2023 Subaru Forester Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the airbag system, particularly concerning the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor. Complaints describe the airbag not activating for individuals weighing around 100 pounds, despite the system being tested and confirmed to function within specified weight parameters. Another reported issue involves the structural integrity of the driver and passenger seats, which may impact airbag deployment timing. One incident involved a crash where the airbags failed to deploy, resulting in a minor injury. These complaints occur at varying mileages, with one crash reported at approximately 9,000 miles. Safety implications include potential non-deployment of airbags in a crash and inconsistent airbag activation for lighter passengers.

Owners report that the 2023 Subaru Forester experiences issues with its forward collision avoidance and adaptive cruise control systems. Complaints frequently mention unexpected braking with no apparent obstacles, occurring at speeds ranging from 35 to 65 mph. Some owners describe the vehicle abruptly reducing speed or coming to a complete stop, with one noting that the brakes locked up without warning. These incidents often happen when the adaptive cruise control is engaged, and some have reported near-collisions due to sudden deceleration. The issues are noted at low mileages, including one case at less than 2,500 miles, and have raised safety concerns among owners, particularly regarding the risk of being rear-ended.

Owners report issues with the 2023 Subaru Forester's exterior lighting, particularly concerning the factory-installed LED projection headlights. Complaints frequently mention that the low beams create a sharp cutoff line in the driver's field of vision, resulting in dark spots that can be distracting and potentially dangerous, especially in rural or poorly lit areas. Some owners note that the headlights do not provide adequate visibility, leading to near-misses with wildlife and causing other drivers to flash their high beams in response. The Steering Responsive Headlight feature, which moves the light beam with the car's motion, reportedly exacerbates the issue by shifting the dark spots, which can confuse drivers. These problems are noted at various mileages, and while no specific incidents have been reported, the described symptoms suggest potential safety risks.

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester report issues with the suspension system, particularly involving the control arm bushings. Complaints frequently mention that at around 21,000 miles, the front control arm outer bushings show significant wear, including tearing and dry rot, leading to erratic vehicle handling. Symptoms described include excessive body roll, instability on wet or uneven roads, and a tendency for the vehicle to slide or skid during turns, which could indicate safety implications regarding vehicle control. Some owners also express difficulties in obtaining acknowledgment or resolution from dealerships and the manufacturer, with one owner eventually finding a dealership that confirmed and addressed the bushing issue. These reports suggest potential concerns for used car buyers regarding the condition of the suspension components at relatively low mileage.

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester report two distinct engine-related issues. One complaint describes an incident where oil leakage onto the catalytic converter led to a fire, resulting in a total vehicle loss. This issue occurred shortly after an oil change, with the owner noting the oil filter's inverted position as a potential factor. Another complaint involves unintended acceleration while reversing, leading to a collision with a parked car and a concrete wall. This incident also resulted in a total vehicle loss, with the manufacturer indicating that the vehicle's systems functioned as intended. These reports highlight significant safety implications, including fire hazards and loss of vehicle control, at low mileage, approximately 200 miles in one case.

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester report issues with lane departure and related safety features. One complaint describes a sudden loss of emergency safety features, including the blind spot warning system, attributed to an error code related to gas fumes, despite the gas cap being secured. Another complaint involves the auto-steer system, which allegedly caused a crash by pulling the vehicle into a center divider and then into a mountain, resulting in one injury. These issues occur at various times and locations, suggesting potential intermittent failures. The safety implications include a loss of control and a crash, which are significant concerns for potential buyers.

Owners of the 2023 Subaru Forester report issues with unintended acceleration, particularly when attempting to park the vehicle. Complaints frequently mention that, despite the brake pedal being depressed, the vehicle accelerates independently, leading to crashes. These incidents occur at low mileages, with reported failure mileages of approximately 547 and 4,500 miles. Safety implications are significant, as both reported incidents involve crashes, with one resulting in an injury due to whiplash. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues with vehicle speed control that may affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle.