What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?
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.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
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.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester 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.
What is the 2023-2024 Subaru Forester Front Driveshaft Outer Race Crack and Breakage (Recall WRP-23)?
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.
What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera?
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.
What is the 2019-2023 Subaru Forester Starlink Infotainment Screen Freezing, Rebooting and Black Screen?
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.
What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester FB25 Direct-Injection Intake Valve Carbon Buildup — Misfire and Rough Idle on the SK Forester?
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.
What is the 2011-2024 Subaru Forester Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfires (FB25)?
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.
