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2023 Subaru

Forester AWD

Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L

Subaru Forester: best and worst years
2023 Subaru Forester AWD (photo 1 of 2)

Closest available photo (2022 model year); you're viewing the 2023.

2022 photoUltraTech66CC BY-SA 4.0via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WDEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Automatic (AV-S7)EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

HP
182
Power to weight
0.053 hp/lb
Axle ratio
3.70
Aspiration
Naturally aspiratedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

Smog score
7/10
Real-world MPG
28.8 mpg, reported by 4 driversabout 0.2 mpg below the EPA combined estimate
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

GVWR class
Class 1C (4,001 to 5,000 lb)NHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 10/13/2026

Safety NHTSA record NHTSA, model year

Overall crash rating
★★★★★
Rollover rating
★★★★★
Stability control (ESC)
Standard
Forward-collision warning
Standard
Lane-departure warning
Standard
Recalls
1
Owner complaints
74 See on NHTSA
Reported injuries
6

Feature availability

Cameras & visibility

  • Backup camera
    Standard

Driver assist

  • Adaptive cruise control
    Standard
  • Blind-spot monitor
    Standard
  • Lane-keeping assist
    Standard

Reported problems NHTSA record NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER19%
  • FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE12%
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER10%
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7%
  • AIR BAGS6%
  • SERVICE BRAKES6%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 107 total.

Subaru Forester: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

127 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • May 28, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18-241-26

    This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.

  • May 18, 2026UNKNOWN OR OTHER01-167-08R

    This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

  • May 13, 2026ELECTRICAL SYSTEM16-156-25R

    This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.

  • May 13, 2026ENGINE02-193-24R

    This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).

  • May 4, 2026POWER TRAINSubaruNet Announcement (R

    This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.

  • May 1, 2026ENGINE18-230-26

    This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM).

  • May 1, 2026STRUCTURE:BODY12-279-26

    This bulletin announces a design change to the Power Rear Gate Drive (PRG) Unit to address rare concerns about a very slight drop immediately after the gate is fully open.

  • May 1, 2026STEERING07-234-26

    This bulletin announces design changes to the heated steering wheel switch assembly and harness. The new switch design relocates the connector, which requires a different harness routing.

  • and 119 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
3 yr / 36k mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60k mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Source: www.cars.com as of 2026-06

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.