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Engine & cooling

2013 Subaru Forester Engine problems

Owners have filed 27 complaints about the 2013 Subaru Forester's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 35% of all its complaints, most recently on October 12, 2026. They describe 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
27
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & coolingFire

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 The head gasket had been replaced by the dealer (Don Miller Subaru East- Madison) per a warranty at 100K.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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11770534
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11640728
Engine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11536643
Engine & cooling

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?

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11531559
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11529096
BrakesEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11519432
Engine & cooling

My car is consuming oil.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11493348
Engine & cooling

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,

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11395083
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11329216
Engine & cooling

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

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11315323
Seats & seat beltsEngine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Seat belts · EngineNHTSA 11312033
Driver assistanceEngine & cooling

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)

Filed Incident Electronic stability control (ESC) · EngineNHTSA 11280230
Engine & cooling

Lack of power when I try to accelerate. The vehicle feel does't go when I press the gas from getting out of stop for a 10 seconds.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11244720
Engine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 subaru forester. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and was able to restart. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. *Tr consumer stated my safety and of those around me would be in jeopardy. There is a recall for an ignition switch on like models for just this type of occurrence, but not my vin.*Jb

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11207747
Engine & cooling

SUSPECTED BLOWN GASKET

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11183533
Engine & cooling

BLOWN HEAD GASKET

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11183529
Engine & cooling

BLOWN HEAD GASKET

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11183527
Engine & cooling

After reading other complaints on this site - prompted me to write this. 2Yrs into owning my car had oil consumption test done because it seemed the synthetic oil is disappearing. Was told car is fine. I still need to put oil in - in between changes. The engine has no leaks. I was told synthetic oil burns off when you drive a lot of miles. I feel this should be looked into.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11166029
Engine & cooling

Vehicle is currently sitting at a local dealership with a bad motor that needs to be replaced. The engine failure correlates with the issues that subaru has with this year model. I have tried unsuccessfully to come to terms with subaru, I am moving forward with a lawsuit and all options afforded to me to ensure that subaru is held responsible for their product.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11150674
Engine & cooling

Failed oil consumption test ,engine had to be replaced .I have the same problem with my second subaru forester 2011 its engine had to be replaced too. In both cars I found the problems accidentally when I took the2011 to hve new tiers I asked them to check oil level found no oil on the stick filled it with 3 bottels of oil before I drove it to the dealer I feel that they should recall all forester also I was not end a notice that they extended the warranty for this problem. Now they offer me 1000$ to apply for buying new subaru

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11142168
Engine & cooling

I just received a call from mechanic after taking it in for oil change. There was no oil in the pan, dipstick clean! I do not have a leak as I park in garage and would see it. No indicator lights came on dash, which is a huge concern! Looking back subaru has had issues with oil burning up quickly. This needs to be fixed!

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11128423
Engine & coolingFire

Tl* the contact owned a 2013 subaru forester. While driving approximately 30 mph in bumper to bumper traffic, the check engine indicator illuminated along with other unknown indicators. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact opened the hood and observed flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire and was towed to a tow yard. The contact...

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called metrowest subaru at (508) 651-2000 (located at 948 worcester st, natick, ma 01760), but no one answered the phone. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The vin was not provided. *Tt

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11111527
Engine & cooling

I'm sorry, but I'm sending in another incident report as I just want to amend my prior incident report # 11064585. If you are able to access that you will see that my engine failed on my 2013 subaru forrester. In the description I sent to you, I completely forgot to mention that the subaru dealership told me that it would cost between $8,000 to $12,000 to fix this problem! I have three kia's in my driveway, all with mileage over 125,000 and none of them have had this problem. I bought the subaru for their reliability and dependability. Please add this to my prior case number file. Thanks so much.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11064600
Engine & cooling

Subaru has 86k miles on it. We were driving down highway at about 60mph and the car started making a horrible clacking noise. The car died. We started it again, all the lights went on and the car died. It had to be pushed off into a parking lot. Car has been towed to a subaru dealer and they are telling me that it has "catastrophic engine failure due to the 'rod bearings failing, all metal throughout my oil, and the short block (engine?) Needs to be rebuilt." I really do not want this engine rebuilt nor do I want the car back. I need help! Please contact me.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11064585
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingFuel system

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10898293

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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