As the entry-level SUV from Subaru, the Forester is a potent option that combines a capacious cabin with a high degree of practicality. It is one of the few choices available in the market that are available with a standard AWD setup and bestow a comfortable ride quality. It fits the needs of family buyers and though the build quality does feel lackluster, the vehicle gains points elsewhere. Akin to most Japanese offerings, the 2013 Forester promises to be a reliable proposition. It records a low number of complaints and apart from the issue with its airbags, no problem seems to have a widespread impact. A 2013 Subaru Forester for sale is available at $21,295 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Honda CR-V, the Ford Escape, and the Nissan Rogue. What are the common complaints about the SUV and does its extensive recall list have the capacity to worry the buyers? Let’s find out.
2013 Subaru Forester User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Non-deployment of airbags: Buyers of the 2013 Subaru Forester have reported the failure of the airbag systems. In case of a crash, complainants have recorded the non-deployment of the airbags. This has resulted in injuries to the occupants that require medical attention.
- Unavailability of recall parts: The 2013 Forester’s airbag issues also deal with the TAKATA recalls. As per the information available, the airbag inflators might explode upon deployment due to propellant degradation. While Subaru has introduced several recalls for the issue, one recall, referenced by NHTSA ID 19V009000, has irked the buyers due to the non-availability of parts, which has delayed the remedy.
Mechanical Complaints
- Excessive oil consumption: In the current iteration, buyers of the 2013 Subaru Forester have reported the vehicle consuming oilexcessively. Despite the SUV being consistently maintained and with no visible leaks, the oil levels remain below recommended. While the reason for the failure is not known, such an issue can result in reduced engine lubrication.
- Stalling of the engine: The Subaru Forester engine problems are not highly recurring. Yet, in some cases, buyers have reported the compact SUV losing power and stalling inadvertently. While no reason for the problem has yet been identified, the failure of the ignition switch or a blown head gasket can be underlying concerns.
Interior Complaints
- Issues with the rearview mirror: In the current iteration, a handful of buyers have also reported the rearview mirror falling off inadvertently. Not only does this affect the driver’s visibility, but it also signifies a substandard build quality of the vehicle.
2013 Subaru Forester Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
2nd Jan 2020 |
20V002000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the airbag inflators installed as replacement parts might explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
2. |
2nd Jan 2020 |
20V001000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the airbag inflators installed as replacement parts might explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
3. |
2nd Jan 2020 |
20V003000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the airbag inflators installed as replacement parts might explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
4. |
11th Apr 2019 |
19V297000 |
Malfunctioning ignition switch |
Due to a broken ball spring inside the switch, the ignition switch’s strength might reduce, which can cause the ignition switch to move into an accessory position. This can result in the engine stalling. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the ignition switch, free of cost. |
|
5. |
9th Jan 2019 |
19V008000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the airbag inflators, installed as replacement parts, might explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
6. |
9th Jan 2019 |
19V009000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the airbag inflators, installed as replacement parts, might explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator, free of charge. |
|
7. |
9th Jan 2019 |
19V007000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the airbag inflators, installed as replacement parts, might explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflators, free of charge. |
|
8. |
9th Jan 2018 |
18V012000 |
Explosion of the passenger frontal airbag inflator |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the airbag inflators, installed as replacement parts, might explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflators, free of charge. |
|
9. |
13th Oct 2016 |
16V738000 |
Overheating of air pump |
Due to the failure of the relay that controls the secondary air injection pump in the vehicles equipped with turbocharged engines, the pump may overheat. |
Dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump, free of cost. |
|
10. |
31st Dec 2014 |
14V830000 |
Corrosion of brake line |
Due to the splashing of the salt water from the gap of the fuel tank protector cap, the brake lines may corrode. |
Dealers will apply an anti-wax corrosion to the four-way joint connector, free of cost. |
|
11. |
10th June 2014 |
14V311000 |
Corrosion of brake line |
Due to the splashing of the salt water from the gap of the fuel tank protector cap, the brake lines may corrode. |
Upon inspection for fluid seepage, dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector, free of cost |
Should you buy the 2013 Subaru Forester?
The 2013 Subaru Forester is a mixed bag of emotions. In the current iteration, while its performance in all aspects is almost inch-perfect, its reliability becomes questionable. Though the number of complaints is lower than all of its adversaries, the recalls seem largely concerning. Moreover, most of these recalls deal directly with the airbags of the vehicle, which makes it a safety concern. So, for us, the 2013 Forester can be an interesting choice if you can perform due diligence about its airbag inflators. Otherwise, the 2013 Honda CR-V makes for an interesting option as it promises similar strengths as its Japanese counterpart.
