How many problems does the 2013 SUBARU Forester have?

The 2013 SUBARU Forester currently has 77 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.

What are the most common problems with 2013 SUBARU Forester?

The most common problems reported for the 2013 SUBARU Forester are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.

Where does this 2013 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?

All problem and complaint data for the 2013 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.

2013 SUBARU Forester Problems

ENGINE

22 complaints

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.

Feb 04, 2025

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. My biggest complaint is there was never any warning of this. I feel that is a failure of the electronic system that should have alerted me of engine issues and a defective engine. I also filed a complaint with Subaru but have not heard from them yet.

Aug 05, 2023

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?

Jul 11, 2023

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.

Jun 27, 2023

My car is consuming oil.

Nov 13, 2022

+ 17 more complaints for this component

AIR BAGS

9 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 clear as day that the air bags are still rolled up.

Dec 28, 2025

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

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 front driver side air bag did not deploy. The contact stated at the time of impact the contact was thrown backward in their seat which their seat belt did not hold the contact in place which caused the contact to move around in the vehicle in the midst of the crash. The contact sustain injuries such as a fractured right thumb, neck strain, lumps on the top and side of the head, bruises along their body where medical treatment was needed at a hospital via ambulance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard where it was later deemed as a total loss. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximate 60,698.

Aug 27, 2021

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS). SUBARU OF MUSKEGON (LOCATED AT 1878 E STERNBERG RD, MUSKEGON, MI 49444, (231) 799-2886) WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Apr 04, 2019

TAKATA RECALL PASSENGER SIDE FRONTAL AIR BAG

Mar 28, 2019

TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V009000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REMEDY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS NOT ABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WERE TO BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

Mar 25, 2019

+ 4 more complaints for this component

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

7 complaints

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.

May 28, 2024

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

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 DIRECTION. BEFORE THE GEARSHIFT COULD BE MOVED FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE (FOOT WAS NOT ON ACCELERATOR AT THE TIME), THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY SURGED BACKWARDS ACROSS THE STREET WENT UP AN EMBANKMENT CUTTING INTO NEIGHBOR'S YARD AND HIT A PARKED CAR IN THE NEIGHBOR'S DRIVEWAY AND STOPPED. THE FLOORMAT ON DRIVER'S SIDE LAY FLUSH/FLAT AGAINST THE FLOOR, THERE WAS NO OBSTRUCTION BY THE FLOORMAT OR ANY OBJECT TO THE GAS OR BRAKE PEDAL. DRIVER HAD SEATBELT ON AND SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES (BUMP ON HEAD AND ELBOW, ABRASION FROM SEATBELT, AND BACK PAIN) DUE TO HITTING PARKED CAR. SUBARU HAD TO BE TOWED ON A FLATBED TRUCK. IT LOOKED LIKE THE AXEL WAS BROKEN, RIGHT FRONT TIRE AND LEFT REAR TIRE WERE MISALIGNED, AND DAMAGE TO REAR BUMPER. SEE PHOTOS

Apr 12, 2021

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT ON THE DASH HAS COME ON BY ITSELF AND IS FLASHING CONSTANTLY AS SOON AS THE VEHICLE IS TURNED ON. IT CANNOT BE TURNED OFF OR ON WITH THE CONTROLS. THIS PROBLEM HAS CAUSED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND THE UNEVEN TRACTION LIGHT TO COME ON AS WELL. THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THIS EXACT SAME PROBLEM ON THE 2014 MODELS. I OWN A 2013 MODEL AND IT DOING THE SAME THING. CONTACTED SUBARU MAIN BRANCH ABOUT THE ISSUE AND THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH THE RECOGNIZE THE PROBLEM IS THE SAME IN MY VEHICLE AS 2014 RECALL.

