MYRModel Year Report

2023 Subaru Forester

▲ Better than typical
2023 Subaru Forester
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:27:42.516Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Forester Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2023 highlighted. 1998: 101 complaints 1998 1999: 131 complaints 2000: 75 complaints 2001: 139 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 189 complaints 2004: 219 complaints 2005: 93 complaints 2006: 88 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2009: 178 complaints 2010: 262 complaints 2010 2011: 147 complaints 2012: 105 complaints 2013: 77 complaints 2014: 403 complaints 2014 2015: 611 complaints 2016: 405 complaints 2017: 579 complaints 2018: 487 complaints 2018 2019: 831 complaints 2020: 592 complaints 2021: 207 complaints 2022: 93 complaints 2022 2023: 69 complaints 2023 2024: 28 complaints 2025: 78 complaints 2026: 11 complaints 2026
2023: 69 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998101
1999131
200075
2001139
200288
2003189
2004219
200593
200688
200772
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012105
201377
2014403
2015611
2016405
2017579
2018487
2019831
2020592
2021207
202293
202369
202428
202578
202611

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY/WIPER 16%

16% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 11 distinct reports on file.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 10%

10% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9%

9% of complaints: electrical system — 6 distinct reports on file.

FIRE
AIR BAGS 9%

9% of complaints: air bags — 6 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I purchased a new Subaru Forester on February 3, 2023 from Cross Creek Subaru in Fayetteville NC. I noticed that the passenger air bag was off at times with my wife in the passenger seat.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230424

ENGINE 7%

7% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2023 Subaru Forrester. The contact stated that while his wife was driving in reverse mode, the vehicle independently accelerated, which caused a crash.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231023

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20240108 — power train

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.

Campaign 23V754000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2023 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (11 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (7 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (6 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 23V754000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2007 ▲ 2000

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2023 Subaru Forester is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 16% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Forester have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.