2013 SUBARU FORESTER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru Forester. This model year has 77 NHTSA complaints β top issue: Engine Problems.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2013 Subaru Forester Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Considering a 2013 Subaru Forester?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Subaru Forester. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 26 | β | 1 | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 13 | 6 | β | β | |
| Brake System | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 4 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | 2 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 2 | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | β | 1 | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Showing 77 most recent complaints
I had a family member driving an 2013 Subaru Forester all-wheel drive with a manual transition. The car had crash and rolled. The car at the most rolled twice and none of the air bags never deployed. I have photos of the accident and of the vehicle at the towed yard and its clearβ¦
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 oβ¦
See attached document for complaint.
The contact owned a 2013 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while idled in reverse with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle accelerated in reverse on its own, colliding with a deck, after which the vehicle shifted into drive and continued to accelerate on its own, collidβ¦
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 underβ¦
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 roaβ¦
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 aβ¦
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 thβ¦
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 pedalβ¦
My car is consuming oil.
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the taillight light bulbs approximately 10 times. The headlight light buβ¦
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 β¦
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 reβ¦
I UNDERSTAND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE THAT CLAIMS TO BE REPAIRED- THE IGNITION TURNING OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAPPENED A FEW MINUTES AGO WHILE DRIVING 65+ ON THE FREEWAY AND WE WERE ALMOST HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER BECAUSE OF IT. ZERO POWER WHATSOEVER. I WAS ABLE TO Pβ¦
ON 4/3/21 AT APPROXIMATELY 1:30 PM, THE 2013 SUBARU FORRESTER WAS SLOWLY BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE, GEAR WAS IN REVERSE, FOOT ON ACCELERATOR WITH SPEED OF <1 MPH; JUST ENOUGH MOMENTUM TO GET CAR OUT OF GARAGE, DOWN DRIVEWAY AND ONTO THE STREET. WHILE STILL IN REVERSE, THE CAR WAS β¦
EXCESSIVE OIL LEAKING FROM VALVE COVER SEALS AND CAM SHAFT SEALS. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 120K MILES. VEHICLE LEAKS APPROXIMATELY 2 QUART OF OIL EVERY 1000MILES. DEALER COST TO REPAIR IS OVER $2500. REPAIR CAN'T BE COMPLETED WITHOUT COMPLETELY REMOVING ENGINE FROM VEHICLE, AND EXTENSIVEβ¦
THIS IS A FOLLOW UP TO COMPLAINT NUMBER 11387558. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TORQUE CONVERTER..THE CAR WAS GETTING WORSE WITH SHAKING, SHUDDERING AND STALLING. THEY REPLACED THE TORQUE CONVERTER AND CHARGED ME $1,029.25. THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD MEβ¦
THE CAR ENGINE WANTS TO STALL OUT WHEN CHANGING FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE WHILE PULLING ONTO THE STREET. IT USUALLY DOES THIS WITHIN THE FIRST 10 MINUTES OF DRIVING. IT ALSO WANTS TO STALL OUT WHEN I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP-IT WILL SHUDDER AND SHAKE AND CATCH ITSELF AT TIMES BUT IT β¦
MY FORESTER WILL NOT RELEASE THE KEYS FROM THE IGNITION, EVEN WHEN I AM VERY CAREFUL TO PUT IT IN PARK. I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A WELL KNOWN PROBLEM, AS THEY HAVE A TSB 16-112-18R ABOUT IT. WHEN I CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA, THEY REFUSED TO COVER THE COST OF THE REPAIR DUE TO β¦
EXCESSIVE OIL COMSUMTION - STARTED BEFORE 100,000 AROUND 2016- HAS GOTTEN WORSE - BURN A QUART AND A HALF IN 1100 MILES.... HAD OIL CONSUMPTION TEST BEFORE WARRENTY RAN OUT AND WAS TOLD ITS FINE. EXCELLENT MAINTAINANCE ON CAR - OIL CONSUMPTION RUINED CATALYTIC CONVERTOR BY 150,0β¦
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Subaru Forester.
Recalls for 2013 Subaru Forester
12 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Forester. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2013 Subaru Forester β FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Subaru Forester reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. The 2013 Subaru Forester has 77 NHTSA owner complaints, 13 crash-related, and 12 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (26 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Forester?βΎ
#1: Engine Problems (26 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (13 complaints). #3: Brake System (9 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Subaru Forester?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Subaru Forester?βΎ
The 2013 Subaru Forester has 13 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 77 total NHTSA complaints. 11 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Subaru Forester have any recalls?βΎ
Yes β 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Subaru Forester. The largest issue: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Subaru Forester?βΎ
The 2013 Subaru Forester has severe issues β review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2013 Subaru Forester
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.