This is different from the longer thread dealing with inability to back up over an obstacle (curb, rock etc.) As was noted here, in those cases none of the wheels seemed to be working to any great extent. It wasn't a case of the fronts spinning.
If the fronts spin and the rears remain still there' a problem in the AWD control system. The fundamental objective of this system is to always have the drive shafts going to the front and rear differentials turning at the same speed. One or more front wheels spinning, and neither rear wheel moving, simply should not happen. (On the CVT, this is controlled by the multi-plate clutch which is supposed to "lock" the front and rear drives when a significant difference in speed is detected.)
As has been noted, it's important, however, to be sure there wasn't one rear wheel turning.
When one front tire is spinning, one rear tire on the opposite side should also be spinning . . . . . When one front tire spins, the opposite side rear tire spins.
Not that it can't happen, but I don't see why the opposite side
should be spinning. The drives are balanced. The rear drive shaft powers the rear differential which drives the two rear axles. The front pinion drive shaft powers the front differential which drives the two front axles. There's nothing in the drive train that powers the wheels in an "X" manner. It's just as possible for the front and rear wheels on the same side to be spinning while the two on the other side are not. (Might be confused with the Subaru dual braking system in which the two separate brake hydraulic circuits work with opposite wheels front and rear.)
I also recall the case subiesailor mentioned. I don't think the actual problem in the differential was reported, but with these cars, if the AWD or the rear differential isn't working, it usually doesn't show up until the car is in the type of situation reported here, or, the car is up on a hoist with the engine running, and in gear, and only the front wheels can be made to turn.
The only other possibility is the relationship with the Traction Control. Perhaps in the 2013, turning it off also disables the AWD. Not likely to be intentionally programmed this way, but maybe that's what's actually happening in this one.
If the spinning wheel observation are correct, the car probably should be brought to the dealer. It might take some time and experimentation to get the symptoms to show up again, but once it does (especially in the likely absence of any trouble codes) the dealer should be able to address it.
Please keep us informed . . .
