VehicleVerdict

2023 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 Subaru Forester is among the quieter years of the Forester on NHTSA's books: 102 complaints (35% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (21), other (19), and visibility & wipers (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

102

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance2121%
Other1919%
Visibility & Wipers1212%
Airbags77%
Electrical System77%
Engine66%
Speed Control55%
Lighting44%
Seats33%
Transmission33%
Body & Structure33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Brakes33%
Fuel System22%
Suspension22%
Steering11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V754000TransmissionNovember 9, 2023 · 4,701 units

Defect

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was driving on a two lane highway in the mountains and came around a small right-veering turn in the road. I straightened out the wheel to resume traveling straight, and my car’s auto-steer kicked in and pulled left into the center divider, and then right across two lanes and crashed into the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 15, 2024 · crash

“Car only has 6,000 miles,had 2 tiny stones hit the windshield and put 2 pebble sized holes in windshield, got those fixed and a week later another stone hit and now it has a quarter size chip,hole ,never had any other car i owned have this happen too,I would think a #1 safety rated manufacturer…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 4, 2024

“The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, she noticed that a pea-sized stone had struck the front windshield and caused a crack. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 5, 2023

“The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle accelerated unintendedly and the RPMs were significantly high. The contact depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact shifted to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · July 10, 2024 · crash

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

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 4, 2025 · fire

2023 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 102 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Forester year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (21 complaints), other (19 complaints), visibility & wipers (12 complaints).

Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2023 Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 Subaru Forester earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.