2013 Subaru Forester Reviews, Ratings, Prices

In-car Electronics

CD or DVD players, radio, speakers, GPS, communication system (e.g., OnStar), display screen freezes or goes blank, phone pairing (e.g. Bluetooth), voice control commands, steering wheel controls, portable music device interface (e.g., iPod/MP3 player), backup or other camera/sensors.

What Owners Say

CD player

“cd player stopped working. cd player would not load cd”

Anonymous, MN (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Display screen difficult to see

“there are 2 displays: one easy to read and see for mileage, and other useless info. the other is hard to see as it is not line of sight, black and light gray display which is not readable with polarized glasses, & in San DIego = sunglasses”

Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

“not at all user friendly to use”

Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Display screen freezes up

“Nav, radio, backup cam, gps, blutooth computer system locked up completely...had to completely replace entire computer console”

Cory M., OH (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

“As stated in the previous comment, streaming music from an Android device has been problematic since I drove this car off the dealer's lot. At worst it's choppy and unUSble. At best I can get it to work for short trips. I ended up getting an iPod fo”

Douglas P., MA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“iPod stops working after each song, stereo has to be turned off to restart. Gave up and quit using it”

Mark A., WA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“lose signal and went out or off”

Anonymous, ON (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

“Constant re-booting”

Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Entire nav package locked up and had to be replaced”

Cory M., OH (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

“The navigation system is inoperable because of its complexity. I've been to two dealers, salespeople don't understand it. Same with radio”

Edward S., CA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“This car came with the 'Tom-Tom' navigation/entertainment system. The Tom-Tom was a complete disaster from the very first day I drove the car. The interface is completely counterintuitive and the map software utterly useless. Terrible product!”

Anonymous, WY (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

“pairing worked when the car was purchased. Then after several months it would only work some of the time”

Anonymous, DE (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“dealer says its the phone but have tried several different Bluetooth capable phones and still no pairing. can't take more time to visit the dealer-too far”

Shirley S., NH (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Paring is difficult with an Android 4.2 device. Playback of music is choppy or fails. Bluetooth paring intermittently stops working. Have to remove device from car's audio system and re-pair to get it to work. During my drives, I listen to music usin”

Douglas P., MA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“I have had multiple smartphones that have had issues consistently pairing with the car. Sometimes it won't connect at all, sometimes the sound is staticy, sometimes it is choppy and cuts out. I have taken it in multiple times and the dealer has cal”

Nathan T., WI (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

“couldn't set up. had to take to dealer for setu[p”

Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Functioned intermittently at best - until the Tom-Tom broke”

Anonymous, WY (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Radio

“The radio would stop working intermittently”

Anonymous, DE (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“It is too complicated to be of any use. Even the salespersons don't understand it”

Edward S., CA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Brakes

Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.

What Owners Say

Calipers

“They could be part of the overall problem with the brakes”

Anonymous, QC (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“After each reversal, brakes clunked upon first use. Difficult diagnosis, but believed to be something with self adjusting. Exceptionally notable in cold weather. Problem not resolved to date”

Anonymous, SC (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Master cylinder

“On rare occasion when braking on a decline, brakes seemed to of out. Dealer checked many things and finally replaced master cylinder. Problem has not recurred in last year”

Anonymous, WI (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Dealer did not fix it the first time I brought it in for soft breaks. Also, seems like it should not have worn out so fast”

Michael B., NC (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Normal routine brake wear

“Had to replace rear brakes”

Anonymous, NY (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Premature brake wear

“brakes were used up to 60%in the rear and only 20% in front not normal at all”

Anonymous, QC (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Have also had to replace brakes and rotors on a car that is barely two years old! I bought this car because of its supposed reliability but have needed more repairs for it than my Mazda which had so-so reviews. Very annoying!”

Anonymous, MO (2013 Subaru Forester XT Unsure)

“Rust/wear on brake lining repaired via a recall notice from Subaru. Otherwise would not have known of problem”

L C., PA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Brake pads had to be replaced much earlier than anticipated. Online research showed many others had experienced same problem. Possible design flaw?”

Anonymous, IN (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Regular brake failure

“Possible break line rusting through”

Anonymous, MD (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Integrity

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, loose or cracked seals and/or weather-stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Seals and/or weather-stripping

“Tail gate rattle fixed under warranty”

Anonymous, NJ (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Squeaks or rattles

“the noise happened randomly”

Paul N., WA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Rattle around steering column...has been checked twice, including yesterday...still no luck getting rid of rattle”

Don G., ON (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Rattle since new - in 5 times but still rattles”

Anonymous, BC (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Metallic vibration coming from rear of car. No idea as to exact location”

Anonymous, OR (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Wind noise

“Road noise”

Joe W., WA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling), loose interior and exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Loose exterior trim or moldings

“loose trim in front of car”

Phil J., PA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Loose interior trim or moldings

“Driver seat base had wrinkled upholstery when delivered, seat pad and upholster replaced only to have same issue. We had a second 2013 Forester that we put more miles on and did not experience this problem”

Mark A., WA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“Back seat latch broke so the seat could not be flattened. The gas tank latch near to drivers seat broke making it difficult to open the gas tank”

Anonymous, CO (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl turbo)

“rear view mirror came off windshield”

Jim M., GA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

“The exterior cover over the rear wheels, despite being covered with a Mylar cover and chipped all to heck and gone. The paint in general is sub par to any car I have owned and it scratches and chips extremely easy”

Jeff P., OR (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“chipping and fadding”

Anonymous, VA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Body Hardware

Power or manual windows, locks and latches, tailgate, hatch or trunk, doors or sliding doors, mirrors, seat controls, safety belts, sunroof, convertible top.

