2023 Subaru Forester Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2023 Subaru Forester has a complaint index of 40 and ranks 13th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Good verdict. It has 73 complaints, 1 recall, 4 fires, and 8 crashes reported to NHTSA.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 40/100
- #13 of 21 Forester years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 73
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 8
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 4
- Injuries
- 5
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 25.5 city / 30.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
Top 2023 Subaru Forester problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Other20 (27%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras14 (19%)
- Visibility & Wipers12 (16%)
- Electrical System11 (15%)
- Engine10 (14%)
- Airbags6 (8%)
- Structure & Body6 (8%)
- Brakes5 (7%)
- Lane Departure5 (7%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires5 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe unintended acceleration while shifting into gear or reverse in parking lots, sometimes ending in a crash into a curb, wall, or building.
- Some report the vehicle accelerating on its own at highway speed with high RPMs and unresponsive brakes until shifted into park.
- A few describe the lane-centering or auto-steer system pulling the car out of its lane and into a barrier or oncoming lanes.
- Several report engine bay fires, including one linked to an oil filter installed upside-down that let oil leak onto the catalytic converter, and another tied to a battery installed incorrectly during assembly.
- One owner reported the Forward Collision Avoidance system going inoperative right before a multi-vehicle crash.
- A steering complaint describes the wheel failing to respond during a low-speed turn, causing the car to drive over a concrete divider.
2023 Subaru Forester recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V754000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain4,701 vehicles
Power train:driveline:driveshaft
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.
Risk: 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.
2023 Subaru Forester fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 25.5 MPG
- Highway
- 30.5 MPG
- Combined
- 27.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,375
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2023 compared with other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2023 Forester a complaint index of 40, which ranks 13th worst among 21 model years and earns a Good verdict relative to other Forester years.
- Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall covers cracking front driveshaft outer races on 2023-2024 Forester and related Subaru models; dealers inspect and replace the driveshafts as needed at no charge.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2023 Forester?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras is the top problem area, accounting for 14 complaints, or 19% of all complaints, with a median failure mileage of 15,000.
- Are there fire risks with the 2023 Forester?
- NHTSA logged 4 fire-related complaints for the 2023 Forester, including ones tied to an oil filter leak onto the catalytic converter and an incorrectly installed battery.
- How does the 2023 Forester compare to other Forester years?
- With a complaint index of 40, the 2023 model year sits well below Avoid years like 2019 (index 100) and 2015 (index 90), and better than most Caution years.