The Lemon Index2023 Subaru Forester.
The 2023 Subaru Forester is so far one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 74 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 41, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 1 recall, and it gets 26 to 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Forester year is 2013.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 74 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Forester year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 14K miles on the car (8 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 1
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 259 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function of Airbag Module
- This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Subaru Forester Wilderness SUV AWD | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Spontabeus stress crack in windshield in first 1000 miles.
2023 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint 11571243
More owner reports
Hit a deer the vehicle immediately was on fire and burnt to the ground. It had 3000 miles on it
NHTSA complaint 11552427
Near-immediate chip in the windshield my first time taking this vehicle on the interstate about 50 miles into a 800 mile weekend road trip.
NHTSA complaint 11522557
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 2.4× fewer complaints than average per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 41; 100 is average). The best Subaru Forester year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2023 Subaru Forester problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (22%), wipers & visibility (15%) and electrical (11%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Forester have?
1 safety recall (latest: transmission & drivetrain). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Forester get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Subaru Forester safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2023 Subaru Forester cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Subaru Forester have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Forester year is better than the 2023?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works