2023 Subaru Forester: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Mature 5th-gen Forester with standard symmetrical AWD and EyeSight; low complaint volume and solid reliability make it one of the safer used buys in the class. 5 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2023 Subaru Forester ranged from $26,395 to $36,495 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Mature 5th-gen Forester with standard symmetrical AWD and EyeSight; low complaint volume and solid reliability make it one of the safer used buys in the class.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
Known issues
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Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated.
widespread · 686 NHTSA complaints · body
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Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars.
commonly reported · 255 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation.
occasional · 106 NHTSA complaints · engine
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Lower control-arm bushing wear carries over as a known 5th-gen suspension item, producing clunks and vibration over time.
occasional · suspension
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EyeSight forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activations and other driver-assist nuisance alerts.
occasional · brake
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=forest…
- samarins.comhttps://www.samarins.com/reviews/forester.html
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with genuine all-weather and light off-road capability.
- Spacious, practical interior with generous cargo room and easy step-in entry.
- Strong crash-test safety record and good resale value.
- Standard EyeSight driver-assist suite and top-tier IIHS/NHTSA safety ratings.
- High ground clearance and excellent outward visibility from the tall, upright greenhouse.
Cons
- Leisurely acceleration and a dated infotainment feel compared with newer competitors.
- Spontaneous windshield cracking remains the most common owner complaint, expensive to fix.
- Battery-drain complaints on the earlier 2019-2020 cars.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $26,395 | $29,995 | — | — |
| Premium | $29,395 | $31,995 | — | — |
| Sport | $30,965 | $34,795 | — | — |
| Limited | $33,075 | $35,995 | — | — |
| Wilderness | $34,020 | $36,995 | — | — |
| Touring | $36,495 | $39,995 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2023-subaru-forester-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($26,395). Higher trims started higher (up to $36,495), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2023 loses roughly another 30% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-forester/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $600–650/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,700–1,800/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~225k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/forester
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-forester-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2023 Subaru Forester have?
Documented issue patterns include: Spontaneous windshield cracking is the headline 5th-gen complaint: cracks appear from minor impacts or temperature swings, and replacement is costly because the EyeSight camera must be recalibrated; Premature battery drain and dead-battery complaints, often linked to the auto start-stop system and parasitic draw, most reported on the 2019-2020 cars; Direct-injection FB25 engine concerns are far fewer than the prior generation, but some owners report oil use, stalling or hesitation; Lower control-arm bushing wear carries over as a known 5th-gen suspension item, producing clunks and vibration over time. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2023 Subaru Forester reliable?
Mature 5th-gen Forester with standard symmetrical AWD and EyeSight; low complaint volume and solid reliability make it one of the safer used buys in the class.
How much did the 2023 Subaru Forester cost new?
Between $26,395 and $36,495 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Subaru Forester expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $600–650/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.