My car is consuming oil.
2013 Subaru Forester engine problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2013 Subaru Forester, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 29% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
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.
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…
My car has been consuming excessive amounts of oil since I have been made aware of the problem in april of 2014 by independent mechanics. At that oil change I had about a quart of synthetic left after only 4500 miles. I took it in early because the car was riding rough and that was when they discovered the low oil level. I have come to find out there is a class action suit against Subaru…
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!
Had engine trouble with your 2013 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2013 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 69,324 and 120,000 miles, with the median around 86,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 69,324; a quarter make it past 120,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.