Nov 20, 2019

AS I BEGAN TO BACK MY BOSSES CAR OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, I LOOKED OUT OF MY LEFT MIRROR TO FOLLOW THE CURVE OF THE DRIVEWAY IN ORDER TO DIRECT ME. I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING BEHIND ME, SO I PROCEEDED TO CONTINUE DOWN THE DRIVEWAY, AND THEN I FELT A BUMP. THEN I SAW IN THE CAMERA THAT I MUST HAVE HIT A VAN IN THAT WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY. THE BACK DOORS OF THE VAN WERE OPEN. THEN I DECIDED THAT I NEEDED TO PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE AND PARK MY CAR SO I COULD GET OUT AND MAKE SURE I DIDN'T HURT ANYONE. AS I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE, IT MADE A LOUD WINDING NOISE AND LURCHED FORWARD. IT THEN PROCEEDED TO ACCELERATE AND PICK UP SPEED IN THE DRIVEWAY. AS I BECAME PARALLEL WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE PARKED IN THE OWNERS DRIVEWAY, THE VEHICLE I WAS DRIVING WAS STILL PICKING UP SPEED SO I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND PUT ON THE BRAKES SO I COULD STOP THE VEHICLE, ALTHOUGH WITHIN SECONDS I WAS CRASHING THROUGH THE BACK YARD FENCE. THE VEHICLE PROCEEDED TO PICK UP SPEED. I WAS PUTTING A LOT OF PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES BUT IT WAS NOT MAKING ANY DIFFERENCE. I THOUGHT OF SWERVING THE VEHICLE TO THE LEFT, BUT I WAS AFRAID OF THERE BEING CHILDREN IN THE OTHER YARD SO I QUICKLY MADE THE DECISION TO HIT THE TREE SO I COULD SPARE ANY POSSIBLE LIVES AND STOP THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY. AS SOON AS I REALIZED I CRASHED THE VEHICLE INTO THE TREE, I IMMEDIATELY GOT OUT SO I COULD SEE WHAT HAPPENED. I KEPT REPEATING TO MYSELF 'WHY DIDN'T IT STOP?' I COULD NOT UNDERSTAND AFTER DOING EVERYTHING IN MY MIND TO STOP THE CAR, THAT NOTHING WAS SUCCESSFUL. I DID WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE BEST DECISION AS MUCH AS I COULD WITHIN THOSE CHAOTIC MOMENTS. I JUST WANTED TO STOP THE CAR AND NOT HARM IN PEOPLE IN THE PROCESS. I HIT THE TREE AT WITH ENOUGH VELOCITY THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AND I BROKE MY LEG IN 3 PLACES. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM

Aug 18, 2019

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

I WAS DOING ROUGHLY 25/30 MILES AND MY CAR ACCELERATED TO A MUCH FASTER SPEED AND HIGHER RPM'S CAUSING ME TO JAM ON THE BRAKES. *TR

Sep 11, 2014

+ 2 more complaints for this component

SERVICE BRAKES

6 complaints

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 the car. When I exited the vehicle, I went to the right (passenger side) rear wheel and noticed brake fluid was on the pavement. This is concerning as the brake system should have redundancy (front brakes still work if the rear does not or vice versa). I had no brake pressure. I was told by the Subaru dealer that the brake pad had broken and fallen out, and in so doing the piston "went too far out" and brake fluid leaked as a result. This to me should not have eliminated all braking power for the vehicle. I was lucky to have been able to stop and get to a parking lot safely.

Dec 09, 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??

Sep 10, 2018

MY CAR WAS RECALLED AND I NEVER GOT THE NOTIFICATION THAT I COULD GET IT FIXED - IT'S BEEN OVER A YEAR!

