2013 Subaru Forester Problems

What owners reported to NHTSA about the 2013 Subaru Forester, its recalls, and what to check before you buy one.

Subaru Forester, 2012 to 2013 model years
Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
How the 2013 compares

One of the better Forester years

Owners filed about 83% fewer complaints than a typical Forester year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 82,000 miles.

Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Forester years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

Owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA about the 2013 Subaru Forester. The most reported problem area is the engine and cooling (27, 35% of complaints), followed by the air bags and the brakes and stability control. That ranks 11th of 13 Forester years from 2012 to 2024 for complaints. It has 12 recalls.

Complaints78filed with NHTSA
Recalls12for this model year
Crashes1311 injuries reported
Fires3reported in complaints
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Most reported problems

Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2013 Subaru Forester before you buy.

Engine and cooling

27 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 82,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
  • Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
  • Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
  • Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.

Tools that help

What owners said

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 The head gasket had been replaced by the dealer (Don Miller Subaru East-…Owner complaint, filed 2026
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 150,000 miles

Air bags

13 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 28,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
  • Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.

Tools that help

What owners said

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 as day that the air bags are still rolled up.Owner complaint, filed 2025
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…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 60,698 miles

Brakes and stability control

10 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 23,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
  • The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
  • Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.

Tools that help

What owners said

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…Owner complaint, filed 2022
I have been hearing a slight squeaking noise when driving. The other day it was a horrific, loud screeching noise! Took it in to mechanic, my caliper is stuck. They couldn't even manually spin tire. Because of this it burned up rotors and pads, so now I need to replace them all at a cost of $900! How does a caliper just freeze up??Owner complaint, filed 2018

Lights, wipers and visibility

9 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 16,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
  • Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.

Tools that help

What owners said

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 bulbs were replaced 4 times. The local dealer was not…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 70,000 miles
Since purchasing this vehicle we have replaced the drivers side headlight 6 times. In this same time period we have replaced the passenger side headlight only once. This concerns me, as it makes me think there is a wiring problem & a possibility of a more severe problemOwner complaint, filed 2017, at 3,000 miles

Cruise control and acceleration

7 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 47,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
  • Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.

Tools that help

What owners said

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, colliding with a brick wall, only then coming to a complete stop…Owner complaint, filed 2024, at 66,000 miles
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 positioned onto the street to drive forward in an eastward…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 60,000 miles

Transmission and drivetrain

6 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy

Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 50,000 miles.

What to check before you buy

  • Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
  • Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
  • Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
  • If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.

Tools that help

What owners said

This is a follow up to complaint number 11387558. I took my car to the dealership for the [VIN] 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 subaru has had trouble with their 2010-2013 models especially…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 56,000 miles
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 usually stalls out. It will stall out in traffic when I am…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 56,000 miles

Body, doors and structure

4 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
  • Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
  • Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.

Tools that help

What owners said

I parked in my driveway, which has a slight incline, put car in park but left ignition running and headlights on. I have parked in this space seven years and was not in habit of pulling the parking brake. I had a visitor who needed to see deck steps as it was nighttime. We both got out, went up the steps and I returned to turn off car.…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 20,500 miles
The contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. While driving at various speeds, the vehicle would not shift into any up gears without warning. The contact stated that the floormat on the front driver side would catch on the clutch while the vehicle was in motion. The failures recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it…Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 4,000 miles

Electrical system

3 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
  • Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
  • Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.

Tools that help

What owners said

The contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. The contact stated whenever he drove the vehicle during the daytime there was no visibility of the instrument display panel. However, at night the entire instrument display panel would auto illuminated. The contact stated the problem occurred every time he drove the vehicle. The vehicle was taken…Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 10,000 miles
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 put it in neutral and turn the key a few times and restart…Owner complaint, filed 2021, at 124,150 miles

Seats and seat belts

3 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
  • Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.

Tools that help

What owners said

1. Cars short block is replaced 4 days ago under warranty. The [VIN] 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…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 65,250 miles
Driving down the road did not see a ups truck parked along side of. Road . Rear ended the truck had seat belt on air bag deployed and head still hit the windshield why didn't. The airbag and seat belt prevent this?Owner complaint, filed 2015, at 28,000 miles

Fuel system

2 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
  • On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
  • Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.

