2023 Subaru Forester: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2023 Subaru Forester: 1 recall, 74 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.
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Recalls
1 vehicle recall from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #23V754000 · 2023 · 4,701 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 4 mention a fire, 6 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Other / unknown (20): the most common themes are warning light on (2).
- Forward collision avoidance (13): the most common themes are warning light on (3).
- Visibility/Wiper (11): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (8): the most common themes are electrical failure (5), stalls / loses power (2).
The 2023 Subaru Forester has 74 owner complaints, ranking #26 of 29 Forester model years for complaints (well below the 224 average). Complaints peaked in 2024 (28 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 6,750 miles. Neighboring years: 2022 (98 complaints, 1 recalls), 2024 (29 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2023 Subaru Forester.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yrStep-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.
Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/moHeads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure
FAQ
Does the 2023 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 1 vehicle recall for the 2023 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2023 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are other / unknown (20), forward collision avoidance (13), visibility/wiper (11).
What gas mileage does the 2023 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S7)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2023 Subaru Forester repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.