Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
2013 Subaru Forester Recall
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Frequently Asked Questions
12 common questions answered
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2013 Subaru Forester?
The NHTSA has issued 23 recalls affecting the 2013 Subaru Forester across air bag, brake, ignition, electrical, engine, and equipment systems. Major issues include passenger air bag inflator defects (risk of inflator rupture), brake light switch failures, brake line corrosion in salt-belt regions, ignition switch replacement needs, and secondary air injection relay failures. These recalls are documented by the NHTSA and include corrective actions performed free of charge by dealers; contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 for federal reference numbers.
How do I check if my 2013 Subaru Forester has an open recall?
Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov or bring your vehicle to our service department and we will check your recall status for free. You can also call Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO and we will confirm any open campaigns and explain required repairs. If you prefer to act now, schedule service online and our factory-trained technicians will verify recalls at drop-off.
How much does a 2013 Subaru Forester recall repair cost?
Manufacturer recall repairs are performed at no cost to the owner and are covered by Subaru. Mike Shaw Subaru provides free recall repair using OEM parts and factory-trained technicians so repairs are completed to manufacturer standards. If you need additional non-recall repairs, ask about our service financing and available service specials.
Can I get my 2013 Subaru Forester recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Recall repairs must be completed by an authorized dealer to ensure OEM parts and manufacturer procedures are used; a certified franchise dealer is the recommended and safest option. Mike Shaw Subaru is a certified Subaru dealer in Thornton and performs recall work with Subaru diagnostic tools and factory training so repairs remain warranty- and safety-compliant.
How long does a 2013 Subaru Forester recall repair take?
Most recall repairs take between 30 minutes and a few hours, but some replacements or parts-backordered campaigns can take longer. Mike Shaw Subaru prioritizes safety campaigns and will provide an estimated turnaround when you schedule service; we also offer courtesy transportation options for longer jobs.
Does an open recall affect my 2013 Subaru Forester's trade-in or resale value?
An unresolved recall can reduce buyer confidence and may lower trade-in or resale value because many buyers and dealers check NHTSA history prior to purchase. Having recalls corrected at Mike Shaw Subaru protects resale and trade-in value; to get an immediate appraisal, visit our trade-in page.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2013 Subaru Forester recall?
Some recalls, such as brake light or brake system recalls, can lead to inspection or registration issues depending on local laws; it is safest to resolve open recalls before inspection. Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO will check any recall that could affect state inspection and advise on next steps when you schedule appointment.
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
The 2013 Subaru Forester has multiple NHTSA-documented recalls that directly affect occupant safety; ignoring them can increase the risk of serious injury. Prominent examples from NHTSA records include passenger air bag inflator defects that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, Occupant Detection System (ODS) connector issues that can deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied, brake light switch failures that prevent brake lights from illuminating, and brake line corrosion in salt-belt regions that can cause fluid leaks and longer stopping distances. These are not cosmetic issues — they affect life-saving systems. At Mike Shaw Subaru we prioritize safety: our factory-trained technicians use OEM parts and Subaru diagnostic tools to address recalls correctly and fully. Recall repairs are performed free of charge under the manufacturer's program, and completing them promptly also reduces insurance and liability concerns. If you are in Thornton or surrounding communities like Denver, Northglenn, Westminster or Brighton, contact us and schedule service to protect your family and preserve vehicle safety.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Choosing a franchise dealer matters when addressing recalls. Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO is factory-authorized to perform Subaru recall repairs using genuine OEM parts and manufacturer procedures. Our technicians are factory-trained, work with Subaru-specific diagnostic equipment, and follow Subaru Service Bulletins and NHTSA-mandated repair instructions exactly. That means repairs are performed to Subaru standards, documented correctly, and recorded in your vehicle history — preserving warranty integrity and resale value. We serve Thornton and the greater Denver metro area and offer transparent communication, courtesy amenities, and the ability to verify recall completion for potential buyers or insurers. Because recall repairs are free, there is no financial benefit to delaying service. To make it easy, you can schedule service online; and if you need other maintenance, check our current service specials. Trust Mike Shaw Subaru to complete recall work correctly, safely, and quickly, using factory tools and genuine parts so your Subaru performs as intended.
Check Your VIN Today
If you’re unsure whether your 2013 Subaru Forester has an open recall, the fastest way is a VIN check on NHTSA.gov or let our service team check for you at no charge when you visit Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton. When you bring your vehicle in our technicians will run the VIN, confirm any open campaigns, and explain required repairs and timelines. Many recall fixes are straightforward — for instance, brake light switch replacements, air bag inflator swaps, or brake line rustproofing — and can be completed the same day. For parts-backordered campaigns, we will notify you and schedule the remedy as soon as parts arrive. Even if you don’t have time to wait, we encourage you to schedule service so we can evaluate the situation; we also offer service financing if you need help spreading out non-recall work. Checking and resolving recalls promptly protects safety, compliance, and vehicle value across Thornton, Denver, and surrounding towns.
