Name: 2023 Subaru Forester
Brand: Subaru

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

Android Auto

"It pairs sometimes and then inexplicably won't work. Then it works. It works intermittantly"

Anonymous, ND (2023 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Apple CarPlay

"Started soon after purchasing. Once or twice a month apple carplay won't start even though a phone is connected. Sometimes music will play but navigation won't work, or vice versa. Usually the problem is fixed by resetting the system, or by turning the car off and on."

Anonymous, ID (2023 Subaru Forester Standard 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Would not connect with smart phone"

Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Display screen freezes up

"Infotainment system stopped working frequently. had to reboot each time"

Anonymous, OH (2023 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Display screen goes blank

"Display screen has gone blank, or features not working. Problems seems to correct itself."

Anonymous, DC (2023 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

"Would not pair with iPod."

Anonymous, PA (2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Hardware replacement

"Display became unreadable about 3 months after purchase. (Varied colour "stripes", etc.)"

Anonymous, ON (2023 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"First head unit showed erratic conditions during the wire check Second head unit wasnt plugged in properly and has been reset 3 times and received 2 or 3 software updates. Its getting updated again, so well see how long it works (normally only 20 minutes with the engine running)"

Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Around 6 months after we got it, the CD player/radio/etc. quit working. It was replaced at our first & only service appointment."

Anonymous, MN (2023 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Head unit was replaced under warranty. new head unit has been fine"

Anonymous, OH (2023 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

"Frequently my phone will go back and forth between the vehicle and the phone itself, which can be extremely distracting while driving."

Anonymous, IN (2023 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Radio

"Lost all presets, steering wheel controls not working,"

Anonymous, DC (2023 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Started with the second head unit AM/FM Volume had to be at max and was still low XM Volume was normal"

Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"The battery died."

Anonymous A., IN (2023 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"I have only had it for 10 months...driven 2002 mi as of today no problems"

Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Cracked windshield"

Anonymous, IL (2023 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"The wiring harness material is plant based and a rodent chewed through it causing $2000 damage. Car was out of service for a week."

Anonymous, NY (2023 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"1. I mistakenly left the moonroof open a crack, it rained, and I had to have the electrical system replaced. Lost use of the car for 5 wks 2. Crack in the moonroof. Had to have it replaced. This was taken care of in a few hrs."

Anonymous, NJ (2023 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

"Tire replacex"

Anonymous, NY (2023 Subaru Forester Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"While on vacation, I went out to my car and it was completely dead. I was 100% unable to start the car or get any kind of electrical response. When I tried to jump the car battery the alarm went off, which was odd. I had to have it towed to the nearest Subaru dealer, which Subaru paid for. The battery was completely dead. They said they recharged it and did a lot of tests and it seemed to be fine. However, there was no indication of a door that was left open or a light that was left on inside the car overnight. Ive had no problem since."

Anonymous A., IL (2023 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body control module

"The DCM Switch became defective. This controls many of the computer controls in the vehicle."

Anonymous A., CA (2023 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Tire wear is uneven

"The tires were not properly aligned at dealer when delivered resulting in excess wear."

Anonymous, CA (2023 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Turbo or supercharger

"The engine has no power in fuel efficiency mode. In sport mode it is a little better, but still under powered. The engine also revs up while going down hill, despite being given no gas."

Anonymous, NY (2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The A/C compressor failed about one year into ownership. It suddenly failed; there was no warning. It was replaced under warranty."

Anonymous, MO (2023 Subaru Forester Touring 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Indicator that gas tank cap not tight"

Anonymous A., CA (2023 Subaru Forester Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Auto stop/start malfunction

"Autostop is automatically on with no way to change the setting."

Anonymous, NY (2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

Subaru Forester

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Body Hardware

What Owners Say

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

What Owners Say

Engine Electrical

What Owners Say

Engine Minor

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

Engine Cooling

Noises And Leaks

Transmission Major

Brakes

Drive System

Transmission Minor

2023 SUVs Reliability

Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability