destruction of the replacement compressor despite the dealer's recent confirmation that it was functional. Safety Impact: The vehicle's windshield defroster and defogger systems are completely inoperative due to this compressor failure, recreating the exact visibility hazard targeted by Safety Recall WRD-25. This failure also impacts the high-voltage EV battery pack's thermal management system. Widespread Component Pattern: There is documented community-wide evidence on automotive safety forums indicating that numerous 2023–2025 Solterra and bZ4X owners are suffering identical post-recall compressor failures. The factory WRD-25 software patch simply adjusted the ECU failsafe programming to keep the defroster running; it did not fix the physical fragility or preexisting mechanical degradation of the compressor.

NHTSA complaint #11753828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

November 1, 2024 (46,750 Miles): Vehicle suffered an initial internal high-voltage electric A/C compressor meltdown (Diagnostic Trouble Code B14721C). The authorized dealership replaced the compressor under warranty but left the original, contaminated micro-channel condenser assembly in the vehicle, attempting to clear it via a basic fluid flush. January 15, 2026 (121,269 miles): Vehicle was brought to an authorized Subaru dealer for the mandatory Federal Safety Recall WRD-25 (NHTSA Campaign 25V577). The software patch was applied, and the dealership explicitly stated that the A/C compressor was in good working condition at that time. No physical flush or deep system contamination audit was conducted. July 2026 (132,911 Miles): Only six months after the recall certification, the high-voltage electric compressor suffered a subsequent, total mechanical failure. The servicing dealership confirmed that the closed thermal loop is actively contaminated with metal debris. Because parallel-flow EV condensers cannot be flushed clear of metal shards, the leftover debris from the 2024 warranty failure acted as a physical abrasive, causing the rapid destruction of the replacement compressor despite the dealer's recent confirmation that it was functional. Safety Impact: The vehicle's windshield defroster and defogger systems are completely inoperative due to this compressor failure, recreating the exact visibility hazard targeted by Safety Recall WRD-25. This failure also impacts the high-voltage EV battery pack's thermal management system. Widespread Component Pattern: There is documented community-wide evidence on automotive safety forums indicating that numerous 2023–2025 Solterra and bZ4X owners are suffering identical post-recall compressor failures. The factory WRD-25 software patch simply adjusted the ECU failsafe programming to keep the defroster running; it did not fix the physical fragility or preexisting mechanical degradation of the compressor.

NHTSA complaint #11753828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

November 1, 2024 (46,750 Miles): Vehicle suffered an initial internal high-voltage electric A/C compressor meltdown (Diagnostic Trouble Code B14721C). The authorized dealership replaced the compressor under warranty but left the original, contaminated micro-channel condenser assembly in the vehicle, attempting to clear it via a basic fluid flush. January 15, 2026 (121,269 miles): Vehicle was brought to an authorized Subaru dealer for the mandatory Federal Safety Recall WRD-25 (NHTSA Campaign 25V577). The software patch was applied, and the dealership explicitly stated that the A/C compressor was in good working condition at that time. No physical flush or deep system contamination audit was conducted. July 2026 (132,911 Miles): Only six months after the recall certification, the high-voltage electric compressor suffered a subsequent, total mechanical failure. The servicing dealership confirmed that the closed thermal loop is actively contaminated with metal debris. Because parallel-flow EV condensers cannot be flushed clear of metal shards, the leftover debris from the 2024 warranty failure acted as a physical abrasive, causing the rapid destruction of the replacement compressor despite the dealer's recent confirmation that it was functional. Safety Impact: The vehicle's windshield defroster and defogger systems are completely inoperative due to this compressor failure, recreating the exact visibility hazard targeted by Safety Recall WRD-25. This failure also impacts the high-voltage EV battery pack's thermal management system. Widespread Component Pattern: There is documented community-wide evidence on automotive safety forums indicating that numerous 2023–2025 Solterra and bZ4X owners are suffering identical post-recall compressor failures. The factory WRD-25 software patch simply adjusted the ECU failsafe programming to keep the defroster running; it did not fix the physical fragility or preexisting mechanical degradation of the compressor.

NHTSA complaint #11753828 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I had been hearing a humming noise for around a year and when reported to the dealer I was told that the rear electric motor had to be replaced. I had been researching online about this issue and apparently, is something a lot of Solterra owner have gone through. After a week of the car at the dealer, Subaru still doesn't approve the repairs that should be under Power Train guarantee. Should this be something to be part of a recall already considering so many public reports of this issue?

NHTSA complaint #11735160 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

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.

NHTSA complaint #11726521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

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.

NHTSA complaint #11726521 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When the sun is at certain angles in the middle of the day, direct sunlight bounces off of the high-gloss plastic trim around the shifting knob directly into the driver's eyes. This is distracting and makes it hard to see the road.

NHTSA complaint #11725788 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:COMPRESSOR

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Solterra. The contact received notification of Subaru Campaign Number: WRD-25, and the vehicle was taken to dealer, where the repair was completed; however, four days later, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound while the HVAC system was engaged. Additionally, the HVAC system became inoperable, and the defroster and defogger were inoperable. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an electrical compressor failure. The contact was informed that there would be a charge for the repair; however, the contact stated that the repair should be covered by the manufacturer because the manufacturer’s recall repair had failed to prevent the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the Claims Department; however, the Claims Department staff was on leave. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11725538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

I was driving and my SOLTERRA windshield just suddenly cracked. There are many videos online of how the newer Subaru models crack because of thinner glass

NHTSA complaint #11720496 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11718387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SERVICE BRAKES

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.

NHTSA complaint #11718387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11718387 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

NHTSA complaint #11707921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Rear differential has intermittent grinding noise that was confirmed by dealership. Eventually the differential will fail which will cause the car to stop unexpectedly.

NHTSA complaint #11699626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

NHTSA complaint #11699653 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11690346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

On the 23-25MY Subaru Solterra there is piano black reflective material plastics on the center console. It is angled slightly and when the sun is shinning through the windshield from directly above the car, such as noon/lunch time. The sun reflects directly into the drivers eyes, the plastic area is large and needs to be covered by something while you are driving or else you need to keep moving your head or body around. Covering it quickly with your hand is an option if you like to drive with one hand and distracted by trying to cover the glare. This would be easily duplicated if sunny and time of day is right. Multiple other Solterra owners noted this issue as well, the 26MY Solterra is redesigned and fixed this issue by changing the plastic and interior design.

NHTSA complaint #11682564 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

Component/System that failed: Battery range performance and charging system on 2025 Subaru Solterra. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle loses significant range after charging, creating a real risk of being stranded in traffic, on the freeway, or in remote locations — even during short in-town trips. This could leave me without power in unsafe conditions. Problem details: On one occasion, after charging for 48 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast charger, I gained only 53 miles of range, then lost 17 of those miles in just 2 miles of driving. On other occasions, I have lost 21 miles in 1 mile of driving and 27 miles in 6 miles. No climate control was in use during some of these tests. Reproduction/confirmation: The problem occurs repeatedly and has been documented with photographic evidence. Gresham Subaru has claimed this is “normal,” but it is not consistent with expected EV performance. Inspection history: The vehicle has been looked at by Gresham Subaru but no thorough diagnostic or battery inspection has been completed. Subaru of America is aware of the issue. Warning signs: No warning lamps, error messages, or other dashboard indicators appear before or during the loss of range. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued despite software updates.

NHTSA complaint #11680030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Component/System that failed: Battery range performance and charging system on 2025 Subaru Solterra. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle loses significant range after charging, creating a real risk of being stranded in traffic, on the freeway, or in remote locations — even during short in-town trips. This could leave me without power in unsafe conditions. Problem details: On one occasion, after charging for 48 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast charger, I gained only 53 miles of range, then lost 17 of those miles in just 2 miles of driving. On other occasions, I have lost 21 miles in 1 mile of driving and 27 miles in 6 miles. No climate control was in use during some of these tests. Reproduction/confirmation: The problem occurs repeatedly and has been documented with photographic evidence. Gresham Subaru has claimed this is “normal,” but it is not consistent with expected EV performance. Inspection history: The vehicle has been looked at by Gresham Subaru but no thorough diagnostic or battery inspection has been completed. Subaru of America is aware of the issue. Warning signs: No warning lamps, error messages, or other dashboard indicators appear before or during the loss of range. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued despite software updates.

NHTSA complaint #11680030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Component/System that failed: Battery range performance and charging system on 2025 Subaru Solterra. Vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: The vehicle loses significant range after charging, creating a real risk of being stranded in traffic, on the freeway, or in remote locations — even during short in-town trips. This could leave me without power in unsafe conditions. Problem details: On one occasion, after charging for 48 minutes at a Level 3 DC fast charger, I gained only 53 miles of range, then lost 17 of those miles in just 2 miles of driving. On other occasions, I have lost 21 miles in 1 mile of driving and 27 miles in 6 miles. No climate control was in use during some of these tests. Reproduction/confirmation: The problem occurs repeatedly and has been documented with photographic evidence. Gresham Subaru has claimed this is “normal,” but it is not consistent with expected EV performance. Inspection history: The vehicle has been looked at by Gresham Subaru but no thorough diagnostic or battery inspection has been completed. Subaru of America is aware of the issue. Warning signs: No warning lamps, error messages, or other dashboard indicators appear before or during the loss of range. The issue began shortly after purchase and has continued despite software updates.

NHTSA complaint #11680030 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

POWER TRAIN

I am writing to express my concern regarding a series of significant issues I’ve experienced with my vehicle, all occurring within a span of less than six months and well within the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period. 1.Battery Failure in Cold Weather: After the first exposure to below-freezing temperatures, the vehicle would not start on multiple occasions. This ultimately led to a full battery replacement. 2.Suspension and Rear Motor Issue: I recently brought the vehicle in due to an increasingly poor ride quality and excessive road impact. The inspection revealed a suspension issue and, more seriously, a failing rear motor that now requires replacement. 3.Electrical Malfunction – Blinker Failure: The vehicle is currently in the shop due to the failure of the left turn signal, which was traced to erosion in the casing housing the electrical wiring. These repeated failures are deeply concerning, particularly for a relatively new vehicle. I am requesting a thorough review of the situation and a clear resolution path, as this level of reliability is unacceptable for a vehicle still under warranty

NHTSA complaint #11659610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SUSPENSION

I am writing to express my concern regarding a series of significant issues I’ve experienced with my vehicle, all occurring within a span of less than six months and well within the 3-year/36,000-mile warranty period. 1.Battery Failure in Cold Weather: After the first exposure to below-freezing temperatures, the vehicle would not start on multiple occasions. This ultimately led to a full battery replacement. 2.Suspension and Rear Motor Issue: I recently brought the vehicle in due to an increasingly poor ride quality and excessive road impact. The inspection revealed a suspension issue and, more seriously, a failing rear motor that now requires replacement. 3.Electrical Malfunction – Blinker Failure: The vehicle is currently in the shop due to the failure of the left turn signal, which was traced to erosion in the casing housing the electrical wiring. These repeated failures are deeply concerning, particularly for a relatively new vehicle. I am requesting a thorough review of the situation and a clear resolution path, as this level of reliability is unacceptable for a vehicle still under warranty

NHTSA complaint #11659610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.