Is the 2023 Subaru Forester a good car?
An honest AI verdict — reliability, common problems, and real cost to own.
A-8.5/10
The 2023 Subaru Forester Premium offers a superb balance of safety, fuel efficiency, and practicality, making it an excellent choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
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Pros
- Excellent safety ratings
- Standard all-wheel drive
- Spacious interior with great visibility
Cons
- Unimpressive acceleration
- Road noise at highway speeds
- Infotainment system can be laggy
Ownership at a glance
Fuel economy
26 mpg
Maintenance cost
$1,200/yr
Expected lifespan
200,000 miles
Common problems to watch for
- Occasional CVT transmission issues
- Windshield cracking
- Weak air conditioning performance
CarsJudge exclusive data
Active recalls (1)
The 2023 Subaru Forester has 1 NHTSA recall on record. Most recent: Power Train — Driveline — Driveshaft (campaign 23V754000). All recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
- 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.…
Recall data: NHTSA. Owner costs & MPG: anonymized aggregates from CarsJudge users who track this vehicle. Updated 2026-07-05.
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This AI-generated assessment is general guidance only, not a substitute for a professional inspection. Always inspect a used vehicle before purchase.