2013 Subaru Forester Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 12%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 21,603miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the brakes of the 2013 Subaru Forester, 12% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 21,603 miles. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My vehicle has had two recalls for brakes. Both recalls taken care of by the local dealer. I am seriously concerned about the airbags and I believe the dealer, or manufacturer, claiming my vehicle is not affected, is not true. I need to find out, from a reliable source, if my vehicle is safe to drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11016213, filed 2017-08, 280 miles“My vehicle was inspected in april and approved, but by october of the same year my braking system was completely rusted and stuck. My mechanic said he had never seen anything like it. The rear pads were into steel, rotors deeply grooved, front brake pads stuck in brackets causing brake pressure to go to rear brakes causing quick wear. The rear brake pads and rotors had to be replaced, the front brake pads were also replaced, the brake rotors had to be resurfaced at a cost of $791. …”
NHTSA complaint #10659442, filed 2014-11, 24,000 miles“On dec 28,2014 I am going to meriland,ma from philadelphia. I was driving my said vehicle at regal speed 65. Just after rest area marilend hose, traffic suddenly slow down, I applied my brake but its wont stop in time, I switch driving line and avoid accident, but my family and me all scared. After this incident I went to my Subaru dealer for service I complained service manager too. He drove with me and said its work fine, next time its happen , you applied emergency break too. I know Subaru have a re-call for brake line, it was also done way before too. …”
NHTSA complaint #10680794, filed 2015-02, 21,603 miles“2013 Subaru Forester. 07/25/14 car had difficulty time accelerating on highway.reported to the dealer that right front wheel started vibrating and getting very hot. Dealer inspected r/f wheel, rotor was blue and hard to turn. Inspected brakes and found pads stuck in bracket. Cleaned and lubed pad slides, checked caliper which was ok. Replaced r/f rotor due to runout caused by heat, had .007 run roadtest ok.) the caliper was not replaced on 07/25/2014. On 08/18/2014 the same problem happened car had difficult time accelerating. Both front right side and left side were very hot. …”
NHTSA complaint #10626173, filed 2014-08, 21,206 miles“I have been hearing a slight squeaking noise when driving. The other day it was a horrific, loud screeching noise! Took it in to mechanic, my caliper is stuck. They couldn't even manually spin tire. Because of this it burned up rotors and pads, so now I need to replace them all at a cost of $900! How does a caliper just freeze up??”
NHTSA complaint #11128426, filed 2018-09Related recalls
- 14V830000Dec 31, 2014Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or…Covers: Subaru Forester 2009–2013, WRX 2008–2014, WRX STI 2008–2014 +1 more
- 14V311000Jun 10, 2014Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2005-2009 Outback and Legacy, 2008-2011 Impreza and 2008-2014 Impreza WRX/STI, and 2009-2013…Covers: Subaru Forester 2009–2013, WRX 2008–2014, WRX STI 2008–2014 +3 more
Related service bulletins
- 11018903May 6, 2025"The repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin as been updated, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the…
- 11002725Jun 25, 2024This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been…
- 10187307Feb 1, 2021This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the…
- 10165552Sep 30, 2019This bulletin announces a design change made to the rear wheel / brake backing plates. Under certain circumstances, some customers may have a concern regarding a howling-type…
- 10163525Jul 11, 2019This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips. This will prevent the pad from…
- 10141490May 31, 2018This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the…
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 6 | 6% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 6 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 11% |
| 2021 | 7 | 3% |
| 2020 | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 | 26 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 29 | 7% |
| 2015 | 36 | 6% |
| 2014 | 31 | 8% |
| 2013 | 9 | 12% |
| 2012 | 16 | 15% |
| 2011 | 20 | 14% |
| 2010 | 37 | 14% |
| 2009 | 16 | 9% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 4 | 5% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 8% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 10 | 5% |
| 2002 | 11 | 13% |
| 2001 | 16 | 12% |
| 1999 | 19 | 14% |
| 1998 | 15 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Forester
27 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsElectrical system
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsFuel system
2 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
1 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology