2013 Subaru Forester Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 5about this part
- Share
- 6%of 78 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 5 complaints about the visibility of the 2013 Subaru Forester, 6% of the 78 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,200 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.
“I was driving in heavy snow and using the heater for the windshield wipers, which is built into the windshield. The ice and slush continued to build on the wipers and I continued to use the heater. At one point, the snow had built up on the lower windshield and the heater was on. Suddenly, the windshield cracked all of the way across, above the heater and below the snow. The temperature difference must have caused this crack, as I was traveling only about 10 MPH (as was everyone else) and no trucks or any type of vehicle in front of me that might have kicked up a stone. …”
NHTSA complaint #10826048, filed 2016-02, 27,000 miles“The mirror on my car fell off when I went to adjust it. I called the dealer and asked how to reattach it, the service center was evasive, I was asked to bring the car in. Once I arrived I was told this was a known problem and that a retro fitted bracket would be installed. I asked if there was a recall and was told no. This is a serious known problem and I believe it should have a recall. The mirror is attached by a bracket that contains an electrical cord for a light. There is no way to detach the mirror from the electrical cord. …”
NHTSA complaint #10531708, filed 2013-07, 2,988 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10171105Jan 31, 2020This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies.
- 10163526Jul 12, 2019"This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: ⢠Power windows inoperative from the…
- 10161812May 2, 2019This bulletin announces availability of new power window switch assemblies developed to address the following customer concerns: ? Power windows inoperative from the driver?s…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8 | 25% |
| 2025 | 20 | 20% |
| 2024 | 5 | 16% |
| 2023 | 12 | 16% |
| 2022 | 24 | 24% |
| 2021 | 90 | 42% |
| 2020 | 301 | 50% |
| 2019 | 406 | 49% |
| 2018 | 156 | 31% |
| 2017 | 116 | 20% |
| 2016 | 23 | 6% |
| 2015 | 28 | 5% |
| 2014 | 12 | 3% |
| 2013 | 5 | 6% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 9 | 3% |
| 2009 | 11 | 6% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 2 | 3% |
| 2005 | 3 | 3% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 8 | 4% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 7 | 7% |
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 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 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