2023 Subaru Forester Premium ES, SMART
VIN: JF2SKAEC4PH511946 | 2023 | Subaru Corporation | YAJIMA PLANT, JAPAN
2023 Subaru Forester Premium ES, SMART — 2.5L 4 Cyl, AWD, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
B
78/100
Safety & Recall Score: Good
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 1 recall campaign
⚠ 74 owner complaints
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Plant: YAJIMA PLANT, JAPAN
NHTSA Recalls
1 Recall Campaign- Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024...
Owner Complaints
74 filed with NHTSA- Transmission slipped, stranded me in the middle of a...
- I am writing to formally report a critical safety...
Fuel Economy
29 MPG Combined- City: 26 MPG
- Hwy: 33 MPG
- Combined: 29 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
JF2SKAEC4PH511946
Model Year
2023
Make
Subaru
Model
Forester
Trim
Premium ES, SMART
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Seats
Not reported by manufacturer
Seat Rows
Not reported by manufacturer
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Engine
2.5L 4 Cyl
Manufacturer
Subaru Corporation
Plant Location
YAJIMA PLANT, JAPAN
Country of Origin
JAPAN
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — WMI Region
J → Japan
Position 2 — Manufacturer
F → Subaru Corporation
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
2 → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
SKAEC → Forester Premium ES, SMART
Position 9 — Check Digit
4 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
P → 2023
Position 11 — Plant Code
H → YAJIMA PLANT, JAPAN
Positions 12–17 — Serial
511946 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
NA U5
Cylinders
4 Cyl
Displacement
2.5 L
Displacement CC
2500.0
Displacement CI
152.55936023683
Horsepower
182 hp
Transmission Style
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Combined MPG
29 MPG
City MPG
26 MPG
Hwy MPG
33 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$11,000
GHG Score
6/10
CO₂ Emissions
310 g/mi
Barrels/Year
10.26
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Included
Lane Departure Warning
Included
Lane Keep System
Included
Blind Spot Monitoring
Included
Blind Spot Intervention
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not reported in manufacturer data
Adaptive Cruise Control
Included
Parking Assist
Not reported in manufacturer data
Dynamic Brake Support
Included
Pedestrian AEB
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Auto Braking
Not reported in manufacturer data
Auto Reverse System
Included
Daytime Running Lights
Included
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not reported in manufacturer data
Keyless Ignition
Not reported in manufacturer data
Auto High Beams
Included
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Curtain Airbags
1st and 2nd Rows
Knee Airbags
Driver Seat Only
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not reported in manufacturer data
Brake System
Not reported in manufacturer data
Steering Location
Not reported in manufacturer data
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Curb Weight
3,620 lbs
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Subaru Corporation
Manufacturer ID
19109
Make ID
523
Model ID
2234
Plant Company
Yajima Plant
Plant City
YAJIMA PLANT
Plant Country
JAPAN
Vehicle Descriptor
JF2SKAEC*PH
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
1
Recall Status
Recall campaigns found
Recall Campaigns
1 recall campaign identified
VIN repair status unknown — verify open recalls with NHTSA or a Subaru dealer.
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
📋
Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
🔔
Verify All Recalls Are FixedVisit the Subaru dealer with this VIN to confirm all 1 recall are resolved.
🔒
NICB Stolen Vehicle CheckFree check at nicb.org to confirm no theft, salvage, or total-loss history.
💰
Negotiate Using This ReportUse the 1 recall campaign as leverage for a lower price.
📝
Review Title & Lien StatusEnsure no outstanding liens before transfer. Your state DMV can verify title.
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$24,400–$32,400
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
5 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
IIHS Top Safety Pick
TSP+
Theft Risk Level
Normal Theft Risk
Safety Recalls
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.
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...
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....
Service bulletins and open investigations aren't part of this report. You can search them for free on NHTSA's site.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2023 Subaru Forester
$1,290/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$6,450
Maintenance (5yr)
$4,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$11,000
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$14,580
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Subaru Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Subaru dealer.
Find Subaru Dealers →NICB VINCheck is a free federal database. Run a check to confirm this VIN has no theft, salvage, or insurance total-loss history.
Run Free NICB Check for JF2SKAEC4PH511946 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
Select any state to see its current emissions testing requirements and lemon law protections.
Select a state above to view its requirements.
OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
Common:
Owner Complaints
Transmission slipped, stranded me in the middle of a...
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...
I am writing to formally report a critical safety...
I am writing to formally report a critical safety defect regarding the driver-side footwell design in my 2023 Subaru Forester Sport, which poses an immediate and severe risk...
Eyesight collision braking system engaged as I was rolling...
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...
Tires are wearing badly on the inside edge only....
Tires are wearing badly on the inside edge only. Suspension and drive train components make noise during normal operation.
The contact owned a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact...
