2013 Subaru Forester engine problems
26 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2013 Subaru Forester — 34% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Feb 4, 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…”
filed Aug 5, 2023
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 4% |
| 2023 Forester | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 Forester | 10 | 11% |
| 2021 Forester | 32 | 15% |
| 2020 Forester | 74 | 12% |
| 2019 Forester | 106 | 13% |
| 2018 Forester | 31 | 6% |
| 2017 Forester | 46 | 8% |
| 2016 Forester | 60 | 15% |
| 2015 Forester | 131 | 21% |
| 2014 Forester | 69 | 17% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2013 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.