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Electrical systemPart report

2013 Subaru Forester Electrical system Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
4%of 78 total for the year
Median mileage
10,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the electrical system of the 2013 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 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.

“I understand that there was a recall for this vehicle that claims to be repaired- the ignition turning off while driving. This happened a few minutes ago while driving 65+ on the freeway and we were almost hit by an 18 wheeler because of it. Zero power whatsoever. I was able to put it in neutral and turn the key a few times and restart it. Afterwards, the check engine, stability control, tire pressure, seatbelt lights are all on, cruise control is flashing (I don't use cruise). I don't know how the included picture helps. …”

NHTSA complaint #11413533, filed 2021-04, 124,150 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. The contact stated whenever he drove the vehicle during the daytime there was no visibility of the instrument display panel. However, at night the entire instrument display panel would auto illuminated. The contact stated the problem occurred every time he drove the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who test drove the vehicle and acknowledged that there was a problem with the instrument-display panel but did not provide a remedy for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …”

NHTSA complaint #10617834, filed 2014-07, 10,000 miles

“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to shift out of park. The contact shut off and restarted the vehicle several times when a burning odor became present. The contact then noticed that the rear driver's side of the vehicle was on fire. The contact was able to extinguish the fire, and a police report was not filed. There were no injuries. The vehicle was towed to a impound lot and was not inspected or repaired. The manufacture was notified of the failure. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure and current mileage was 10,000.”

NHTSA complaint #10573062, filed 2014-03, 10,000 miles

Related recalls

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026825%
202599%
202413%
2023811%
20221111%
20213416%
202010317%
201913416%
20187114%
201710618%
20169322%
20158213%
20144210%
201334%
2012109%
2011117%
2010135%
20092212%
2008510%
200757%
200678%
200533%
200442%
200342%
200121%
200011%
199943%
199866%

Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Forester

Engine
27 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 complaintsExterior lighting
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 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 28, 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