The contact owned a 2023 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle independently accelerated, and the Forward Collision Avoidance system was...
Vehicle caught fire after oil change. Oil leaked from...
Vehicle caught fire after oil change. Oil leaked from engine onto catalytic converter and causes catastrophic engine fire
This 2023 windshield can easily be chipped. It has...
This 2023 windshield can easily be chipped. It has more than 10 visible chips/cracks.
My vehicle has experienced repeated stalling events, including while...
My vehicle has experienced repeated stalling events, including while the vehicle is in operation. The first occurrence began at approximately [mileage] and has continued intermittently despite multiple service...
Showing 8 of 74 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 5,000 mi
Subaru recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Due Soon
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Current
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Current
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Soon
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Current
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2023 SUBARU Forester based on vehicle class and age. These are projections from today’s general estimate, not past sale prices. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
Now
$28,400
+1 yr
$25,000
-12%
+2 yr
$22,200
-22%
+3 yr
$19,300
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,290/yr
17%
Maintenance
$900/yr
12%
Fuel/Energy
$2,200/yr
29%
Depreciation
$2,916/yr
39%
Registration
$250/yr
3%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$7,556/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
8.2
/ 10
Rank #5 overall
26 issues / 100 vehicles
Subaru Reliability
Subaru reliability varies by model. Recent models score well; older FB-series boxer engines had known head gasket concerns.
General editorial reference for this manufacturer, not a live or VIN-specific measurement — see the sources below for detailed, current data.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
Sep 11, 2023
Vehicles in a similar class to the 2023 SUBARU Forester and their approximate current price range:
Private Party
$21,500–$29,800
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$25,600–$35,600
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$26,400–$37,300
Manufacturer-backed limited warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
This vehicle model has 1 recall campaign on file. Use this as leverage — ask the seller to confirm this specific VIN's recalls are resolved, or reduce the price accordingly. Unresolved recalls cost dealers time and money to fix.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
33 PSI (typical)
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI (typical)
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI (typical)
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Service AWD/4WD differential and transfer case fluids
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Subaru Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k
May still be covered
Powertrain
5yr/60k
May still be covered
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
May still be covered
Estimated from the model year only. Factory coverage runs from the vehicle's original sale date, which this report can't confirm, and mileage limits can end coverage sooner. Verify remaining coverage with a Subaru dealer using the VIN.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2023 SUBARU Forester.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2023 SUBARU Forester:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
⚠ Check recall status first
This vehicle model has 1 recall campaign on file. Confirming this specific VIN's recalls are resolved before listing typically increases sale price by more than the time spent.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 74 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
Official government recall notifications. Free, direct from NHTSA. Covers safety recalls, investigations, and bulletins.
Sign Up Free →🔌 Carfax Recall Alerts
Free recall tracking through Carfax. Notifies you about new recalls and tracks which ones have been repaired.
Check Free →
VIN JF2SKAEC4PH511946:
1 recall campaign currently on file. Sign up to track when they are resolved.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,290/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN JF2SKAEC4PH511946 decode to?
VIN JF2SKAEC4PH511946 decodes to a 2023 SUBARU Forester Premium ES, SMART, assembled in YAJIMA PLANT, JAPAN.
How many recalls does this 2023 SUBARU Forester have?
NHTSA shows 1 recall campaign associated with the 2023 SUBARU Forester. This reflects campaigns issued for this model/year — it does not confirm whether this specific VIN's repairs have already been completed. Contact a SUBARU dealer with this VIN to check.
Is it safe to buy a 2023 SUBARU Forester with recall campaigns on file?
A recall campaign doesn't necessarily mean the vehicle is unsafe to drive, but any unresolved recall should be addressed promptly. Contact a SUBARU dealer with this VIN to confirm which specific recalls apply and whether they've already been completed — repairs are always free of charge.
What is the estimated value of this 2023 SUBARU Forester?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2023 SUBARU Forester Premium ES, SMART is estimated at $24,400–$32,400. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2023 SUBARU Forester get?
According to EPA data, the 2023 SUBARU Forester gets approximately 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,200.
❤ Support VinForFree
VinForFree offers a free VIN check with no signup required. If this report helped you, consider supporting the site.
Bitcoin (BTC) Address:
3JjL1STPyfyhiQk1E91Xss8FSa5brW8LG3
Ethereum (ETH) Address:
0x962Efcc84463D599beC4F5F0575D1ebF60c83745
Litecoin (LTC) Address:
MUZk3ZDrpM4KmQjAZsnd5t12bYKqfhNtx4
Cardano (ADA) Address:
addr1vy8zgurtrdxyq4lyz9wzgpguj3eraxl79shu2hgh9r2ux6cdgmjc5
Free VIN Check — No Signup Required
Decode any 17-character VIN instantly. Recalls, specs, fuel economy, crash ratings, and market value.
🔍 Search Another VIN