Brakes
Antilock system (ABS), parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, rotors, pulsation or vibration, squeaking, brake failure or wear.
What Owners Say
"I BELIEVE the problem was with the calipers - not certain. Very slight vibration felt in the steering at higher speeds (40-70 mph). Subaru service told me they tightened/adjusted in the passenger-side front brake assembly. Problem fixed"
Thomas K., WI (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Within the second year, new pads needed in rear, due to rust in caliper, causing calipers to seize. Dealer said this was an "unfortunate" problem due to Northern NY road salt & sand. I have driven here for over 40 years and have never replaced pads before 70-75 K miles. By year 4 the same problem in front, necessitating new calipers and pads all around. Bad design or poor materials?"
Anonymous, NY (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"a caliper was locking up"
Anonymous, OH (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced brakes all around for the second time for $1000.00"
Stephen W., MA (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"They could be part of the overall problem with the brakes"
Anonymous, QC (2013 Subaru Forester 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 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"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)"pads wear out. at 90,000 miles. not bad."
Anonymous, OH (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Noticed brakes were slipping on a mountain road trip. Had them checked and rear brake pads replaced"
Anonymous, NC (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"mileage required brake pads"
Janet T., ON (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"rust formation on discs"
Anonymous, MN (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The linings of all four brakes were very worn. I had expected that the brakes would last longer, but the mechanic told me this wasn't unusual for my type of driving -- i.e. almost all stop and go."
Bonnie B., OH (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brakes were never changed....so at 85,000 miles it was time"
Robin K., NJ (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Identified during routine oil change, suggested brake repair so did it."
Anonymous, IL (2013 Subaru Forester)"Rear brake pads needed replacement."
Daniel B., AZ (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Had to replace rear brakes"
Anonymous, NY (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Never worked properly on sloped driveway, but issue dismissed by dealership"
Anonymous, WA (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced brake pads twice now. New brake pads every 25k miles"
John M., AK (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Brake job all around at local Subaru dealer. Rear brakes wore out including one rotor in 14 months."
Anonymous, MA (2013 Subaru Forester Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"We are always told that mountain roads and northern climate are why we are replacing our brakes on our Forrester's so often. Every 11/2 to 2 years full replacement down to the rotor and calipers. My husband does drive on mountain roads 45 minutes each way 5 days a week. I however have a 1/2 mile commute on flat terrain yet my brakes wear almost as fast as his. I don't know anyone who goes through brakes like we do."
Anonymous, NY (2013 Subaru Forester X 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"THIS CAR IS ONLY 5 YEARS OLD AND I HAD TO REPLACE BOTH THE FRONT AND REAR BRAKES AND ROTORS. I HAVE NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH A CAR IN MY 47 YEARS OF DRIVING."
Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Dealer began talking about replacing the brakes after less than 30 thousand miles."
Walter S., PR (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced the brakes all around for the second time at a cost of $1000.00"
Stephen W., MA (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"brakes were used up to 60%in the rear and only 20% in front not normal at all"
Anonymous, QC (2013 Subaru Forester 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)"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 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 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Car vibrated when braking."
Anonymous, DC (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"rotor unevenness; resurfaced"
Craig C., NH (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Possible break line rusting through"
Anonymous, MD (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"The car is regularly maintained at the same dealer. There is no reason the brakes should have been left to get this bad that rotor work was needed"
Anonymous, OH (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Excessive wear; could not be turned front rotors had to be replaced"
Anonymous, MA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Have had to replace brake pads and rotors for all wheels, twice now. The rotors are really bad. We basically expect to replace brake pads and rotors every 25k miles. Not good Subaru"
John M., AK (2013 Subaru Forester 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Makes squealing noises when in reverse"
Anonymous, PA (2013 Subaru Forester)"brakes squeaked, than required replacement pads for all four wheels"
Gary P., MA (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)"Replaced rear brake pads."
Daniel B., AZ (2013 Subaru Forester XT 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
"Car locked in Park and could not be operated. ( fixed by sticking screwdriver in hole by shifter had to call to get that fix.Had to have serviced ( not under warranty) . Also used a lot of oil when new,"
Burgess S., PA (2013 Subaru Forester)