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    Subaru Forester

    EPA MPG: 29 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Forester will be much more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from the 2025 model.

    The 2023 Subaru Forester has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2023 Subaru Forester owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    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)
    Other electrical system problem

    "would not hold stations"

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

    "seatbelt alert sound would not stop even when there was no passenger and belt was attached"

    Anonymous, CT (2023 Subaru Forester Limited 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

    Other body problem

    "While driving heard repetitive sound which grew progressively louder. We looked under the hood and dicover3d the serpentine belt had shredded with a whip like slice and about 50% of its width diminished."

    Anonymous A., NY (2023 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat belts

    "The rear middle seat belt failed to extend from its resting position so it could not be employed."

    Anonymous A., NY (2023 Subaru Forester Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Seat controls - power

    "It has settings for memory seat for the driver. The seat starts moving forward when I open the door making it difficult to get inside easily. I need to have the seat pushed back in order to exit/enter easily, but must have it forward to drive. Sometimes the seat moves forward after the seat has been moved back to exit, before I have gotten out of the car. I purchased this trim because I wanted the memory feature, but it has not been easy to use."

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

    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.

    What Owners Say

    Other minor engine problem

    "Every cold start rattles, worse the colder it is. Research indicates a bad timing chain tensioner. Thus far, dealer claims cannot reproduce, even when I have given them video of the issue."

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

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    2023 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA
    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Steering and Suspension
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    POWER TRAIN
    Nov 09, 2023
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V754000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 4701
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