NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2023 Subaru Forester scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 69 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Subaru Forester earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, placing it in the Strong band. Confidence for safety-focused shoppers is supported by this score, a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology, and a single active recall. Shoppers should confirm remedy of this recall.
The 2023 Subaru Forester received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Subaru Forester ranks 50 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 69 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 50 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Subaru Forester?
The 2023 Subaru Forester achieved an overall 5-star rating from NHTSA, contributing significantly to its Safety Index score of 89 out of 100. This score mirrors the 2022 model year exactly, indicating consistent safety performance within the generation. Crash protection accounts for 66 of a possible 70 points in the index. The vehicle’s avoidance technology received a perfect 10 out of 10, a reflection of standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all trims. The defect record component, however, returned a softer 13 out of 20. This segment was affected by a single driveshaft recall impacting 2023 Forester units, alongside 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, and WRX models. While owner complaints are unverified, 69 were reported, with 11 specifically concerning the Forward Collision Avoidance system. This concentration of complaints is notable, especially as the same system received full marks in the avoidance technology assessment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Subaru Forester achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in federal safety ratings. Frontal and side crash protection both earned perfect 5-star scores. Rollover resistance was rated 4 out of 5 stars, with the NHTSA dynamic tip test resulting in "No Tip" and a measured 17 percent rollover risk.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18433
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
One recall affects this model year, targeting the front driveshaft on certain 2023-2024 Forester vehicles alongside related Subaru models. The campaign falls under the Powertrain, Driveline, Driveshaft category. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the DATA for this campaign, but shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN through NHTSA.
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT23V754000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2023-11-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Subaru Forester?
Owners have filed 69 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including alleged reports of 7 crashes, 4 fires, and 5 injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified allegations are Unknown or Other issues at 19 reports, Forward Collision Avoidance at 11, and Visibility and Wiper systems also at 11.
69 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Subaru Forester?
A specific and significant recall for the 2023 Forester warrants attention from prospective buyers. Owners should confirm the driveshaft recall has been addressed. This remedy is typically performed by an authorized dealer at no cost, and verifying its completion requires only a brief check of the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool.
- The 2023 Forester's Safety Index of 89 out of 100 held flat versus the 2022 model's identical score, indicating no safety regression but also no improvement in this specific model year transition.
- A single driveshaft recall, classified under Powertrain, Driveline, Driveshaft, is the only recall campaign on record for this model year and was issued covering 2023-2024 Forester units among other Subaru models.
- NHTSA's dynamic tip test returned a No Tip result for this model year, and the 17 percent rollover risk figure corresponds to a 4-star rollover rating, the only star category that fell short of the maximum 5 stars.
- Unverified owner complaints show 11 alleged reports specifically targeting the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a concentration worth noting given the system's standard fitment and the 4 alleged fire reports also on record with NHTSA.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Subaru Forester places
The 2023 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2023 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Subaru Forester, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2023 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Subaru Forester earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Subaru Forester. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 69 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Subaru Forester. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forester years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18433), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2023.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 50 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.