2013 Subaru Forester Problems, complaints & recalls

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 The head gasket had been replaced by the dealer (Don Miller Subaru East- Madison) per a warranty at 100K. The mileage now is 165K. I and my partner are safe and not injured. I have reported this to Subaru America (Corporate) as well.

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.

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.

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, 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...

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...

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?

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.

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.

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...

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 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.

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.

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...

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...

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...

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 tare down of motor. Unacceptable mechanical failure for a regularly dealer maintained vehicle of this age,

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...

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.

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.

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

Oil consumption regular oil changes every 5,000 miles bought car with just over 22,000 miles after only 30,000 miles heard knocking noise checked dip stick no oil know warning signs what so ever i.E. Engine running hot ,no oil light nothing.Ever since takes a quart of oil every 1,000 miles. *Tr

2013 Subaru forester. Consumer writes in regards to oil consumption issue. *Ld the consumer stated the vehicle needed oil added in between oil changes. The manufacturer was notified and offered 1500 towards a new car or repair. The consumer was dissatisfied. *Js

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...

The ?Lookup? For the vin no. On your websites is dysfunctional. My vin is [[redacted]] (subaru forester) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.S.C. 552(B)(6). *Tr