2023 SUBARU FORESTER

1 recalls, 102 complaints - 182 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

Defect Description

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

4,701 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

102 total complaints 9 crashes 1 fires 5 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
ENGINE	15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	12
POWER TRAIN	7
STEERING	7
SERVICE BRAKES	6
AIR BAGS	3
SEATS	3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	3
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL	3

Incident date: Apr 4, 2025

Multiple control modules lost communication due to faulty Can Bus connection behind glove box. Vehicle went into limp mode then forced me to put in park while at red light, essentially disabling vehicle.

Incident date: May 4, 2023

Front Driver side and front passenger side door actuator has failed. Locks are non responsive to key fob or interior master switch. The door locks have to be manually unlocked with the key or by the individual in the vehicle. It is a complete safety hazard. My local Toyota dealer has quoted me $1,76... Read more

Incident date: Jul 19, 2025

While being driven on a residential street, the vehicle suddenly displayed a 'Stop Safely' warning on the dashboard. Upon an attempted restart, the vehicle suffered a total electrical blackout and complete loss of propulsion power while in the middle of a live roadway. All internal and external ligh... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

It’s July 7, 2025 driving the car to get to a work related visit. It’s a 14/15 mile drive from my home. I get to my destination. Coming back home about a minute on the road my vehicle begins to struggle as I accelerate to continue the speed limit of 35 mph. vehicle is struggling to maintain spee... Read more

Incident date: Apr 3, 2026

THIS REQUIRES A RECALL ASAP. Dealers are well aware of this problem as is Lincoln CHQ but Lincoln refuses to address it. Rear camera cannot differentiate between steady rain & an object which then causes car to engage the collision avoidance system which then prevents ability to drive in reverse gea... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

On March 17, 2026, while my vehicle was parked, I observed light smoke coming from the rear seatback, followed by a visible burn/melt mark in the seat fabric. I believe this occurred due to concentrated reflection of sunlight from nearby house windows onto the rear seat. There were no external heat ... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

1. The front brake on my 2023 Audi Q8 produce an ear-piercing noise when backing up after the car has set for a period of time. 2. The dealer and manufacture state this is not a safety concern, but rather just an annoying noise I have to put up with. 3/4. This ear-piercing noise has been inspecte... Read more

Incident date: Dec 17, 2025

Eyesight camera randomly turns off and on while driving. Has been consistent over several months pierced to be an ongoing issue that was previously recorded from 20 14–20 21 super Forrester. Very similar issue now with my 2023.

Incident date: Mar 2, 2026

Noise coming from the CV axles when the steering wheel is turned either left or right.

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

Despite having the EGR replaced under recall the unit still exploded while driving on wed 4 Mar 2026. Fluids were leaking and had indicated issues with the electric shifter. The local dealerships states the egr cooler needs replaced, coolant tank, DPF and oil change (despite just being done the Sat... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2026

Several things have been going wrong with this car. I have only had it for about 7 months. Minimal driving. Got the car with 84,000 miles and it now has 88,000 miles. About 2 months ago the check engine light came on. Got it into a shop and they said an oil change may possibly help with this. Got th... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2025

The eyesight system fails on almost a daily basis. When this happens, multiple safety features shutdown. Lane assist and departure warning stops working. Collision avoidance stops working. Cruise control stops working. Proximity warning alarms stop going off. The local dealership has repeatedly... Read more

Incident date: Dec 20, 2025

Dealer failure to to remedy engine replacement under settlement. I am entitled under the March 1, 2022, Settlement Agreement (the “E2 Settlement”) due to recurring Theta II engine failures caused by the oil-starvation/connecting-rod bearing defect. Vehicle stalling on highways and heavy traffic,... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The steering locked up when the brakes were pressed and the steering wheel was turned to avoid crashing with another car. The result is the crash happened and damage to both cars. Thankfully traffic was only going around 10 mph. If this had happened at high speed my son may have been seriously in... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

Super-bright LED headlights are blinding and unsafe. Brightness level of headlights needs to be regulated. When driving at night, I can't see the road in front of me. If there is a vehicle equipped with these super-bright headlights behind me, all of my mirrors become dazzled with the bright light, ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Mercedes-Benz GLA250. The contact stated that the sunroof panel was tilted on one side and fractured. There were no warning lights illuminated. Upon researching the failure, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V918000 (Visibility); however, the VI... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2025

