Subaru · Known Issues
2023 Subaru Forester Problems: 5 Known Issues
2023 model year · 1,400+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2023 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2023 model year · 1,400+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
2023 · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2023 Subaru Forester has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Front Driveshaft Outer Race Crack and Breakage (Recall WRP-23). The most commonly reported issue is Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera with 1,400 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $150 to $1,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
WHEELS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles equipped with 18" aluminum alloy wheels. The wheels may have been manufactured with an incorrectly specified lug seat surface, which can result in the wheel being improperly attached and cause a loss of vehicle stability.
CHILD SEAT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2025 Forester vehicles. The child seat anchor bolts may have been improperly tightened, allowing the bolts to come loose.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2026 Crosstrek Hybrid, 2025-2026 Forester Hybrid, Forester, and 2019-2026 Ascent vehicles. These vehicles were manufactured with an incorrect Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) on the certification label. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 110, "Tire selection and rims."
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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,400+ owner reports, the 2023 Subaru Forester has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front Driveshaft Outer Race Crack and Breakage (Recall WRP-23), Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera, Starlink Infotainment Screen Freezing, Rebooting and Black Screen. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2023 Subaru Forester has 5 known issues documented across 1,400+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Front Driveshaft Outer Race Crack and Breakage (Recall WRP-23). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $150 to $1,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Certain 2023-2024 Foresters left the factory with a front drive shaft assembly whose outer race was improperly cooled during manufacturing and can crack, then break over time, causing loss of motive power or a rollaway if parked without the parking brake. Recall WRP-23 (NHTSA 23V… Severity: high.
5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress conc… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
The Harman-built Starlink head unit on 5th-gen Foresters freezes on startup, reboots in a loop every few seconds, or goes to a black/blank screen, often after a software update. Subaru issued TSB 15-228-18R covering 2019-2020 Forester (among other models) for display freeze-up or… Severity: medium.
For 2019 the SK Forester switched the FB25 from port injection to direct injection. With no fuel washing over the back of the intake valves, oil vapor from the PCV system bakes onto the valves and ports as hard carbon. Deposits restrict airflow and disturb valve sealing, and once… Repairs typically run $150-$900. Severity: medium.
The boxer engine's two valve covers face outward and sit low on each side, exposing the cork/rubber valve cover gaskets and the spark plug tube seals to heat cycling and the path of any leaking oil. As these seals harden and shrink, oil seeps out and visibly drips onto the exhaus… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.