Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
2023 Subaru Forester WildernessRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 4 owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness. Most complaints involve service brakes (2) and power train (1). The EPA rates it 26 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
26mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
4
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$2,300est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
4 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2026 – Nov 2026
- Service brakes2
- Power train1
- Electrical system1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Other / unknown3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Service brakes
2 reports
“Transmission slipped, stranded me in the middle of a road XXX. Stopped wouldn’t go. Started locking down in reverse 1 month after I purchased the vehicle. XXX, my husband was backing down a road that had no turnaround. The RAB locked down, slammed so hard, the car slid six feet and the motor shut down. I found out a week later that L-5 was fractured in my back. The lockdown has hurt my [XXX] mother’s neck also, in March of this year. The friction clutches is fried in my transmission. My transmission is jerking, slipping, clanking, shaking from multiple lockdowns. I took vehicle to [XXX] Subaru XXX for service. I told [XXX] about it locking down, what is sounded like and what it done. He brushed me off, said that’s what it’s supposed to do and that it had something to do with backup camera. [XXX] went to my car and showed me how to turn backup camera off. Put car in reverse and hold RAB until off. XXX XXX, a dry rotted hose blew out. RAB light was on, check engine and more. I had it towed to [XXX]. I plainly told them it locked down in reverse. They told me my DOG tore it up and gave me a bill for a new transmission. Only 14 k miles. I took it to Hallmark Subaru…”
Power train
1 report
Electrical system
1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S8)
- Drive
- All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester Wilderness AWD Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 28 | 26 | $2,300 | 338 |
- 26mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 18434
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2023 Forester Wilderness questions
How many recalls does the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 12, 2026.
What are the most common 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness problems?
Owners filed 4 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (2), power train (1), electrical system (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness get?
The EPA rates the 2023 Subaru Forester Wilderness at 26 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026