I have a 2016 Toyota 4Runner at 143,011 miles. When it hit 125,000 mile mark the backup camera stopped working intermittently. The screen in the car goes blank. Turning the car on/off or changing gears does not affect this issue. It’s random and seems to becoming more frequent as more miles are pu... Read more

Incident date: Oct 21, 2025

My 2024 CR-V EX-L FWD has roughly 37,000 miles on it, and the tires have been rotated per Honda's built-in "Maintenance Minder". The inner shoulder of all four tires are worn to the extent that they need to be replaced. The rear suspension suffers from excessive negative camber; It is visually disc... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2023

The contact owned a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with Prinx Tires, Tire Line: High Country RT, Tire Size: LT265/65/R16, DOT Number: N/A. The contact stated that, while his son was driving at an undisclosed speed during light snowfall and attempting to reduce speeds, the vehicle lost traction. A... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Sep 15, 2023

Driving in mild foggy conditions, going 44 mph. My CRV dash had the BRAKE warning flashing and locked up my brakes. There was nothing in front of me do cause this. There was a car behind me that could of hit me. Everything in my car flew off the seats and it jarred my neck and back. My lowered ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2023

Crash

Incident date: Sep 10, 2025

The component/system that is malfunctioning is coding P-0826. Dealership says replace Transmission.Based on my experience with the vehicle, the transmission is not the main issue. There are symptoms of an electrical issue that is causing the vehicle to lose power, rough shift, stutter and hard shift... Read more

Incident date: Jul 6, 2025

While driving at highway speeds, the jeep suddenly downshifted, revved up a ton, and threw overheat and low oil warnings. The head gasket likely almost blew, we were very close to losing control of the vehicle. After googling, I discovered that this is a problem that Jeep is aware of: dozens of repo... Read more

Incident date: Jun 25, 2025

LT275/65R20 While driving Westbound on I87/US64/US264 at the on ramp of US64 business at highway speeds, the driver’s side rear tire tread de-laminated from the belts of the tire. Observed the entire tread airborne in rear view mirror. Pulled over to shoulder and observed for damage to other vehi... Read more

Incident date: May 29, 2025

since the purchase of my vehicle one year ago, my vehicle has consistently had codes that listed output to each headlamp, can bus code, it has also had engine control module code. This started a year ago and as of yesterday it still had codes. The code also include telematics and my infotainment sys... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2025

•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? oActive Brake Assist •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? oNo assist to stop the vehicle safely •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent serv... Read more

Incident date: Apr 4, 2025

Incident date: Mar 7, 2025

Water leaks into the trunk and back seat of the vehicle because the seal around the upper brake light in the rear glass is faulty, causing a mildew/mold odor in the trunk. It is not available for inspection as I had it repaired and sold the vehicle. The problem was confirmed by the glass company to ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 5, 2025

Becm failure Car suddenly stopped driving and or starting Had to have it towed home

Incident date: Aug 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the “DEF System Error - See Dealer" message was displayed with a countdown for reduced power. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the fuel system error in the fuel pump system needed... Read more

Incident date: Jan 27, 2025

My wife was driving to the store on surface streets at about 9am on a clear morning. At a stop light, waiting for the green. After light turned green she accelerated at a normal rate. Midway through the intersection (at about 10 mph) the vehicles emergency braking system engaged for no reason slammi... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2025

Transmission has had shifting, shudder and failure to go into gear from day 1 of owning the truck. Has been to the dealer on several occassions for the same issue just to be told that they either could not reproduce the issue or it was normal. On another occasion the dealer was able to notice some ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 GMC Yukon Denali. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the contact was notified by another driver that the rear taillights were inoperable. No warning light was illuminated. Neither a dealer nor an independent mechanic was contacted, and the vehicle was not diagnosed... Read more

Incident date: Jan 20, 2025

The failed component of the car was the drivers side fuel transfer pump. After noticing the faint smell of gas in my car i checked under the rear driver side passenger seat. I was shocked to find more than 16 fluid ounces of gas floating freely around the well of the gas pump.the insulation under ... Read more

Incident date: Jan 3, 2024

Was driving on the highway and the engine completely died on me. Towed it to the dealer only for them to tell me that the engine needs to be replaced.

Incident date: Jan 5, 2025

My mom and I were in her car brand new Mercedes adaptive cruise was on the car started to act up with all the warning lights again, which shut all safety systems down air back seatbelts, adaptive cruise, Tronics and the engine wall between 18 wheeler and the freeway wall slammed the vehicle into the... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 5, 2025

Crash

Incident date: Dec 1, 2024

CARVANA - SOLD ME A 2ND LEMON. Vehicle has significant oil leak. Front of engine as well as underside of engine is covered in oil. Alternator is saturated in oil. (Eventually burning out the alternator) Serpentine belt is also saturated in oil making it swell and becoming soft. Also makes the belt... Read more

Incident date: Nov 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Lincoln Navigator. The contact stated while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact later discovered that there was a hole in the rear sunroof. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to th... Read more

Incident date: Sep 18, 2024

When do you go does not detect lanes violently moves the steering wheel to try to maneuver you back into a lane. I’m constantly turning this feature off because it has posed a risk of crash on multiple occasions

Incident date: Sep 18, 2024

Incident date: Jul 17, 2024

The daytime running lights started to begin to fail around August of 2023. As of today(10/3/2024) the passenger side has completely failed around the headlight assembly and the driver side has only failed along the vertical strip of the headlight assembly.

Incident date: Jul 17, 2024

The contact owned a 2024 Honda Prologue. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized. In addition, the brake pedal was depressed, however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The vehicle speed increased independently. As a result, the vehicle crash... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 8, 2024

Consistently getting a warning that the axel locking system needs serviced. Mentioned to dealership and they said could affect how my 4 wheel drive will work or not be able to use the 4 wheel drive when needed.

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

On August 23rd 2024, I drove this vehicle all day. But, upon reaching our final destination (ER department entrance) smoke began rolling out from under the hood. Once getting out to inspection the vehicle someone hollered for a extinguisher. I turned to look at the vehicle and I could see underneath... Read more

Fire

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

panoramic sunroof stuck will not close. generally dealer purportedly recalled select vehicles acknowledging issue, however oem states this particular vin is not included in recall, not making any sense, if they acknowledge problem but decline to resolve for others

Incident date: Aug 27, 2024

Crankcase Ventilation Valve Problem code P052E71

Incident date: Aug 22, 2024

vehicle stalls while driving and at stops. has 65000 miles on it. No engine light comes on. starts right back up. very dangerous while driving. Mechanics cannot determine problem they said if no warning lamps

Incident date: Aug 22, 2024

Recall has been ongoing since February. Received notice and letter that remedy was available and took the car to dealer. Remedy was implemented but it still shows as an open recall. Sees like the manufacturer has failed to remedy or is not able to.

Showing 50 of 102 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 SUBARU FORESTER

2023 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 SUBARU FORESTER

182 manufacturer communications from 50 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	60
350000 EQUIPMENT	52
100000 POWER TRAIN	12
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	10
353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT	6
353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)	5
260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	3
160000 STRUCTURE	3

100000 POWER TRAIN

This bulletin announces the design change made to the front drive axle shaft assemblies to address cases of a clicking/cracking-type sound heard when driving with the steering wheel in the fully locked (left or right) position.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

270000 LANE DEPARTURE

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address cases were a halt code E5 and or DTC b28C7 is detected by the EyeSight Stereo Camera assembly.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To satisfy current supply demands, a new Subaru alternative replacement battery is now available.

350000 EQUIPMENT

To satisfy current supply demands, a new Subaru alternative replacement battery is now available.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses the reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information for all Gen 3 Telematics and Cp 1.5 infotainment equipped vehicles, starting with 2023MY, allowing access to valet mode through the head unit.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information for all Gen 3 Telematics and Cp 1.5 infotainment equipped vehicles, starting with 2023MY, allowing access to valet mode through the head unit.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses two symptoms related to EyeSight. The first to address 2022 and 2023 model year Foresters with DTC B28C7, for the camera being exposed to high humidity/temperature conditions without operation. The cooling fans may b

