Power train: 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.
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 74 owner complaints for the 2023 Subaru Forester. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (13) and visibility/wiper (11). The EPA rates it 29 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
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.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Forester model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 134 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 142 |
| 2002 | 92 |
| 2003 | 191 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 106 |
| 2013 | 78 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 616 |
| 2016 | 416 |
| 2017 | 592 |
| 2018 | 498 |
| 2019 | 834 |
| 2020 | 603 |
| 2021 | 214 |
| 2022 | 100 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 31 |
| 2025 | 100 |
| 2026 | 34 |
“Eyesight collision braking system engaged as I was rolling up my driveway to go into garage. Garage door was rolling up and was about 5 feet off the ground when Anti Collision system engaged and slammed the brakes on. I was going under 1 mph and would not have hit the door. It beeped right before brakes engaged. This is the second time it has engaged when it shouldn't have. The first time was in a right lane, a car about 6 car lengths in front of me was and did turn right as I was driving down the road. It almost caused an accident with the car behind me. The brakes slammed on so hard my back and neck are now sore and it bent my fingernail backwards somehow on the steering wheel.”
“Windshield developed a crack during a week with wild temperature swings. There was no incident leading up to the development of the crack that would have caused an initial chip or point of failure. The initial crack appeared during the day where the temperature went from the mid-60s to below freezing with precipitation in a matter of hours. Crack was not present in warm AM and appeared during cold PM. It grew (initial crack ended where the scotch tape is) during a day later that week with another wild temperature swings. Clearly a failure in the tempering process and insufficient QA for the component.”
“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…”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD Auto (AV-S7), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,200 | 310 |
| 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 |
1 safety recall as of Nov 3, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 74 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (13), visibility/wiper (11), electrical system (8). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2023 Subaru Forester at 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2023 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall.