10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
54,815 miles

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problem #25

Jul 312023

Forester

  • miles
On 7/31/23 I was driving on the highway when I started to hear a knocking sound. I got off the highway and my car stalled at the light off the exit. I was able to restart it after three tries and get it about 50 ft to the shoulder. At that point there was smoke coming from under the hood. I called AAA and had it towed to a nearby garage. They told me it had to go to the dealer because it likely needed a new engine. They said that the oil had mixed with the antifreeze. The dealer stated it needed a new engine. It was a catastrophic engine failure. I never had any warning (no panel lights ever illuminated) of any issue with the oil or engine issues. I feel very lucky that I did not have an accident due to this sudden failure. The cost of the repairs is estimated between $9,000 and $15,000 on a vehicle that is supposed to last 250K. It currently has 98K miles on it. My biggest complaint is there was never any warning of this. I feel that is a failure of the electronic system that should have alerted me of engine issues and a defective engine. I also filed a complaint with Subaru but have not heard from them yet.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #24

May 232023

Forester

  • miles
While driving, the engine suddenly went dead with no warning. No lights came on no over heating signal, no warnings. Just gone. I could have been killed in other circumstances. Fortunately, I was going down hill in the slow lane and was able to get at least partially off the road. Subaru said the engine had no oil! This should not be possible with no warning and the good care and maintenance I have given the car. I just learned that Subaru settled a class action law suit for this exact problem. This is extremely dangerous and very common. Yet, Subaru did not let me know and will not do anything about it. How many others are in danger?

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #23

Jun 232023

Forester

  • miles
I was driving on the highway and the oil light came on as well as a ticking noise and vibration throughout the car. The engine shut off and now will not start. There is plenty of oil, gas, and the battery is charged. The engine turns when I turn the key but won't actually start and run. Makes a loud squeek as it trys.

- New Caney, TX, USA

problem #22

Apr 282023

Forester

  • miles
When the clutch is depressed the engine kills without indication anything is happening. All the dash lights come on and the power steering goes out. It has been happening repeatedly since last June. More frequently over time. If it happens on an off ramp or at an intersection the engine will not start for up to 5 minutes creating a safety hazard.

- Coloma, MI, USA

problem #21

Jun 012022

Forester

  • miles
My car is consuming oil.

- Jenks, OK, USA

problem #20

Oct 012020

Forester

  • 120,000 miles
Excessive oil leaking from valve cover seals and cam shaft seals. Vehicle only has 120K miles. Vehicle leaks approximately 2 quart of oil every 1000miles. Dealer cost to repair is over $2500. Repair can't be completed without completely removing engine from vehicle, and extensive tare down of motor. Unacceptable mechanical failure for a regularly dealer maintained vehicle of this age,

- Branchport, NY, USA

problem #19

Mar 162019

Forester 4-cyl

  • miles
Oil consumption regular oil changes every 5,000 miles bought car with just over 22,000 miles after only 30,000 miles heard knocking noise checked dip stick no oil know warning signs what so ever I.e. engine running hot, no oil light nothing.ever since takes a quart of oil every 1,000 miles.

- Tucson, AZ, USA

problem #18

Jul 012019

Forester

  • miles
2013 Subaru Forester. Consumer writes in regards to oil consumption issue. The consumer stated the vehicle needed oil added in between oil changes. The manufacturer was notified and offered 1500 towards a new car or repair. The consumer was dissatisfied.

- Ruidoso, NM, USA

problem #17

Feb 272020

Forester

  • 65,250 miles
1. cars short block is replaced 4 days ago under warranty. The temperature dropped to -20 celcius (-25 celsius with wind chill) I started the car and it is making rattling noise. Although I always warm the car by for approx 5 min like last day, yet a continuous rattling noise is there, and I have a feeling that time-to-time it shake vigorously after short block replacement by the Subaru dealer. I have yet to contact the dealer for the issue. Presently vehicle is making rattling noise while stationary and all the time when in motion too. 2. seat belt receiver for driver and passenger side and literally bad; dealer refused to replace them under warrant. Although I put a little of lithium grease then-after they are working great.

- Ottawa, NY, USA

problem #16

Nov 112019

Forester

  • 107,000 miles
I took my car to the mechanic to have a busted radiator hose repaired. They found oil in the coolant tank, water in the oil tank, aka fluid cross-contamination and told me that I'd need a new engine. Then I got a second mechanic to concur. Then, I took to a Subaru dealer who said the short block of the engine is ok but the head gaskets would need replacing. The car has 107K miles on it! Subaru needs to be held accountable for this defect! as a note, no relevant dashboard lights ever illuminated. (2013 Forester, 1 owner)

- Clayton, MO, USA

problem #15

Aug 172019

Forester

  • 120,000 miles
Lack of power when I try to accelerate. The vehicle feel does't go when I press the gas from getting out of stop for a 10 seconds.

- Sheboygan, WI, USA

problem #14

Apr 222019

Forester 4-cyl

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. While driving 25 mph, the vehicle stalled and was able to restart. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. Consumer stated my safety and of those around me would be in jeopardy. There is a recall for an ignition switch on like models for just this type of occurrence, but not my VIN.

- Kenmore, NY, USA

problem #13

Mar 012019

Forester

  • 105,971 miles
Suspected blown gasket

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #12

Mar 012019

Forester

  • 109,856 miles
Blown head gasket

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #11

Sep 072017

Forester

  • 77,377 miles
Blown head gasket

- Decatur, GA, USA

problem #10

Jul 082016

Forester

  • miles
After reading other complaints on this site - prompted me to write this. 2yrs into owning my car had oil consumption test done because it seemed the synthetic oil is disappearing. Was told car is fine. I still need to put oil in - in between changes. The engine has no leaks. I was told synthetic oil burns off when you drive a lot of miles. I feel this should be looked into.

- Freehold, NY, USA

problem #9

Sep 032018

Forester

  • 130,000 miles
Vehicle is currently sitting at a local dealership with a bad motor that needs to be replaced. The engine failure correlates with the issues that Subaru has with this year model. I have tried unsuccessfully to come to terms with Subaru, I am moving forward with a lawsuit and all options afforded to me to ensure that Subaru is held responsible for their product.

- Ashburn, VA, USA

problem #8

Aug 142018

Forester

  • 69,324 miles
Failed oil consumption test, engine had to be replaced.I have the same problem with my second Subaru Forester 2011 its engine had to be replaced too. In both cars I found the problems accidentally when I took the2011 to hve new tiers I asked them to check oil level found no oil on the stick filled it with 3 bottels of oil before I drove it to the dealer I feel that they should recall all Forester also I was not end a notice that they extended the warranty for this problem. Now they offer me 1000$ to apply for buying new Subaru

- Barberton, OH, USA

problem #7

Sep 102018

Forester

  • 78,000 miles
I just received a call from mechanic after taking it in for oil change. There was no oil in the pan, dipstick clean! I do not have a leak as I park in garage and would see it. No indicator lights came on dash, which is a huge concern! looking back Subaru has had issues with oil burning up quickly. This needs to be fixed!

- Mogadore, OH, USA

problem #6

Jul 132018

Forester 4-cyl

  • Manual transmission
  • 55,000 miles
The contact owned a 2013 Subaru Forester. While driving approximately 30 mph in bumper to bumper traffic, the check engine indicator illuminated along with other unknown indicators. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the roadway. The contact opened the hood and observed flames coming from the engine compartment. The fire department was called and extinguished the fire. A police report was filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was destroyed by the fire and was towed to a tow yard. The contact called metrowest Subaru at (508) 651-2000 (located at 948 worcester St, natick, MA 01760), but no one answered the phone. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. The VIN was not provided.

- Westwood, MA, USA

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