2023 Subaru Forester Problems: 4 Known Issues
2023 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated October 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Subaru Forester has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is Front drive shaft joint may crack and break — recall 23V754. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 4 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls
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.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
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.
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2023 Subaru Forester has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Front drive shaft joint may crack and break — recall 23V754, Check-engine light with code P0420 (catalyst efficiency) — bulletin 09-110-23R, Infotainment screen going black, rebooting or losing audio — bulletin 15-322-25. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2023 Subaru Forester has 4 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 1 issue is rated critical: Front drive shaft joint may crack and break — recall 23V754. 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.
What is the 2023-2024 Subaru Forester Front drive shaft joint may crack and break — recall 23V754?
The outer race of a front drive shaft assembly may have quench cracks from improper cooling during heat treatment at the supplier. Over time a cracked outer race could break, which can cause a loss of motive power, and the vehicle may roll when parked if the parking brake is not… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2023 Subaru Forester Check-engine light with code P0420 (catalyst efficiency) — bulletin 09-110-23R?
The engine computer can set code P0420, Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1), and turn on the check-engine light. Subaru issued a step-by-step diagnostic procedure for this code that checks other possible sources first, such as other stored codes, white exhaust smo… Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2023 Subaru Forester Infotainment screen going black, rebooting or losing audio — bulletin 15-322-25?
Subaru's Gen 3.1 head unit can fail in ways that leave a black or blank screen, a loss of audio, repeated rebooting, or CarPlay/Android Auto, navigation, Bluetooth or the touchscreen not working. The bulletin notes these faults may come and go. Applies to: 2019-2023 Subaru Forest… Severity: medium.
What is the 2019-2024 Subaru Forester Carbon deposits causing misfires, rough idle or lost power — bulletins 09-74-21R and 02-193-24R?
Carbon can build up on the fuel injectors, intake valves, intake manifold and combustion chambers. Subaru links the deposits to engine misfire codes, black exhaust smoke, lack of power, knocking (ping) and rough idle, and names fuel quality and how the vehicle is driven as major… 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.