2023 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 73 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility/wiper (17% of complaints); the 2024 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Nov 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 73 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Eyesight collision braking system engaged as I was rolling up my driveway to go into garage. Garage door was rolling up and was about 5 feet off the ground when Anti Collision system engaged and slammed the brakes on. I was going under 1 mph and would not have hit the door. It beeped right before brakes engaged. This is the second time it has engaged when it shouldn't have. The first time was in a right lane, a car about 6 car lengths in front of me was and did turn right as I was driving down the road. It almost caused an accident with the car behind me. The brakes slammed on so hard my back and neck are now sore and it bent my fingernail backwards somehow on the steering wheel.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Jul 2026
“The contact owned a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated, and the Forward Collision Avoidance system was inoperative, causing the front center of the vehicle to crash into five other vehicles while trying to stop the vehicle. The air bags deployed as needed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was deemed a total loss at the scene. A Police report was filed. No injuries were sustained, and medical attention was not needed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jul 2026
“Vehicle suffered a major oil leak at under 60k miles. My low oil light didn't turn on but I was actually extremely low on oil. The dealer confirmed the issue and had to replace multiple components related to the oil filter, caps, etc. If I hadnt noticed/waited any longer I would have had no oil in my car at all.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“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!”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Dec 2025
“Eyesight camera randomly turns off and on while driving. Has been consistent over several months pierced to be an ongoing issue that was previously recorded from 20 14-20 21 super Forrester. Very similar issue now with my 2023.”Owner report · Lane Departure · Dec 2025
“Tires are wearing badly on the inside edge only. Suspension and drive train components make noise during normal operation.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2025
“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.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Jun 2025
“Currently suspected that the vehicle battery was installed incorrectly during assembly. Engine fire started at the battery wiring and vehicle was a total liss”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“Vehicle caught fire after oil change. Oil leaked from engine onto catalytic converter and causes catastrophic engine fire”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
“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”Owner report · Engine · Apr 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 8 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2023 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Forester by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA has 73 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2023 Subaru Forester. The most complained-about area is visibility/wiper (17% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2023 Subaru Forester problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 10,213 miles or less.
Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning power train:driveline:driveshaft. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.