2023 Subaru Forester Safety Report
2023 Subaru Forester: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Driveshaft Recall and Concerning Forward Collision Avoidance & Windshield Complaints
AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Subaru Forester
Reliability Score
The 2023 Subaru Forester receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
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 Cracking/Breaking Front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break, leading to loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway. Subject of a recall (NHTSA Campaign ID 23V754000). |
High | Occasional | new-unknown miles |
| Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb) Malfunction AEB system engages unnecessarily or fails to engage when needed, leading to near-accidents or actual collisions. Several complaints describe sudden braking at speed with no obstacles. |
High | Occasional | new-30000 miles |
| Windshield Cracking Windshields developing cracks spontaneously or from minor impacts, sometimes rapidly propagating. This is the most reported issue under 'VISIBILITY/WIPER' with 10 complaints. |
Medium | Common | new-30000 miles |
| Airbag Sensor Malfunction (Passenger Seat) Passenger seat airbag sensor fails to detect smaller adults (e.g., 104-105 lbs), preventing airbag deployment in a crash. Reported by multiple owners. |
High | Occasional | new-unknown miles |
| Engine Fire Vehicle catching fire, with reported causes including oil leaks onto catalytic converters or incorrect battery installation. 3 fire incidents reported. |
High | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Steering Issues Steering wheel failing to respond as needed, pulling to one side, or auto-steer systems malfunctioning and causing the vehicle to veer off course. |
Medium | Rare | new-unknown miles |
| Headlight Visibility Issues Factory low beam headlights have a 'black line' in the field of vision, reducing visibility, especially in rural or winding road conditions. |
Medium | Rare | new-unknown 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:
Predominantly related to windshield cracking, with 10 complaints.
Issues with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system engaging unnecessarily or failing to activate, reported in 4 complaints.
Concerns about passenger seat airbag sensors not detecting smaller adults, leading to non-deployment, with 3 complaints.
Primarily related to poor visibility from factory headlights, with 3 complaints.
Includes reports of major oil leaks and engine fires, with 2 complaints.
Issues such as battery drain and system warnings, with 2 complaints.
Malfunctions with lane keeping assistance systems, with 2 complaints.
Includes issues like spontaneously shattering rear windows and collapsing seats, with 2 complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Subaru Forester
Is the 2023 Subaru Forester safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Subaru Forester received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, there are 64 owner complaints, including 7 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries. A significant recall exists for driveshaft issues, and owners report problems with forward collision avoidance systems and windshield cracking, which are serious safety concerns despite the strong crash test performance.
What are common problems with the 2023 Subaru Forester?
The most reported issues for the 2023 Subaru Forester include windshield cracking (10 complaints under VISIBILITY/WIPER), malfunctions with the forward collision avoidance system (4 complaints), and airbag sensor issues in the passenger seat (3 complaints). There are also reports of engine fires and steering problems.
Has the 2023 Subaru Forester been recalled?
Yes, the 2023 Subaru Forester has one recall (NHTSA Campaign ID 23V754000) concerning the front driveshaft assemblies. The outer race may develop cracks and break, which can lead to a loss of drive power or vehicle rollaway.
Are there issues with the automatic emergency braking system?
Yes, there are 4 complaints specifically related to the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system. Owners report instances where the automatic emergency braking system engaged unexpectedly without obstacles or failed to engage when needed, leading to dangerous situations.
Are there any fire risks with the 2023 Subaru Forester?
Yes, there are 3 reported fire incidents for the 2023 Subaru Forester. Causes mentioned in complaints include oil leaking onto the catalytic converter and incorrect battery installation, leading to vehicle fires and total losses.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: While the 2023 Subaru Forester has strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the driveshaft recall and investigate if the specific vehicle has had the repair. Also, be mindful of reported issues with the forward collision avoidance system and windshield durability, and consider an extended warranty for peace of mind.
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.