2013 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 77 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2013 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2013 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2013 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Subaru Forester has 77 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 77
- Crash-related complaints
- 13
- Safety recall campaigns
- 12
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Airbag Malfunctions
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Airbag Malfunctions, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Subaru Forester?
The 2013 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system maintenance.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the engine for any signs of problems or prior repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and brake system maintenance.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 77 NHTSA complaints for the 2013 Subaru Forester, issues appear concentrated in the engine, airbag system, and brakes. Crash-related complaints account for 13 of the total. The data suggests potential concerns with these components, though the sample size is limited.
- Engine problems are the most frequently reported component, with 26 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions account for 13 complaints, the second-highest category.
- Brake system issues are noted in 9 complaints.
- Unintended acceleration is reported in 7 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Brake System
All 2013 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 26 | — | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 13 | 6 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 7 | 4 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 7 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 3 | — | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 clear…
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 o…
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, collid…
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…
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 roa…
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 a…
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 th…
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…
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 bu…
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 …
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 re…
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 P…
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 …
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 EXTENSIVE…
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 ME…
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 …
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 …
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 150,0…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Subaru Forester.
2013 Subaru Forester Recalls
12 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Subaru Forester. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 77 owner complaints, 13 crash-related complaints, and 12 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Forester?▾
#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?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 13 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 77 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 12 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 12 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2013 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.