2023 Subaru Forester
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.
- Complaints
- 74
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
Campaigns on file for 2023
None on file
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2023: 74 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 616 |
| 2016 | 414 |
| 2017 | 593 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 833 |
| 2020 | 604 |
| 2021 | 213 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 30 |
| 2025 | 99 |
| 2026 | 33 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Forward collision avoidance
22% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owned a 2023 Subaru Forester.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10
Visibility/wiper
15% · 11 reportsElectrical system
11% · 8 reportsMost commonly citing software.
Show complaint excerpts
Transmission slipped, stranded me in the middle of a road XXX. Stopped wouldnât go. Started locking down in reverse 1 month after I purchased the vehicle. XXX, my husband was backing down a road that had no turnaround.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-02
Also filed under Power train and service brakes
Air bags
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing front passenger.
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, 2023-04-24
Lane departure
9% · 7 reportsMost commonly citing assist and warning.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2024-01-08Power train23V754000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2023 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 16 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 11 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 8 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V754000 · Power train
Other years of this model
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 forward collision avoidance, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Forester have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.