Protect Your Resale Value
Open recalls can reduce resale or trade-in value because many buyers, dealers, and lenders inspect NHTSA history and manufacturer service records. Getting recall repairs completed at an authorized Subaru dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton ensures your 2013 Subaru Forester shows documented, OEM-compliant remedies — a strong selling point and proof of vehicle safety. When recalls involve structural or safety components, unresolved campaigns can deter buyers and complicate financing or insurance. We make recall resolution easy: verify status, complete manufacturer repairs for free, and provide documentation you can show prospective buyers or dealers. For immediate value protection, visit our trade-in page or bring your vehicle in and our team will verify recalls and advise on any impact to appraisal. Completing recalls at a certified dealer also helps avoid last-minute negotiation issues during private sales or dealership trade-ins.
2013 Subaru Forester Recall Summary
The NHTSA has issued 23 recalls affecting the 2013 Subaru Forester. Table below summarizes components, consumer-friendly issues, corrective actions, and current status. Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO performs all recall repairs free of charge using OEM parts. All data above comes from NHTSA records. To protect safety and maintain vehicle value, contact Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO to schedule service for free recall repairs or call our service team for assistance.
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
The 2013 Subaru Forester has multiple NHTSA-documented recalls that directly affect occupant safety; ignoring them can increase the risk of serious injury. Prominent examples from NHTSA records include passenger air bag inflator defects that can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, Occupant Detection System (ODS) connector issues that can deactivate the front passenger air bag when the seat is occupied, brake light switch failures that prevent brake lights from illuminating, and brake line corrosion in salt-belt regions that can cause fluid leaks and longer stopping distances. These are not cosmetic issues — they affect life-saving systems. At Mike Shaw Subaru we prioritize safety: our factory-trained technicians use OEM parts and Subaru diagnostic tools to address recalls correctly and fully. Recall repairs are performed free of charge under the manufacturer's program, and completing them promptly also reduces insurance and liability concerns. If you are in Thornton or surrounding communities like Denver, Northglenn, Westminster or Brighton, contact us and schedule service to protect your family and preserve vehicle safety.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Choosing a franchise dealer matters when addressing recalls. Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO is factory-authorized to perform Subaru recall repairs using genuine OEM parts and manufacturer procedures. Our technicians are factory-trained, work with Subaru-specific diagnostic equipment, and follow Subaru Service Bulletins and NHTSA-mandated repair instructions exactly. That means repairs are performed to Subaru standards, documented correctly, and recorded in your vehicle history — preserving warranty integrity and resale value. We serve Thornton and the greater Denver metro area and offer transparent communication, courtesy amenities, and the ability to verify recall completion for potential buyers or insurers. Because recall repairs are free, there is no financial benefit to delaying service. To make it easy, you can schedule service online; and if you need other maintenance, check our current service specials. Trust Mike Shaw Subaru to complete recall work correctly, safely, and quickly, using factory tools and genuine parts so your Subaru performs as intended.
Check Your VIN Today
If you’re unsure whether your 2013 Subaru Forester has an open recall, the fastest way is a VIN check on NHTSA.gov or let our service team check for you at no charge when you visit Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton. When you bring your vehicle in our technicians will run the VIN, confirm any open campaigns, and explain required repairs and timelines. Many recall fixes are straightforward — for instance, brake light switch replacements, air bag inflator swaps, or brake line rustproofing — and can be completed the same day. For parts-backordered campaigns, we will notify you and schedule the remedy as soon as parts arrive. Even if you don’t have time to wait, we encourage you to schedule service so we can evaluate the situation; we also offer service financing if you need help spreading out non-recall work. Checking and resolving recalls promptly protects safety, compliance, and vehicle value across Thornton, Denver, and surrounding towns.
Protect Your Resale Value
Open recalls can reduce resale or trade-in value because many buyers, dealers, and lenders inspect NHTSA history and manufacturer service records. Getting recall repairs completed at an authorized Subaru dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton ensures your 2013 Subaru Forester shows documented, OEM-compliant remedies — a strong selling point and proof of vehicle safety. When recalls involve structural or safety components, unresolved campaigns can deter buyers and complicate financing or insurance. We make recall resolution easy: verify status, complete manufacturer repairs for free, and provide documentation you can show prospective buyers or dealers. For immediate value protection, visit our trade-in page or bring your vehicle in and our team will verify recalls and advise on any impact to appraisal. Completing recalls at a certified dealer also helps avoid last-minute negotiation issues during private sales or dealership trade-ins.
Recall Summary
23 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Air Bag
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
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Air Bag10
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
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Brake Light3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 29, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
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Turbocharger Air Intake Duct1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
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Ignition1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
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 ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of t
Consequence
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
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Electrical System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
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Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may
Consequence
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
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Equipment1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
Consequence
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru will issue an interim notification by the end of April 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
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Rear Suspension1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Consequence
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
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Engine2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
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Power Steering1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
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