Nov 19, 2015

ON DEC 28,2014 I AM GOING TO MERILAND,MA FROM PHILADELPHIA. I WAS DRIVING MY SAID VEHICLE AT REGAL SPEED 65. JUST AFTER REST AREA MARILEND HOSE, TRAFFIC SUDDENLY SLOW DOWN, I APPLIED MY BRAKE BUT ITS WONT STOP IN TIME, I SWITCH DRIVING LINE AND AVOID ACCIDENT, BUT MY FAMILY AND ME ALL SCARED. AFTER THIS INCIDENT I WENT TO MY SUBARU DEALER FOR SERVICE I COMPLAINED SERVICE MANAGER TOO. HE DROVE WITH ME AND SAID ITS WORK FINE, NEXT TIME ITS HAPPEN , YOU APPLIED EMERGENCY BREAK TOO. I KNOW SUBARU HAVE A RE-CALL FOR BRAKE LINE, IT WAS ALSO DONE WAY BEFORE TOO. NOW I RECEIVED 2ND RE-CALL ABOUT SAME THING.I DID WROTE SUBARU TOO THIS MORNING. SEE WHAT HAPPEN. THIS IS JUST TO INFORM GOV, NOT FOR COMPLAINED. THANKS [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Feb 03, 2015

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

Nov 19, 2014

+ 1 more complaint for this component

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 complaints

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.

Nov 09, 2022

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 PROBLEM

Dec 21, 2017

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.

Mar 09, 2017

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

Feb 08, 2015

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 complaints

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 THE FACT THAT THE CAR IS A 2013 MODEL, EVEN THOUGH IT ONLY HAS 36,000 MILES ON IT. THEY INSTEAD PROVIDED A COUPON FOR $250 TOWARD THE REPAIR. I CLEARLY CANNOT GO ANYWHERE WITH THE CAR IN THIS CONDITION, AS IT REQUIRES LEAVING THE CAR UNLOCKED WITH THE KEYS IN THE IGNITION. THIS HAPPENED WHEN I PULLED INTO MY GARAGE LAST EVENING. I FEEL VERY FORTUNATE THAT I WAS NOT IN A LOCATION WHERE I HAD TO LEAVE THE CAR.

Oct 09, 2020

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 150,000 - HAD TO REPLACE/ KEEP CALLING SUBARU 800 NUMBER TOLD THAT THIS IS NORMAL FOR WEAR AND TEAR ON CAR

Jul 29, 2020

MY MECHANIC RAN A DIAGNOSTIC AFTER MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT KEPT COMING ON. IT SHOWED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS FAILING AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED OR IT WOULD CONTINUE TO SHOW 'CHECK ENGINE', AND THE CRUISE CONTROL WOULD NO LONGER WORK. IT HAS 117,000 MILES ON IT.

Mar 26, 2019

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

Mar 08, 2015

Crash: 1

VISIBILITY

4 complaints

WHEN TURNING INTO OUR DRIVEWAY, THE REAR VIEW MIRROR FELL OFF. STARTED SWINGING WILDLY UNTIL WE STOPPED IT. *JS

Feb 07, 2015

THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR ON MY SUBARU FORESTER FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. I WAS NOT EVEN TOUCHING IT AT THE TIME. THE IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS VEHICLE, THE FIRST TIME WITHIN 1 YEAR OF PURCHASE. THE MECHANISM FOR ATTACHING THE MIRROR TO THE WINDSHIELD IS DEFECTIVE IN THAT IT CAN'T BE COMPLETELY TIGHTENED AS DESIGNED. WITHIN DAYS OF THE LAST REPLACEMENT, IT LOOSENED AGAIN AND EVENTUALLY FALL OFF (AFTER 12 OR SO MONTHS) CREATING A SUDDEN AND DISTRACTING SITUATION THAT CAN EASILY CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. THE MIRROR HAS WIRES ATTACHED TO IT SO AFTER IT FALLS OFF, IT HANGS FROM THE WINDSHIELD AND WILDLY SWINGS TOWARDS THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER UNTIL IT IS REATTACHED. NEEDLESS TO SAY EVEN AFTER THE INITIAL INCIDENT, THIS CREATES A DISTRACTING AND DANGEROUS SITUATION. SINCE SUBARU DOESN'T SEEM TO BE VOLUNTARILY FIXING THIS ISSUE, NHTSA SHOULD EVALUATE THIS AS A POTENTIAL RECALL ISSUE TO FORCE THEM TO MAKE CREDIBLE FIX. I LOOKED ONLINE AND FOUND NUMEROUS OTHER SUBARU OWNERS WITH SIMILAR ISSUES. THIS APPEARS TO BE A FAR MORE COMMON PROBLEM THAN OTHER ISSUES I'VE SEEN RECALLED. I WILL BE GETTING IT REATTACHED ASAP; HOWEVER I DON'T EXPECT IT TO BE A PERMANENT SOLUTION. IN THE MEANTIME, I'M FORCED TO DRIVE WITH ONE HAND ON MY REARVIEW MIRROR IN ORDER TO AVOID IT SWINGING INTO THE WINDSHIELD OR MY HEAD. *TR

Jan 29, 2015

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

Jul 24, 2013

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

Jul 08, 2013

POWER TRAIN

2 complaints

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 SUBARU HAS HAD TROUBLE WITH THEIR 2010-2013 MODELS ESPECIALLY THE OUTBACKS. HE SAID THIS IS A FIRST WITH THE FORESTER I HAVE AND HE HAS BEEN THERE FOR 9 YEARS. HE ADVISED ME TO CONTACT SUBARU AND SEE IF THEY WOULD HELP ME OUT. I CALLED AND THEY WOULD NOT REIMBURSE ME FOR THE TOTAL COST OF THE REPLACEMENT. THEY ONLY OFFERED A PARTIAL "GOODWILL REIMBURSEMENT" OF 350.00 SINCE THE CAR WAS OUT OF WARRANTY. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THIS PART IS DEFECTIVE SINCE I ONLY HAVE 56,000 MILES ON THE CAR. THEY NEED TO RECALL THEIR CARS THAT HAVE THIS DEFECTIVE TORQUE CONVERTER IN THEM. THEY ARE LIABLE WARRANTY OR NO WARRANTY. I WAS VERY FORTUNATE THAT I DID NOT GET INTO AN ACCIDENT.

Jan 16, 2021

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 STOPPING AT A LIGHT. I HAVE TO RESTART THE CAR AND CONTINUE. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY STATED THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDS REPLACED FOR 1200.00.

Jan 11, 2021

STRUCTURE

1 complaint

See attached document for complaint.

Aug 23, 2024

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Apr 28, 2023

POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS

1 complaint

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 fold. The airbags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was not injured and a police report was not filed. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.

Oct 31, 2022

Crash: 1

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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.

Apr 23, 2021

SEAT BELTS,ENGINE

1 complaint

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.

Feb 28, 2020

EQUIPMENT,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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

Jan 08, 2020

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE

1 complaint

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)

Nov 14, 2019

SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

SQUEAKY BRAKES, SEATBELT RECOIL

Dec 02, 2018

AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES

1 complaint

MY VEHICLE HAS HAD TWO RECALLS FOR BRAKES. BOTH RECALLS TAKEN CARE OF BY THE LOCAL DEALER. I AM SERIOUSLY CONCERNED ABOUT THE AIRBAGS AND I BELIEVE THE DEALER, OR MANUFACTURER, CLAIMING MY VEHICLE IS NOT AFFECTED, IS NOT TRUE. I NEED TO FIND OUT, FROM A RELIABLE SOURCE, IF MY VEHICLE IS SAFE TO DRIVE.

Aug 18, 2017

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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

Apr 27, 2017

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

1 complaint

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.

Nov 07, 2016

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Aug 24, 2016

VISIBILITY/WIPER

1 complaint

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

Feb 14, 2016

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

1 complaint

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?

Jul 09, 2015

Crash: 1

Injuries: 1

POWER TRAIN,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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.

Mar 31, 2015

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Jul 31, 2014

BACK OVER PREVENTION

1 complaint

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

Mar 31, 2014

Crash: 1

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1 complaint

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.

Mar 18, 2014

Fire: 1

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE

1 complaint

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.

Aug 31, 2013

Crash: 1

Injuries: 4

2013 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints

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