Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Subaru Forester owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 The head gasket had been replaced by the dealer (Don Miller Subaru East- Madison) per a warranty at 100K.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.
On 7/31/23 I was driving on the highway when I started to hear a knocking sound. I got off the highway and my car stalled at the light off the exit. I was able to restart it after three tries and get it about 50 ft to the shoulder. At that point there was smoke coming from under the hood. I called AAA and had it towed to a nearby garage. They told me it had to go to the dealer because it likely needed a new engine. They said that the oil had mixed with the antifreeze. The dealer stated it needed a new engine. It was a catastrophic engine failure. I never had any warning (no panel lights ever illuminated) of any issue with the oil or engine issues. I feel very lucky that I did not have an accident due to this sudden failure. The cost of the repairs is estimated between $9,000 and $15,000 on a vehicle that is supposed to last 250K. It currently has 98K miles on it. …
While driving, the engine suddenly went dead with no warning. No lights came on no over heating signal, no warnings. Just gone. I could have been killed in other circumstances. Fortunately, I was going down hill in the slow lane and was able to get at least partially off the road. Subaru said the engine had no oil! This should not be possible with no warning and the good care and maintenance I have given the car. I just learned that Subaru settled a class action law suit for this exact problem. This is extremely dangerous and very common. Yet, Subaru did not let me know and will not do anything about it. How many others are in danger?
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.
I was driving on the highway and the oil light came on as well as a ticking noise and vibration throughout the car. The engine shut off and now will not start. There is plenty of oil, gas, and the battery is charged. The engine turns when I turn the key but won't actually start and run. Makes a loud squeek as it trys.
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Subaru Forester. While driving approximately 30 MPH in bumper to bumper traffic, the check engine indicator illuminated along with other unknown indicators. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact opened the hood and observed flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire and was towed to a tow yard. The contact called metrowest Subaru at [phone] (located at 948 worcester st, natick, ma 01760), but no one answered the phone. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was not provided.
In June while driving to la from yosemite, my oil light began flickering, engine had about 46K, then came on at times while driving from san diego to la. Subaru told me it was a faulty oil switch. Replaced with autozone ps309. Drove from denver to bismarck nd to drive my cousins kid with a tumor on his heart and spine to mayo clinic to rochester, mn for chemo 2 times to take some pressure off of the family. In the middle of south dakota, my oil light came on again. I changed the oil and filter. Oil light still on, even though totally full of oil, engine is still very hot. Did not sleep all night, worried about car. I went 35 MPH on the highway to Subaru dealer in bismarck nd, and was told there is new oil sensor, no problems, drive on, would cost $175 to change sensor (my engine is still under warranty). …
1. Cars short block is replaced 4 days ago under warranty. The temperature dropped to -20 celcius (-25 celsius with wind chill) I started the car and it is making rattling noise. Although I always warm the car by for approx 5 min like last day, yet a continuous rattling noise is there, and I have a feeling that time-to-time it shake vigorously after short block replacement by the Subaru dealer. I have yet to contact the dealer for the issue. Presently vehicle is making rattling noise while stationary and all the time when in motion too. 2. Seat belt receiver for driver and passenger side and literally bad; dealer refused to replace them under warrant. Although I put a little of lithium grease then-after they are working great.
I'm sorry, but I'm sending in another incident report as I just want to amend my prior incident report # 11064585. If you are able to access that you will see that my engine failed on my 2013 Subaru forrester. In the description I sent to you, I completely forgot to mention that the Subaru dealership told me that it would cost between $8,000 to $12,000 to fix this problem! I have three Kia's in my driveway, all with mileage over 125,000 and none of them have had this problem. I bought the Subaru for their reliability and dependability. Please add this to my prior case number file. Thanks so much.
Engine complaints in other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Subaru Forester, 35% of the model year's 78 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2013 Subaru Forester engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Subaru Forester, though it has 12 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Forester engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.