2013 Subaru Forester Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2013 Subaru Forester has 93 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve engine and air bags.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 93 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
ENGINE
26 28%
AIR BAGS
12 12.9%
SERVICE BRAKES
9 9.7%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 7.5%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 6.5%
Quick Insights
The top category is ENGINE, accounting for 28% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 24 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Subaru Forester
The 2013 Subaru Forester has 93 owner complaints in this dataset. ENGINE is the most common complaint category, representing about 28% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2013 Subaru Forester are ENGINE (26), AIR BAGS (12), SERVICE BRAKES (9).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 52 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Subaru Forester?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 24 of 24 systems
ENGINE
26 Reports28% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
MY CAR HAS BEEN CONSUMING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL SINCE I HAVE BEEN MADE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM IN APRIL OF 2014 BY INDEPENDENT MECHANICS. AT THAT OIL CHANGE I HAD ABOUT A QUART OF SYNTHETIC LEFT AFTER ONLY 4500 MILES. I TOOK IT IN EARLY BECAUSE THE CAR WAS RIDING ROUGH AND THAT WAS WHEN THEY DISCOVERED THE LOW OIL LEVEL. I HAVE COME TO FIND OUT THERE IS A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SUBARU AMERICA OVER THIS COSTLY PROBLEM. I'M TOLD BY SUBARU THAT AFTER A COMPRESSION TEST THEY WILL CHANGE THE PISTON RINGS HOWEVER I'M TOLD BY MY MECHANIC THAT THE PISTON RINGS ARE DAMAGED BY LOW OIL AND DOES NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS COMPLAINT IS PROMPTED AFTER I DISCOVERED THE HORDS OF COMPLAINTS ONLINE REGARDING SUBARU'S OIL CONSUMPTION PROBLEM. I FEEL THAT SUBARU IS PUTTING A BANDAID OVER THE PROBLEM AND SAFETY IS IN FACT AN ISSUE AS PEOPLE HAVE HAD COMPLETE ENGINE FAILURE AND OTHERS HAVE SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS FIXING DAMAGE TO OTHER AREAS OF THE ENGINE BECAUSE OF LOW OIL. THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL. *TR
9/11/2014
2013 SUBARU FORESTER - CONSTANTLY BURNING OIL. NEEDS TO BE REPLENISHED OFTEN. *JS
2/7/2015
AIR BAGS
12 Reports13% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAD A SIDE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CRUSHED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS AND BLEW OUT THE DRIVER'S WINDOW. THE IMPACT NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER AND AGAIN THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED BUT THERE WERE SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE SENSOR SYSTEM. THE DRIVER'S DOOR WAS CRUSHED ALL THE WAY IN TO THE SEAT.
8/31/2013
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?
7/9/2015
SERVICE BRAKES
9 Reports10% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
2013 SUBARU FORESTER. 07/25/14 CAR HAD DIFFICULTY TIME ACCELERATING ON HIGHWAY.REPORTED TO THE DEALER THAT RIGHT FRONT WHEEL STARTED VIBRATING AND GETTING VERY HOT. DEALER INSPECTED R/F WHEEL, ROTOR WAS BLUE AND HARD TO TURN. INSPECTED BRAKES AND FOUND PADS STUCK IN BRACKET. CLEANED AND LUBED PAD SLIDES, CHECKED CALIPER WHICH WAS OK. REPLACED R/F ROTOR DUE TO RUNOUT CAUSED BY HEAT, HAD .007 RUN ROADTEST OK.) THE CALIPER WAS NOT REPLACED ON 07/25/2014. ON 08/18/2014 THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED CAR HAD DIFFICULT TIME ACCELERATING. BOTH FRONT RIGHT SIDE AND LEFT SIDE WERE VERY HOT. GOT CAR TOWED TO DIFFERENT SUBARU DEALER ON 8/18/2014 AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. *TR
8/18/2014
MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED IN APRIL AND APPROVED, BUT BY OCTOBER OF THE SAME YEAR MY BRAKING SYSTEM WAS COMPLETELY RUSTED AND STUCK. MY MECHANIC SAID HE HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT. THE REAR PADS WERE INTO STEEL, ROTORS DEEPLY GROOVED, FRONT BRAKE PADS STUCK IN BRACKETS CAUSING BRAKE PRESSURE TO GO TO REAR BRAKES CAUSING QUICK WEAR. THE REAR BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS HAD TO BE REPLACED, THE FRONT BRAKE PADS WERE ALSO REPLACED, THE BRAKE ROTORS HAD TO BE RESURFACED AT A COST OF $791. WHEN I COMPLAINED TO SUBURU OF AMERICA, I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE REPAIR WOULD BE COMPLETELY REDONE AT NO COST TO ME. I AM STILL WITHOUT THE $791 AND WILL HAVE TO SPEND MORE WAITING TIME FOR A REPAIR OF THE REPAIR. HOW COULD THIS HAVE HAPPENED TO A NEW CAR WITH JUST 24,000 MILES? I HAVE DRIVEN A SUBARU SINCE THE LATE 70S AND HAVE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE BRAKES...NEVER! *TR
11/19/2014
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
7 Reports8% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
CAME OUT OF A CAR WASH AND SHIFTED FROM NEUTRAL TO DRIVE THE SUBARU FORESTER ACCELERATED AT FULL SPEED WITHOUT TOUCHING ANY PEDALS. STARTED PUMPING BRAKES BUT THEY DID NOTHING. STEERED CAR THRU PARKING LOT NEXT TO CAR WASH AND SIDE-SWIPED THREE CARS AND SOMEHOW MANAGED TO STEER THRU THE REST OF THE PARKING LOT WITHOUT HITTING ANYTHING OR ANYONE. DROVE CAR INTO A SNOW BANK AND IT STOPPED. THE CAR WAS TOTALED. IT'S A MIRACLE NO ONE WAS HURT. *TR
3/8/2015
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. WHEN I LEAVE KEYS IN IGNITION I KEEP DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR TO PREVENT UNWANTED LOCKING. I OPEN DOOR, LEAN IN TO TURN OFF KEY. BEFORE I CAN REACH THE KEY, THE CAR STARTS ROLLING BACKWARDS. I THROW MYSELF SIDEWAYS TO AVOID CAR ROLLING OVER ME. BECAUSE OF INCLINE, CAR GATHERS SLIGHT SPEED AS IT ROLLS ABOUT 40-50 FEET DOWN DRIVEWAY (I LIVE ON A HILL AND DRIVEWAY INCLINE IS MORE PRONOUNCED FARTHER DOWN). IT VEERS SLIGHTLY TO LEFT AND I HEAR A "THUD." ENGINE STOPS, HEADLIGHTS GO OUT, AS BEST I RECALL. CAR WAS STOPPED BY A SIX-INCH DIAMETER TREE. WHEN I GET BACK IN, I HAVE TO ROCK THE STEERING WHEEL BACK AND FORTH TO GET THE IGNITION STARTED AND DRIVE CAR BACK TO PARKING SPOT. ODD THING IS THAT WHEN I GET IN THE CAR TO MOVE IT FROM TREE, THE GEAR IS IN "PARK." DAMAGE IS SUBSTANTIAL, NEARLY $10,000 BECAUSE OF WHERE IT HIT IN THE BACK AND INVOLVED THE EXPENSIVE EMISSIONS SYSTEM. I HAVE TRIED TO RECREATE THIS, PUTTING GEAR IN BOTH NEUTRAL AND REVERSE AT SAME PARKING SPOT. I STRONGLY BELIEVE IF I HAD UNKNOWINGLY LEFT IT IN REVERSE, IT WOULD HAVE IMMEDIATELY STARTED ROLLING BACKWARD; IF I'D LEFT IT IN NEUTRAL, THE WEIGHT SHIFT OF GETTING OUT OF THE CAR AND SLAMMING CLOSED ONE OF THE DOORS WOULD HAVE STARTED IT ROLLING BACKWARD AT THAT TIME, NOT LATER. USSA TOLD ME SUBARU HAS NOT OWNED UP TO ANY ROLLBACK PROBLEMS WHEN THE CAR IS IN PARK AND ON A SLIGHT INCLINE BUT I FOUND A SIMILAR ROLLBACK IN A SUBARU FORUM FOR A CAR THAT WAS SAME YEAR, SAME MODEL AND LOW MILEAGE, AS MINE IS. I NOW USE PARKING BREAK ALL THE TIME, NO LONGER TRUSTING THE CAR.
11/7/2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 Reports6% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER (N/A). THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED TO 30 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT DID NOT BELIEVE THAT THE FLOOR MATS WERE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO FURTHER DIAGNOSTICS PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 200...UPDATED 01/30/13 *BF UPDATED 2/4/2013 *JS
12/27/2012
WHILE BACKING INTO A GARAGE THERE WAS A UNCONTROLABLE ACCELERATION CAUSING DAMAGE THE THE REAR END OF THE CAR AND ITEMS STORED IN THE GARAGE. 8JS
9/1/2013
POWER TRAIN
5 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN A BURNING ODOR BECAME PRESENT. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT AND WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
3/18/2014
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). MY MILEAGE DROPPED FROM 30 MPG TO 25.5 MPG AFTER DEALERSHIP VISIT ON WAY TO ROCHESTER, AND 27 MPG BACK TO BISMARCK. CALLED SUBARU DEALER, WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS I WAS USING. CALLED SOA, BASICALLY WASTE OF TIME. CHANGED OIL AND FILTER AGAIN. DROVE TO ROCHESTER, SLIGHTLY BETTER GAS MILEAGE, LOW OIL LIGHT WAS ON THE ENTIRE WAY BACK. ADDED 1/2 QT. CALLED SUBARU DEALER ABOUT GAS MILEAGE DROP TOLD ME IT WAS THE GAS. DROVE FROM BISMARK TO MISSOURI TO DENVER ABOUT 1200 MILES. OIL LIGHT ON AFTER ABOUT 10 HOURS. SMELLED BURNT TAR SMELL NEAR ENGINE. CHECKED OIL IN DENVER. OIL AT LOW LEVEL OF STICK. ADDED ABOUT A QT. GOING TO DEALER TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE.
8/24/2016
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
HI, DURING MY DRIVING TO OFFICE THIS MORNING, THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. I DROVE THE CAR IMMEDIATELY TO AUSTIN SUBARU (200 W HUNTLAND DRIVE, AUSTIN TX 78752) AND AFTER THE INITIAL CHECKING, I WAS TOLD THAT LATER THAT THE PART FOR FIXING THE PROBLEM IS NOW ON BACK-LOG AND I HAVE TO WAIT FOR AROUND ONE WEEK BEFORE THE FIXING. I AM DEEPLY WORRIED THE SAFETY OF DRIVING THE CAR WITHOUT THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR. *TR
7/8/2013
THE MIRROR ON MY CAR FELL OFF WHEN I WENT TO ADJUST IT. I CALLED THE DEALER AND ASKED HOW TO REATTACH IT, THE SERVICE CENTER WAS EVASIVE, I WAS ASKED TO BRING THE CAR IN. ONCE I ARRIVED I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM AND THAT A RETRO FITTED BRACKET WOULD BE INSTALLED. I ASKED IF THERE WAS A RECALL AND WAS TOLD NO. THIS IS A SERIOUS KNOWN PROBLEM AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD HAVE A RECALL. THE MIRROR IS ATTACHED BY A BRACKET THAT CONTAINS AN ELECTRICAL CORD FOR A LIGHT. THERE IS NO WAY TO DETACH THE MIRROR FROM THE ELECTRICAL CORD. ONCE THE BRACKET COMES OFF THE MIRROR SWINGS WILDLY WHILE DRIVING. THE 15 MILE DRIVE TO THE DEALER WAS HARROWING. THE MIRROR SWUNG WILDLY, AT ONE POINT HITTING THE DASHBOARD. I HAD TO LEAN WAY TO THE RIGHT IN MY SEAT TO AVOID BEING HIT IN THE HEAD. I GRABBED THE MIRROR AS I WAS EXITING THE FREEWAY SO AS NOT TO BE HIT AND WAS IN A NEAR MISS ACCIDENT THAT SCARED ME. THE VERY NEXT WEEK THE IDENTICAL THING HAPPENED TO MY NEIGHBOR. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM WITH THE DEALER. *TR
7/24/2013
STRUCTURE:BODY
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAD A SIDE IMPACT ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE THAT CRUSHED THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS AND BLEW OUT THE DRIVER'S WINDOW. THE IMPACT NEARLY CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO ROLL OVER AND AGAIN THE SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. I WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED BUT THERE WERE SERIOUS INJURIES IN THE OTHER VEHICLES INVOLVED. I AM CONCERNED THIS MAY BE A DEFECT IN THE SENSOR SYSTEM. THE DRIVER'S DOOR WAS CRUSHED ALL THE WAY IN TO THE SEAT.
