2013 Subaru Forester Problems & Complaints

Most common 2013 Subaru Forester problems

• Engine & cooling~86,000 miles
  2735%
• Air bags~28,000 miles
  1317%
• Brakes~22,000 miles
  912%
• Speed control & acceleration~47,000 miles
  79%
• Other / not specified~37,000 miles
  79%
• Transmission & drivetrain~56,000 miles
  68%
• Windows, wipers & sunroof~16,000 miles
  56%
• Body & structure~4,000 miles
  45%
• Lights~50,000 miles
  45%
• Electrical system~10,000 miles
  34%
• Seat belts~65,000 miles
  34%
• Fuel & propulsion system~50,000 miles
  23%
• Driver assistance~0 miles
  11%
• Stability & traction control~107,000 miles
  11%
• Equipment & accessories
  11%

Share of the 78 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.

Subaru Forester complaints by model year

Best Forester years: 2013, 2024. Years to avoid: 2019, 2020, 2017, 2015, 2018. Compare all years →

2013 Subaru Forester recalls (12)

What 2013 Subaru Forester owners say

Engine & cooling all 27 →

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered for the repair under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

I was driving my 2013 Subaru Forester on 10.11.2026 and the engine caught fire driving at 35-40mph. I immediately stopped, and turned off the car. Fire Dept and Police responded and put out the fire. The fire was an oil fire is my best guess (blown head gasket?). The head gasket had been replaced by the dealer (Don Miller Subaru East- Madison) per a warranty at 100K. The mileage now is 165K. I and my partner are safe and not injured. I have reported this to Subaru America (Corporate) as well.

Air bags

The contact owned a 2013 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at 58 mph, another vehicle behind the contact rear-ended their vehicle which caused the vehicle to spun out of control and hit a concrete barrier between highways twice causing damages to the front and rear of the vehicle. The side air bags did deploy but the front driver side air bag did not deploy. The contact stated at the time of impact the contact was thrown backward in their seat which their seat belt did not hold the contact in place which caused the contact to move around in the vehicle in the midst of the crash. The contact sustain injuries such as a fractured right thumb, neck strain, lumps on the top and side of the head, bruises along their body where medical treatment was needed at a hospital via ambulance. A police report was filed. …

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while coasting downhill into his carport to park his vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated forward and crashed his camper. The vehicle became wedged underneath the camper and all four legs of the camper to fold. The airbags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was not injured and a police report was not filed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Brakes

My 2013 Subaru Forester had some noise (grinding) from the rear passenger side brake pad. I set up an appointment to have it inspected later that week. I then used my car to run an errand several days later. I was driving on the highway and found I had no brakes (brake pedal went to the floor). I was able to get to a parking lot and stop the car. When I exited the vehicle, I went to the right (passenger side) rear wheel and noticed brake fluid was on the pavement. This is concerning as the brake system should have redundancy (front brakes still work if the rear does not or vice versa). I had no brake pressure. I was told by the Subaru dealer that the brake pad had broken and fallen out, and in so doing the piston "went too far out" and brake fluid leaked as a result. This to me should not have eliminated all braking power for the vehicle. …

When the clutch is depressed the engine kills without indication anything is happening. All the dash lights come on and the power steering goes out. It has been happening repeatedly since last June. More frequently over time. If it happens on an off ramp or at an intersection the engine will not start for up to 5 minutes creating a safety hazard.

2013 Subaru Forester engines & fuel economy

EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.