2013 Subaru Forester: check engine light

5 of the 78 complaints about the 2013 Subaru Forester describe check engine light.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 6%
typical mileage: 117,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 100 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Check engine light by model year

2026
1
2025
2
2023
4
2022
4
2021
2
2020
45
2019
69
2018
5
2017
10
2016
9
2015
30
2014
19
2013
5
2012
10
2011
9
2010
19
2009
16
2008
7
2007
6
2006
6
2005
4
2004
1
2003
2
2002
1
2001
2
2000
5
1999
4
1998
3

What owners say

Filed Feb 4, 2025 · Engine · 150,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2013 Subaru Forester. While the contact's daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the contact was informed that the VIN was not covered for the repair under the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Apr 23, 2021 · Electrical · 124,150 miles · TX

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. I feel like this issue was either absolutely not addressed, or if it was, the repair has definitely failed. Either way, I need to know what I should do because this is my only vehicle, my kids have to ride in it and I can't trust it not to kill everyone now.

Filed Nov 20, 2019 · Acceleration · 47,000 miles · PA

The cruise control light on the dash has come on by itself and is flashing constantly as soon as the vehicle is turned on. It cannot be turned off or on with the controls. This problem has caused the check engine light and the uneven traction light to come on as well. There was a recall for this exact same problem on the 2014 models. I own a 2013 model and it doing the same thing. Contacted subaru main branch about the issue and they will not stand behind the problem even though the recognize the problem is the same in my vehicle as 2014 recall.

Filed Mar 26, 2019 · 117,000 miles · WA

My mechanic ran a diagnostic after my check engine light kept coming on. It showed that the catalytic converter was failing and would need to be replaced or it would continue to show 'check engine', and the cruise control would no longer work. It has 117,000 miles on it.

Filed Jul 16, 2018 · Engine · 55,000 miles · MA · fire

Tl* 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.