2023 Subaru Forester Safety Report
2023 SUBARU FORESTER Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2023 Subaru Forester
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2023 Subaru Forester. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (64) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 10 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2026 | Compare against the 2026 Subaru Forester with 0 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2020 | Check the 2020 Subaru Forester before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Forester Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Forester years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 Subaru Forester | 26 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Subaru Forester | 91 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2025 Subaru Forester | 59 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Forester | 197 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2026 Subaru Forester | 0 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Forester | 588 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2023 Subaru Forester Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2023 Subaru Forester, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyForward Collision Avoidance
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Subaru onlyAir Bags
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Subaru onlyExterior Lighting
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Exterior Lighting issues Subaru onlyTires
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Tires issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Subaru Forester
Reliability Score
The 2023 Subaru Forester receives a reliability score of 75 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2023 Subaru Forester
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2023 Subaru Forester
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Subaru Forester:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driveshaft Recall Subaru is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, and 2023-2024 Forester models due to a driveshaft issue that could lead to a loss of vehicle control. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Oil Leak A major oil leak has been reported in some vehicles, with the low oil light not turning on until the oil level is critically low. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Emergency Braking The Automatic Emergency Braking system has malfunctioned in several instances, almost causing accidents at low speeds. |
High | Common | 0-30k miles |
| Battery Installation There are concerns that the vehicle battery was installed incorrectly during assembly, leading to an engine fire. |
Low | Common | 0-30k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Subaru Forester:
Recalled due to a driveshaft issue that could lead to a loss of vehicle control.
Major oil leak has been reported, with the low oil light not turning on until the oil level is critically low.
Malfunctioned in several instances, almost causing accidents at low speeds.
Concerns about incorrect installation leading to an engine fire.
Recall Details for the 2023 Subaru Forester
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2023 Subaru Forester by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2023 Subaru Forester
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 4 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 4 reported injuries or fatalities.
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.
1. The passenger seat air bag turn on mechanism malfunctions in a 2023 Subaru Forester Limited. The seat mechanism can be tested (and has been tested) upon request. 2. An adult that weighs 104lbs is not detected when in the seat, so the air bag is not turned on. 3. The problem has been reproduced by two dealers. 4. No other parties have inspected the car seats or the mechanism. 5. The problem indi...
see attached
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 o...
Traveling at approximately 45 mph through a green light at a 4-way intersection a car making a right on red turn turned into the outside lane in front of me. I had no warning sounds or automatic braking, to avoid a collision I had to steer to the left after an on coming car passed. There were no chimes or auto braking.I have had several instances similar with no alerts. My eyesight system has been...
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
The contact owns a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 15-20 MPH and attempting to make a right turn into the right lane, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed and pulled to the left direction, causing the vehicle to drive over the dividing lane concrete and hit an unknown object. The contact was able to pull into a driveway partially. The air bags did not deplo...
Driver and passenger seats are collapsing to the point we are sinking into the seats unevenly and we can feel the hardware in the seats. We have bells that ding intermittently while driving. The dealership stated this is due to the airbag sensors located in the seats. Both seat manufacturer covers are splitting extensively. Due to the defective breakdown/collapsing seats the airbag timing in an ac...
This complaint is in relation to a 2023 Subaru Forester. The car was purchased new at White River Subaru in White River Junction, VT less than two years ago. Before it reached 30,000 miles the following problem has arisen 1) rusty brakes and pads 2) a wheel bearing had to be replaced 3) a faulty tire pressure gauge. However, must concerning, I noticed greasy film was forming on the inside of the w...
I had been driving for 30 minutes from Mokena towards Rosemont. I was on [XXX] near rosemont when the rear passenger-side window spontaneously shattered without warning. There was a loud pop, and tempered glass collapsed inward into the rear cargo area and passenger footwell. Some of the glass traveling quite far. I did not hear or see any object strike the vehicle, and there is no visible damage ...
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...
Air leak puncture on my left front tire driver side
Currently suspected that the vehicle battery was installed incorrectly during assembly. Engine fire started at the battery wiring and vehicle was a total liss
Windshield developed a crack during a week with wild temperature swings. There was no incident leading up to the development of the crack that would have caused an initial chip or point of failure. The initial crack appeared during the day where the temperature went from the mid-60s to below freezing with precipitation in a matter of hours. Crack was not present in warm AM and appeared during cold...
Front windshield crack came out of no where. No idea ever had a stone or anything connect with windshield.
Factory installed headlights are dangerous as the low beam has a black line approximately halfway in the field of vision. Subaru states this is to keep from blinding oncoming vehicles. Driving in town not too bad, however in rural mountain areas with winding roads the headlights do not provide necessary lighting causing driving to be extremely dangerous. Low beams should not blind oncoming traffic...
The battery is getting drained by the car's system
The check engine light and a flashing 'S' and other lights stating the safety features such as Eyesight, lane departure, RAB, etc. are turned off. This started on 1/15/25, and I took the car to the dealership on 1/16/25. The dealership stated the EVap System Leak Detection Pump sensor indicated a leak, and the EvaporateLeak Check Module needs to be replaced but is back-ordered until mid-March 2025...
I was stopped at a red light when, suddenly, my car engine completely shut down, a loud and high-pitched alarm began to squeal and many alerts flashed on my screen. one of the alerts stated that the eye--sight was not functioning.The car would not move when the traffic light turned green and I applied the gas pedal. Cars behind me and those in oncoming traffic had to swerve around me. I was in ...
On January 3, 2024, my Subaru forester suddenly lost emergency safety features such as the blind spot warning system. Many warning messages flashed on the screen as I drove north on rt 1 and the blind spot warning system was totally disabled. I believe that other safety features were likewise disabled, as well. I was upset as I had traded in my 2015 Forester because it lacked those safety featu...
Showing 20 of 64 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Subaru Forester
Has the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER have?
The 2023 SUBARU FORESTER has 64 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
The 2023 SUBARU FORESTER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER involve visibility/wiper (10 complaints), unknown or other (9 complaints), forward collision avoidance (4 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, exterior lighting, tires.
How many crash reports does the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER out of 64 total complaints (10.9% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER out of 64 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER is acceptable with caveats. It has 64 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
The components with the most failures on the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (10 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints), 3. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (4 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (3 complaints), 5. EXTERIOR LIGHTING (3 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 10 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
Be cautious of driveshaft recalls and oil leaks. Ensure the vehicle battery was installed correctly to avoid potential fires. The 2023 SUBARU FORESTER has 64 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
The 2023 SUBARU FORESTER receives a reliability score of 75/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 64 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 10 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Driveshaft Recall and Oil Leak.
What are the known issues with the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER?
Known issues with the 2023 SUBARU FORESTER include: Driveshaft Recall, Oil Leak, Automatic Emergency Braking, Battery Installation. These are based on patterns found across 64 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Is the driveshaft recall a common issue?
Yes, it affects certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, and 2023-2024 Forester models.
What should I do if I experience an oil leak?
Have the vehicle inspected immediately to prevent engine damage.
Can the Automatic Emergency Braking system malfunction?
Yes, it has been reported to malfunction in several instances, especially at low speeds.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of driveshaft recalls and oil leaks. Ensure the vehicle battery was installed correctly to avoid potential fires.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Subaru Forester
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Subaru Forester. The data includes 64 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Subaru Forester an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16