What Owners Say

Doors or sliding doors

“All the doors do not close the same and Subaru is unwilling to fix this situation”

Jeff P., OR (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Glass defects

“passenger side rear seat window shattered spontaneously while I was driving on the freeway”

Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Locks and latches

“Gas tank cover release lever pad”

Anonymous, IL (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Mirrors

“Interior rear view mirror fell off of mounting bracket”

Anonymous, OH (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Windows

“Slow going up in the cold. Corrected by dealer. Window trim was deformed not creating a proper seal on the front driver and passenger side windows”

Marilyn B., ON (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbo or supercharger, timing chain or timing belt.

What Owners Say

Engine rebuild or replacement

“Noticed a knocking sound and took it to the dealer. Ended up having to replace the ENTIRE engine and engine block! It was under warranty but I still had to pay Suburu's deductible which is annoying since this car was defective!”

Anonymous, MO (2013 Subaru Forester XT Unsure)

“Engine noise was ignored by dealership, engine blew up. Still on warranty, but after 3 wks. they are disputing my oil change records from a local garage. I'm very pissed-off!”

Anonymous, OR (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“I have a lemon and Subaru is not willing to work with me. very unhappy with dealership and Subaru lack of concern about my situation. engine transmission both have been rebuilt. exhaust and brake line recalls also”

John G., OH (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“The car was using too much oil. After complaining to the dealership, they kept the car and looked for the problem. Their findings, along with a request to replace the engine, were sent to Subaru. Subaru authorized a rebuild, instead”

Rosemary E., CA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electric System

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery and related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, distributor or rotor failure, spark plugs and wires failure.

What Owners Say

Gauges

“Three different times the dealership has changed the oil pressure indicator "sensor" on my car, at no charge, but it is still a nuisance”

Anonymous, CO (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

USB port

“USB port is in a difficult place. internal part broke making the connection inoperable. just use the Bluetooth instead of hard wire connection”

Anonymous, AZ (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Warning lights

“Oil pressure light came on and stayed on”

Paul J., WA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“traction control light along with 2 or 3 others came on. Remedied by disconnecting the battery for 1 hour”

Shane V., PA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Engine knock or ping

“This is not a preignition problem. Since Day 1 the engine has an intermittent ticking/tapping sound that is most likely a noisy valve lifter. The dealer shop says its normal, can't do anything to fix it; it is NOT normal. So I'm about ready to go hea”

Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Oil leaks

“Not a specific leak found yet but recently discovered car was well low on oil prematurely”

Anonymous, MA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“The car goes through oil between changes, either burning or leaking. According to dealer it is common for an new Forestor to experience oil lost. I had no oil spots and no blue smoke but have to add oil almost between every change, upsetting for a”

Pat H., ME (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, 4WD/AWD components, driveline vibration, traction control, electronic stability control (ESC), electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

“They replaced it with the bearing making a ticking noise from a stop and turning left”

Bruce O., WA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical failure

“A chip failed - Subaru replaced it and it has run perfectly since then”

Anonymous, CA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure Unsure)

CV joint

“boot torn and bearing ticking, replace the whole axle about $700 parts and labor”

Bruce O., WA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Minor

Gear selector or linkage, leaks, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission.

What Owners Say

Gear selector or linkage

“Car sometimes does not shift when you have to accelerate and sometimes shifts into lower gear on street driving and stays in lower gear until you stop turn off car and restart”

Linda F., CA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

“When shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd gear, the shifter would "pop out" and prevent me from shifting”

Anonymous, MA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Slipping transmission

“On a gravel downhill slope (my driveway) the transmission pops out of 1st gear, unless I hold it in”

Anonymous, OR (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Power Equipment

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, remote engine start, alarm or security system

What Owners Say

Battery (not hybrid or electric)

“had to replace battery at 85000 miles”

Phil J., PA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Starter

“Has to take to dealer for upgrade to computer system for starting it would crank but not turn over some times”

Pat H., ME (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

Blower (fan) motor, A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate control, refrigerant leakage, electrical failure.

What Owners Say

Automatic climate control

“Climate control is nowhere near accurate. Have to manipulate the temperature gauge frquently”

Linda F., CA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Fuel System

Check engine light, sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor), emission control devices (includes EGR), engine computer, engine computer, fuel cap, fuel gauge/sender, fuel injection system, fuel pump, fuel leaks, stalling or hesitation.

What Owners Say

Fuel cap

“I had a bad fuel cap, but also have a hard starting issue that I believe is emission system related because of a past problem”

Anthony F., MI (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

“I have a lemon and Subaru is not willing to work with me. very unhappy with dealership and Subaru lack of concern about my situation. engine transmission both have been rebuilt. exhaust and brake line recalls also”

John G., OH (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

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