Tools that help

What owners said

Goes through insane amounts of oil. Need to check and add oil almost every time I fill with fuel. Care has only about 50k milesOwner complaint, filed 2017, at 50,000 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2016, at 43,000 miles

Driver assist systems

1 complaintPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy

What to check before you buy

  • Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
  • Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
  • Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.

Tools that help

What owners said

In my vehicle, I have a backup camera and I'm thankful for it but also I strongly wish that vehicle had that backup sensor system as well with the increasing beeping sound as the vehicle gets closer to an object. Vehicles really need to be equipped with both the camera and backup sensors in combination to be safe. I had a small accident…Owner complaint, filed 2014, at 1 miles

Subaru Forester complaints by year

Compare the 2013 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.

Compare with similar 2013 compact SUVs

Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.

CarVs. its other yearsRecallsMost reported
2013 Subaru ForesterOne of the better years12Engine and cooling
2013 Toyota RAV4About average2Electrical system
2013 Honda CR-VAbout average2Engine and cooling
2013 Mazda CX-5About average1Electrical system
Compare side by side

2013 Subaru Forester recalls

This is every recall issued for the 2013 Subaru Forester, not what is still open on one car. A recall that was fixed does not show up any differently here. Check a VIN at NHTSA to see what is still open on the car you are looking at, and ask the seller for proof any recall work was done.

Seat belts

Nov 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V838000
Risk
The seat belt assembly may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the seat belt assembly, if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles. The front seat belt assembly force-limiter may not operate correctly in the event of a crash.

Air bags Inflator module

Jan 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V001000
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Subaru will notify their owners.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (STI included), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bags Inflator module

Jan 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V002000
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Subaru will notify their owners.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bags Inflator module

Jan 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V003000
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Subaru will notify their owners.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles had their passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Electrical system Switch

Apr 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V297000
Risk
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Air bags Inflator module

Jan 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V007000
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Air bags Inflator module

Jan 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V009000
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Air bags Inflator module

Jan 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V008000
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Subaru is notifying owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Air bags Inflator module

Jan 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V012000
Risk
An explosion of an inflator within the passenger frontal air bag module may result in sharp metal fragments striking the front seat passenger, driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Electrical system

Oct 2016 · NHTSA campaign 16V738000
Risk
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.

Brakes

Dec 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V830000
Risk
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may experience brake line corrosion due to salt water splashing on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector.

Brakes

Jun 2014 · NHTSA campaign 14V311000
Risk
Brake line corrosion may result in brake fluid leakage.
Fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will test the brake system by depressing the brake pedal and inspecting for brake fluid leaks.
Full recall summary

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia. Salt water could splash on the brake lines through a gap in the fuel tank protector, resulting in excessive corrosion of the brake lines. Note that affected vehicles not currently, or formerly registered, in the salt belt states identified above are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.

2013 Subaru Forester questions

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Forester?

The most reported problem areas on the 2013 Subaru Forester are the engine and cooling (27 complaints), the air bags (13 complaints) and the brakes and stability control (10 complaints).

Is the 2013 Subaru Forester a good year to buy?

One of the better Forester years. Owners filed about 83% fewer complaints than a typical Forester year. The area owners reported most is the engine and cooling, which half of owners reported by about 82,000 miles. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Forester years from 2012 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.

How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2013 Subaru Forester. The most recent, from Nov 2022, covers the seat belts. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.

At what mileage do 2013 Subaru Forester problems start?

Half of the owners who reported a problem with the engine and cooling gave a mileage of about 82,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the air bags gave a mileage of about 28,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.

Which Subaru Forester years should I avoid?

The Forester years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2012, 2013 and 2021. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.

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Where these numbers come from. Complaints are reports that owners filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), counted from NHTSA’s complaint database as of November 5, 2026. Owners do not have to prove a problem to file one, so a complaint is a report, not a confirmed defect. Models that sell in big numbers get more complaints, and newer model years have had less time on the road, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Recalls come from NHTSA’s recall database and cover every vehicle of that model year, not one particular car. Quotes are trimmed, and anything that looks like a VIN is hidden.