CarRecallWatchThe 2013 Subaru Forester has 12 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 78 complaints with NHTSA, including 13 crashes, 3 fires, 11 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Engine (27 reports).
2013 Subaru Forester recalls
Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants in a Crash
The front seat belt assembly's force limiter may not operate correctly in a crash.
Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Some vehicles had their passenger frontal airbag inflators replaced under an earlier recall, but the replacement inflators use the same design.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture.
Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags
The ignition switch on these vehicles may have a ball spring inside that can break, weakening the switch.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode in a crash
The passenger frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles may rupture during deployment in a crash.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
Certain Subaru vehicles have a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Passenger airbag may explode and send metal fragments into occupants
The passenger-side front airbag inflator can degrade over time from long-term exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments
The passenger-side frontal airbag inflator in these vehicles can rupture when the airbag deploys in a crash.
Relay can fail, causing pump overheating and fire risk
A relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to run continuously and overheat.
Most common 2013 Subaru Forester problems
Problem areas named in the 78 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Engine | 27 |
| Air Bags | 13 |
| Service Brakes | 9 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 7 |
| Unknown Or Other | 7 |
| Power Train | 6 |
| Structure | 5 |
| Exterior Lighting | 5 |
| Visibility | 4 |
| Electrical System | 3 |
What owners report
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 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
2013 Subaru Forester questions
Does the 2013 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 safety recalls for the 2013 Subaru Forester: Front Seat Belts May Not Restrain Occupants in a Crash; Passenger Airbag May Explode, Sending Metal Fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal fragments; Passenger airbag inflator may explode, sending metal shrapnel; Ignition Switch May Turn Off Engine, Disabling Airbags. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Subaru Forester?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Engine (27), Air Bags (13), Service Brakes (9).
How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Subaru Forester has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.