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2023 Subaru Forester recalls and problems

The 2023 Subaru Forester has 1 safety recall and 76 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
76
Crashes / fires
8 / 4
Injuries / deaths
7 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2023 Subaru Forester vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2023 Subaru Forester recalls

Recall 23V-754: Power Train

Reported Nov 9, 2023 · 4,701 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2023 Subaru Forester problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Unknown or Other22
Forward Collision Avoidance16
Visibility/Wiper11
Electrical System8
Air Bags7
Lane Departure7
Vehicle Speed Control6
Service Brakes6
Engine5
Power Train5
Exterior Lighting4
Structure3

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 8
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 3
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 3
  • Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 2
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 2
  • Structure › Body — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 9,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2023 Subaru Forester complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Nov 9, 2026
The rear trunk door, which was open, was closed unintentionally - likely via accidental pressing of the key fob remote control button - and the door came down hard on the head and arms of a person who was leaning into the trunk. The person experienced a mild concussion and arm strain. The expectation is that a sensor should have prevented the trunk door from lowering if an object or person is in the trajectory of the door closing - like a garage door sensor. Instead it only stopped closing because it physically could not go any further, and after injury was sustained from the force of the…
Unknown or Other · reported Nov 7, 2026
Tire wear issue. Dealer failed to point all 4 tires were illegal. At the 20k mile check. Was not made aware of this till 26k mile check. ( never pointed out by the dealer)They are licensed in the Ct. Subject to Statutory Regs. Called the tires critical when they are classified as catastrophic and illegal to drive on. Add insult to injury they charged me $36 to rotate the bald illegal tires.
Service Brakes · reported Oct 2, 2026
Transmission slipped, stranded me in the middle of a road XXX. Stopped wouldn’t 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. The RAB locked down, slammed so hard, the car slid six feet and the motor shut down. I found out a week later that L-5 was fractured in my back. The lockdown has hurt my [XXX] mother’s neck also, in March of this year. The friction clutches is fried in my transmission. My transmission is jerking, slipping, clanking, shaking from multiple lockdowns. I took vehicle to [XXX]…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 5, 2026
I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding the driver-side footwell design in my 2023 Subaru Forester Sport, which poses an immediate and severe risk of a crash. A hard plastic lower extension for the HVAC air duct sits dangerously low directly above the brake and accelerator pedals. For drivers with larger or longer feet, this duct extension acts as a physical obstruction that interferes with safe pedal operation in two specific, highly dangerous ways: Delayed Braking: When attempting to transition from the accelerator to the brake pedal, the toe of the driver's shoe…
Service Brakes · reported Jul 27, 2026
Eyesight collision braking system engaged as I was rolling up my driveway to go into garage. Garage door was rolling up and was about 5 feet off the ground when Anti Collision system engaged and slammed the brakes on. I was going under 1 mph and would not have hit the door. It beeped right before brakes engaged. This is the second time it has engaged when it shouldn't have. The first time was in a right lane, a car about 6 car lengths in front of me was and did turn right as I was driving down the road. It almost caused an accident with the car behind me. The brakes slammed on so hard my back…

Other Subaru Forester years

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Frequently asked questions

Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2023 Subaru Forester: 23V-754 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2023 Subaru Forester?

Owners report unknown or other problems most often (22 reports), followed by forward collision avoidance (16). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 9,000 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.