8/31/2013
TL* 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 WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
3/31/2015
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
REAR TAIL LIGHTS CONSTANTLY HAVE MOISTURE IN THEM. THEY SAY THIS WILL EVAPORATE WHEN IT WARMS UP. DOESN'T WARM UP IN WISCONSIN DURING LONG WINTERS - HELLO! *JS
2/8/2015
HAD TO REPLACE THE HEADLIGHT BULBS 4 TIMES IN A YEAR. ONE TIME I HAD TO DRIVE HOME WITH JUST MY BRIGHTS ON BECAUSE BOTH LEFT AND RIGHT BULBS BLOWN OUT AT THE SAME TIME.
3/9/2017
SEAT BELTS
3 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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?
7/9/2015
SQUEAKY BRAKES, SEATBELT RECOIL
12/2/2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT SHUT OFF AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE SEVERAL TIMES WHEN A BURNING ODOR BECAME PRESENT. THE CONTACT THEN NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE, AND A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A IMPOUND LOT AND WAS NOT INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
3/18/2014
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 IT. AFTERWARDS, THE CHECK ENGINE, STABILITY CONTROL, TIRE PRESSURE, SEATBELT LIGHTS ARE ALL ON, CRUISE CONTROL IS FLASHING (I DON'T USE CRUISE). I DON'T KNOW HOW THE INCLUDED PICTURE HELPS. I FEEL LIKE THIS ISSUE WAS EITHER ABSOLUTELY NOT ADDRESSED, OR IF IT WAS, THE REPAIR HAS DEFINITELY FAILED. EITHER WAY, I NEED TO KNOW WHAT I SHOULD DO BECAUSE THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE, MY KIDS HAVE TO RIDE IN IT AND I CAN'T TRUST IT NOT TO KILL EVERYONE NOW.
4/23/2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
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). MY MILEAGE DROPPED FROM 30 MPG TO 25.5 MPG AFTER DEALERSHIP VISIT ON WAY TO ROCHESTER, AND 27 MPG BACK TO BISMARCK. CALLED SUBARU DEALER, WAS TOLD IT WAS THE GAS I WAS USING. CALLED SOA, BASICALLY WASTE OF TIME. CHANGED OIL AND FILTER AGAIN. DROVE TO ROCHESTER, SLIGHTLY BETTER GAS MILEAGE, LOW OIL LIGHT WAS ON THE ENTIRE WAY BACK. ADDED 1/2 QT. CALLED SUBARU DEALER ABOUT GAS MILEAGE DROP TOLD ME IT WAS THE GAS. DROVE FROM BISMARK TO MISSOURI TO DENVER ABOUT 1200 MILES. OIL LIGHT ON AFTER ABOUT 10 HOURS. SMELLED BURNT TAR SMELL NEAR ENGINE. CHECKED OIL IN DENVER. OIL AT LOW LEVEL OF STICK. ADDED ABOUT A QT. GOING TO DEALER TO SEE WHAT CAN BE DONE.
8/24/2016
GOES THROUGH INSANE AMOUNTS OF OIL. NEED TO CHECK AND ADD OIL ALMOST EVERY TIME I FILL WITH FUEL. CARE HAS ONLY ABOUT 50K MILES
4/27/2017
BACK OVER PREVENTION:WARNINGS:EXTERNAL/PEDESTRIAN ALERT
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 BACKING UP EVEN THOUGH I HAD THE CAMERA BECAUSE MY EYES ARE MOVING BACK-AND-FORTH AS I'M A MANEUVERING THE CAR BACKWARDS SO THAT I AS WELL DO NOT HIT AN OBJECT ON THE SIDE. THANKS YOU FOR CONSIDERING MY REQUEST, FROM MY PERSONAL EXPERIENCE I KNOW THAT IT WILL SAVE LIVES AND INJURIES. *TR
3/31/2014
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* 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 TO THE DEALER, WHO TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE INSTRUMENT-DISPLAY PANEL BUT DID NOT PROVIDE A REMEDY FOR THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
7/31/2014
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
WHEN TURNING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY, THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. STARTED SWINGING WILDLY UNTIL WE STOPPED IT. *JS
2/7/2015
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
TL* 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 WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
3/31/2015
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I WAS DRIVING IN HEAVY SNOW AND USING THE HEATER FOR THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, WHICH IS BUILT INTO THE WINDSHIELD. THE ICE AND SLUSH CONTINUED TO BUILD ON THE WIPERS AND I CONTINUED TO USE THE HEATER. AT ONE POINT, THE SNOW HAD BUILT UP ON THE LOWER WINDSHIELD AND THE HEATER WAS ON. SUDDENLY, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ALL OF THE WAY ACROSS, ABOVE THE HEATER AND BELOW THE SNOW. THE TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE MUST HAVE CAUSED THIS CRACK, AS I WAS TRAVELING ONLY ABOUT 10 MPH (AS WAS EVERYONE ELSE) AND NO TRUCKS OR ANY TYPE OF VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME THAT MIGHT HAVE KICKED UP A STONE. I TOOK THE CAR TO SUBARU AND THEY SAID IT WAS DUE A PREVIOUS STONE CHIP. I DISAGREED VEHEMENTLY BUT THEY WOULDN'T REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE HAD TO PAY $325 TO GET IT FIXED. I FEEL THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT. PERHAPS THE WIPER HEATER SHOULDN'T BE ACTIVATED WHEN SNOW IS ON WINDSHIELD. I DO KNOW THAT TEMPERATURE DIFFERENCE IS USED IN GLASS MANUFACTURING TO FACILITATE BREAKING AT A CERTAIN POINT
2/14/2016
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
I TOOK MY CAR TO THE MECHANIC TO HAVE A BUSTED RADIATOR HOSE REPAIRED. THEY FOUND OIL IN THE COOLANT TANK, WATER IN THE OIL TANK, AKA FLUID CROSS-CONTAMINATION AND TOLD ME THAT I'D NEED A NEW ENGINE. THEN I GOT A SECOND MECHANIC TO CONCUR. THEN, I TOOK TO A SUBARU DEALER WHO SAID THE SHORT BLOCK OF THE ENGINE IS OK BUT THE HEAD GASKETS WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CAR HAS 107K MILES ON IT! SUBARU NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THIS DEFECT! AS A NOTE, NO RELEVANT DASHBOARD LIGHTS EVER ILLUMINATED. (2013 FORESTER, 1 OWNER)
11/14/2019
EQUIPMENT
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE ?LOOKUP? FOR THE VIN NO. ON YOUR WEBSITES IS DYSFUNCTIONAL. MY VIN IS [XXX] (SUBARU FORESTER) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
1/8/2020
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS:BULBS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.
11/9/2022
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS:BULBS
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.
11/9/2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
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 after colliding with a tree. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was not filed, and injuries were reported. The contact reported an injury to her left eye but did not seek treatment. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and a technician was sent to inspect the vehicle. The failure mileage was 66,000.
5/28/2024
STRUCTURE:INTERIOR PANELS:SUN VISOR
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
See attached document for complaint.
8/23/2024
STRUCTURE
1 Report1% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
See attached document for complaint.
8/23/2024
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Subaru Forester?
Are complaints about the 2013 Subaru Forester a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Subaru Forester?
Are complaints about the 2013 Subaru Forester severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Subaru Forester: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 93
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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