2013 Subaru Forester Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 5%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,650miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2013 Subaru Forester, 5% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,650 miles.
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.
“Since purchasing this vehicle we have replaced the drivers side headlight 6 times. In this same time period we have replaced the passenger side headlight only once. This concerns me, as it makes me think there is a wiring problem & a possibility of a more severe problem”
NHTSA complaint #11055843, filed 2017-12, 3,000 miles“Had to replace the headlight bulbs 4 times in a year. One time I had to drive home with just my brights on because both left and right bulbs blown out at the same time.”
NHTSA complaint #10959759, filed 2017-03, 50,000 miles“Rear tail lights constantly have moisture in them. They say this will evaporate when it warms up. Doesn't warm up in wisconsin during long winters - hello!”
NHTSA complaint #10681990, filed 2015-02, 15,300 miles“The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights and taillights became inoperable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who changed the taillight light bulbs approximately 10 times. The headlight light bulbs were replaced 4 times. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure however, no additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11492886, filed 2022-11, 70,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
- 10160512Mar 1, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain Crosstrek, Forester, Impreza, and WRX vehicles to replace the brake lamp switch. A total of 1,303,530 U.S. vehicles will be…
- 10130273Jan 26, 2018This bulletin provides a measurement and adjustment procedure for the stop lamp switch. An improperly adjusted (or faulty) stop lamp switch can cause any of the DTCs listed above…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 8 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 15 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2013 Subaru Forester
27 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsOther or unknown
7 complaintsVehicle speed control
7 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
6 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
5 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 31, 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