2023 SUBARU Forester

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
ℹ️Average Safety Profile

This 2023 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 1 recall affecting the power train system.

Key Factor:power train recalls

πŸ“‹Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
πŸ“Š

Expert Analysis

  • πŸ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • βš–οΈ
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.3)
    πŸ“
    Summary:

Safety & Reliability Score

89/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-3.05
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2023 SUBARU Forester

Model Year2023
MakeSUBARU
ModelForester
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan23
NEWProduction
Mar23
ISSUEFirst Report
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

14 complaints (23% of total)
➑️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
βœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 61 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
6(10%)
🟑Medium
16(26%)
🟒Low
39(64%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

βš™οΈEngineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 12,128 miles.

πŸ“Š Mileage data extracted from 17 of 61 complaints (28% coverage)
0-20k
13 reports (76%)
20k-40k
3 reports (18%)
40k-60k
0 reports (0%)
60k-80k
1 reports (6%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

πŸ› οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAIN

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 23V754000

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.

Consequence

A broken driveshaft can cause a loss of drive power while driving or vehicle rollaway when the vehicle is in park without the parking brake engaged. Either of these scenarios can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the left and right front driveshafts as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRP-23.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
βœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

61 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2023 Forester.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning23%
Crack21%
Acceleration Issues13%
Accident10%
Leak8%
Crash/Accident8%
Battery7%
Fire5%
Shatter5%
BrakesπŸ”Ά Medium
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

In three years I've had the Automatic Emergency Braking system engage and almost cause accidents several times. The breaking system engages when it's not needed. Going down a road driving straight at 25 MPH, no obstacles in road and breaks engage. Verry scarry, what if I was going 65 MPH on the highway! Another incident was on an off ramp in a curve, and another making a U-turn. This is not ok!

ElectricalπŸ”Ά Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Traveling at approximately 45 mph through a green light at a 4-way intersection a car making a right on red turn turned into the outside lane in front of me. I had no warning sounds or automatic braking, to avoid a collision I had to steer to the left after an on coming car passed. There were no chimes or auto braking.I have had several instances similar with no alerts. My eyesight system has been problematic for the life of the car and required many diagnosis and recalibration with many trips to the dealership and no permanent repair. Frequent software updates and days with no eyesight -see manual. Finally had a total eyesight replacement with the assurance this was a long awaited technology all under 60,000 miles. A few months later eyesight malfunctioned again and required another update. Eyesight still remains unresponsive and goes in and out a couple of times a day. The technology is defective and unreliable. Subaru has provided no lasting fix.

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ENGINE

Vehicle had just received an oil change at the dealership and the car caught fire. Oil leaked onto the catalytic converter and ignited. Car was a total loss. After my own review, there are several instances of this happening and many customers have experienced similar fires. The oil filter is inverted which makes leaks more susceptible

Steering/SuspensionπŸ”Ά Medium
STEERING

The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH and attempting to make a right turn into the right lane, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed and pulled to the left direction, causing the vehicle to drive over the dividing lane concrete and hit an unknown object. The contact was able to pull into a driveway partially. The air bags did not deploy. A police officer later informed the contact that the vehicle had hit another vehicle, but the other driver did not sustain injury. Triple A transported both the contact and the contact's sister, who was occupying the front passenger's seat, to the residence, and the vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an autobody repair shop, where it was being repaired for body damage. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a swollen right foot, knee, and ankle, and the contact received medical assistance at the urgent care center. The contact's sister, who was occupying the front passenger's seat, sustained a heart-related injury and sought medical assistance at the ER. The dealer later informed the contact that several warning lights had flashed on the dealer's connected system. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Safety SystemsπŸ”Ά Medium
AIR BAGS,SEATS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driver and passenger seats are collapsing to the point we are sinking into the seats unevenly and we can feel the hardware in the seats. We have bells that ding intermittently while driving. The dealership stated this is due to the airbag sensors located in the seats. Both seat manufacturer covers are splitting extensively. Due to the defective breakdown/collapsing seats the airbag timing in an accident and deployment in an accident can be affected and/or the airbags could spontaneously deploy. The passenger seat foam and cover was replaced once, vin specific, and is collapsing worse than before. Subaru of America will not acknowledge this defect as it is very expensive and will likely not be a lasting fix as it has happened previously. The seat quality is defective and poses a serious danger to occupants.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This complaint is in relation to a 2023 Subaru Forester. The car was purchased new at White River Subaru in White River Junction, VT less than two years ago. Before it reached 30,000 miles the following problem has arisen 1) rusty brakes and pads 2) a wheel bearing had to be replaced 3) a faulty tire pressure gauge. However, must concerning, I noticed greasy film was forming on the inside of the windshield. I took it dealership and was told there was an AC leak in the engine bay. The service shop told me the substance on the windshield was condensation. I do not believe this to be true. The substance created a visible film across the glass, when it did met with condensation and cold it turned a solid milky color with almost no visibility through the windsheild. When touched the film smudgles and has a greasy texture. I am concerned as this has serious health implications.

OtherπŸ”Ά Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I had been driving for 30 minutes from Mokena towards Rosemont. I was on [XXX] near rosemont when the rear passenger-side window spontaneously shattered without warning. There was a loud pop, and tempered glass collapsed inward into the rear cargo area and passenger footwell. Some of the glass traveling quite far. I did not hear or see any object strike the vehicle, and there is no visible damage or point of impact on the exterior or interior trim. I have also not been able to locate any evidence of an object. All glass remained inside the vehicle, which I have read is consistent with spontaneous failure rather than impact. Safety Concerns: The sudden breakage was extremely loud and could easily startle or distract a driver to cause an accident or injure the driver with glass. I was alone, but this could pose a serious injury risk if a child or passenger had been seated in the back. The volume and distribution of shattered tempered glass throughout the car will require extensive cleanup. While I suppose it could have been object, this appears consistent with a known safety risk involving nickel sulfide inclusion or internal glass stress in tempered automotive windows. Action Taken: I have documented the incident with extensive photographs. I am in contact with Subaru, but they are looking into prices for us to fix that window. I am submitting this report to ensure visibility and support further investigation into whether this issue is occurring in other 2023 Foresters or related Subaru models. If it was an object, then should that be noted as well given it was on a highway. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Safety SystemsπŸ”Ά Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

In driving our 2023 Subaru Forester at 45mph at 10:00 am in the morning, with NO cars in front of us, in back of us, or on either side of us- suddenly the brakes locked up! Had there been anyone behind us, there could have been a dangerous collision. We have owned this car for 2 years, done all maintenance on it, and have NEVER had this happen before. We feel unsafe driving it now. We pulled the car over, got out to look under the car, thinking maybe we hit something in the road...but there was nothing...no warning....we contacted Subaru corporate, was given a Case number, but are still waiting to hear from them.

OtherπŸ”΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Air leak puncture on my left front tire driver side

Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

Currently suspected that the vehicle battery was installed incorrectly during assembly. Engine fire started at the battery wiring and vehicle was a total liss

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2023 SUBARU Forester?

Yes, the 2023 SUBARU Forester has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT.

Is the 2023 SUBARU Forester safe to drive?

The 2023 SUBARU Forester has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2023 SUBARU Forester has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local SUBARU dealer.

πŸ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

➑️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2023 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Power train

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

βœ…

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

πŸ”

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:23V754000
πŸ’‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

πŸ”‘

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your SUBARU dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediatelyβ€”recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
πŸ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
  • Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.