Recalls · problems · safety

2013 Subaru Forester: recalls and problems

12 recalls and 77 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine.

12recalls
77complaints
13crashes reported
2fires reported
11injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Engine26 · 34%
  • Air Bags12 · 16%
  • Service Brakes9 · 12%
  • Vehicle Speed Control7 · 9%
  • Unknown Or Other7 · 9%
  • Power Train5 · 6%
  • Structure4 · 5%
  • Exterior Lighting4 · 5%
  • Visibility4 · 5%
  • Electrical System3 · 4%

What owners report

Air BagsCrash

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.

Engine

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 refere

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

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

Engine

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.

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2013 Subaru Forester SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Forester. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.