350000 EQUIPMENT

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses an error code 202 and or 204 when attempting to complete the STARLINK telematics subsription process.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin addresses an error code 202 and or 204 when attempting to complete the STARLINK telematics subsription process.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin has been developed for use as a quick reference tool to aid in diagnosing operational concerns of the Gen 2 Telematics systema??s remote access features.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

"This Bulletin provides insight in response to both customer and retailer feedback resulting from the use of OBD-II port connected devices. These devices are often employed by insurance companies to monitor driver activity for premium calc

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

100000 POWER TRAIN

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

116320 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address two symptoms: Cooling fans inoperable with EyeSight camera exposed to high humidity/temperature conditions; Temporary halt mode detected by the EyeSigh

350000 EQUIPMENT

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

100000 POWER TRAIN

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2023 model year WRX vehicles, certain 2024 model year Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles, and certain 2023-2024 model year Forester vehicles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address rare cases of DTCs P0011 (a??Aa?? Camshaft Position a?? Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance Bank 1) and P0021 (a??Aa?? Camshaf

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

160000 STRUCTURE

This Bulletin announces the repair procedure developed to address rattle-type sounds heard from the left and/or right B-Pillar area.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats.

220000 SEATS

This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats.

160000 STRUCTURE

This Service Information Bulletin announces the repair procedure developed to address rattle-type sounds heard from the left and/or right B-Pillar area.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This Service Information Bulletin announces additional diagnostic procedures and a detailed flow chart to be used when diagnosing customer concerns regarding the operation of the STARLINK Remote Engine Start (RES) feature.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files developed to address rare cases of changes made to the climate control settings without any activation from the driver or passenger.

350000 EQUIPMENT

118000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of new Harman audio unit amplifier units with revised internal logic designed to optimize efficiency while addressing customer concerns.

Showing 100 of 182 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehic... les use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints reported the ODS failed to operate properly, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, and/or the ODS incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash that is sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On August 14, 2019 ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Subaru requesting information on the subject vehicles and MY 2014-2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.On October 3, 2019, Subaru submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness of 366,282 MY 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles equipped with seat heaters.The DIR stated that over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals in the ODS sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible. If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of the right front seat occupant. If the ODS is unable to correctly determine the status of the front occupant, the airbag warning light may illuminate, and the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.Using vehicle production data and field occurrence frequency, Subaru determined the potentially affected vehicle production range to be between January 20, 2015 ?and August 1, 2017.In addition, Subaru indicated that over 99 percent of the related MY 2015-2018 field reports with vehicles in the production range involved vehicles with seat heaters.NHTSA's analysis of complaint and warranty claim data showed 1,440 of the complaints and 11,672 of the claims involve vehicles with seat heaters that were built within the production range covered by Subaru's recall.In addition, NHTSA's analysis showed a complaint rate of 393.1 per hundred thousand vehicles for the recalled population and 89.0 for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall. Analysis of warranty claim data found a claim rate of 3.2 percent for the recalled population and 0.3 percent for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall.Subaru will instruct owners with Subaru Forester vehicles produced in the affected vehicle production range, to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the sensor mat harness, inspected and replaced with a new part, including the seat cushion assembly, if necessary.Based on ODI's analysis, the actions taken by Subaru mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by ODS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles. For subject and peer vehicles outside the recall population and those equipped without seat heaters, ODI's analysis indicates that there is currently no safety-related defect trend. Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT.THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQ... Read more

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU FORESTER across all model years (1998, 2026).

114 Total Recalls

8,633 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

784 Reported Crashes

135 Reported Fires

10 Reported Deaths

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	17	View
2025	2	108	View
2024	2	38	View
2023 (current)	1	102
2022	1	137	View
2021	0	285	View
2020	0	798	View
2019	3	1,084	View
2018	3	669	View
2017	1	789	View
2016	3	609	View
2015	3	894	View
2014	2	576	View
2013	12	94	View
2012	15	140	View
2011	16	195	View
2010	17	307	View
2009	18	228	View
2008	1	67	View
2007	1	89	View
2006	2	121	View
2005	1	105	View
2004	2	270	View
2003	3	238	View
2002	1	109	View
2001	0	169	View
2000	0	95	View
1999	1	156	View
1998	1	138	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2023 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2023 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2023 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models