Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2013 Subaru Forester
The 2013 Subaru Forester is a suv that earns a Carivo score of 6.9/10 — rated Good. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 7.8/10, while Technology at 5.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. The reliability picture is solid rather than spectacular: 7.8/10, which puts it comfortably above the class median. Safety lands at 7.8/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 5.6/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 5.5/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $20,100–$24,619, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Subaru Forester sits in the budget-friendly tier of the suv market. At 7.2/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 13 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Verdict: The 2013 Subaru Forester sits in the middle of the field. Until its performance and technology scores improve, stronger options exist at this price. Worth a look if it fits a specific need; otherwise use our compare tool against the segment leaders first.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among SUVs
The 2013 Subaru Forester ranks #2137 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 6.9/10 overall score is 0.5 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $20,100 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 44%.
$0 — 12 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Forester Year Should You Buy?
Across the Forester model years we've scored, the 2013 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Above-average reliability record with solid owner satisfaction data
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
Versatile body style handles daily commuting and weekend adventures equally well
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 16 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2013 Subaru Forester (12 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V007000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2013 Forester, 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, Legacy, and 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V009000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa,…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2019 · 19V008000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Tribeca, WRX, Outback, and Legacy vehicles, 2010-2011 Impreza vehicles and 2010-2013 Forester vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of…
Electrical system / Ignition / Switch 11/04/2019 · 19V297000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key…
Air bags / Frontal / Passenger side / Inflator module 09/01/2018 · 18V012000
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Legacy, Forester, Tribeca, WRX and Outback vehicles, and 2009-2011 Impreza vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana,…
Showing 5 of 12 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2013 Subaru Forester that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2013 Subaru Forester
Is the 2013 Subaru Forester reliable?
We rate the 2013 Subaru Forester's reliability 7.8/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2013 Subaru Forester have?
12 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2013 Subaru Forester worth buying?
It scores 6.9/10 overall, ranking #2137 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 13% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2013 Subaru Forester cost?
The 2013 Subaru Forester starts at $20,100 and ranges up to $24,619 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Forester years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Forester years we've rated are 2017 (7.4/10), 2016 (7.4/10), 2015 (7.4/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.9/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2013 Subaru Forester have?
The documented issues for the 2013 Subaru Forester are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Electrical system, Service brakes, hydraulic, Seat belts (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Subaru Forester
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Similar SUV to Consider
Other suvs at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
