2023 SUBARU FORESTER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Forester. This model year has 67 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Uncategorized Issues.
Before you buy — check the actual VIN
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2023 Subaru Forester Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Uncategorized Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Visibility/Wiper
Considering a 2023 Subaru Forester?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2023 Subaru Forester. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 18 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 11 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 3 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 67 most recent complaints
My vehicle has experienced repeated stalling events, including while the vehicle is in operation. The first occurrence began at approximately [mileage] and has continued intermittently despite multiple service visits. During these incidents, the vehicle unexpectedly loses power w…
This vehicle has died 4 times in one week. when this happens, multiple lights have flashed in the dash board, including the "eye sight" warning. Then, it would not restart but continued to "turn over" when the ignition button was pushed. One instance was on a busy street at a sto…
Eyesight camera randomly turns off and on while driving. Has been consistent over several months pierced to be an ongoing issue that was previously recorded from 20 14–20 21 super Forrester. Very similar issue now with my 2023.
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 …
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 ha…
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 g…
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 passe…
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 …
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 lan…
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 m…
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 repl…
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. Som…
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…
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-…
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 …
The battery is getting drained by the car's system
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2023 Subaru Forester.
Recalls for 2023 Subaru Forester
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2023 Subaru Forester. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2023 Subaru Forester — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2023 Subaru Forester has 67 NHTSA owner complaints, 7 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Uncategorized Issues (18 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (18 complaints). #2: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (11 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (11 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2023 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2023 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2023 Subaru Forester has 7 crash-related complaints and 3 fire reports out of 67 total NHTSA complaints. 5 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2023 Subaru Forester. The largest issue: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2023 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2023 Subaru Forester has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Uncategorized Issues issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2023 Subaru Forester
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.