2018 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 495 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 5th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 26 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 9 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJul 29, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Campaign 21V587000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationOct 3, 2019
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.
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.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Campaign 19V701000 on NHTSA.gov
TiresJul 10, 2018
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.
Campaign 18V455000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
25 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Engine, Sep 17, 2026
On July 31, 2026, I was driving with my daughter when the a/c compressor clutch seized up and experienced a catastrophic compressor failure that also blew out the expansion valve o-rings. The failure led to a total loss of engine power and control of the vehicle. The car would not start back up because the clutch was seized and the pulleys wouldn’t turn. Luckily, I was in a residential neighborhood and cars were able to safely go around me. If this had happened on a highway or faster speed limit zone there could have been fatalities. There were tons of lights all over the dash as I attempted to restart the engine. The engine wouldn’t turn over until I gave it plenty of pedal pressure. This extra power to the engine during ignition freed the seized clutch and I was able to drive home without air conditioning. I parked outside in the driveway due to a strong odor of burning metal (probably clutch) when we arrived home. Several years earlier I had completed a Subaru recall WRB-21 for the condenser, and I believe this is directly related to the failure. Subaru of America denied my request for goodwill repair claim under claim 260810-210789 and won’t recognize this as a serious safety issue. There are hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube videos of complaints that the a/c compressor fails prematurely and SOA has only acknowledged the condenser failure. My vehicle has less than 70,000 miles and it has been verified by the dealership (North Park Subaru Dominion) as a “faulty” compressor and leaking expansion valve o-rings. I have requested the dealership to use tracer dye and ensure that metal shavings and debris are not in the closed loop system before replacing the a/c compressor and o-rings which will cause another failure of the entire system. I will also request that they save the compressor for inspection.
Steering, Suspension, Sep 2, 2025
- Steering and suspension were affected. The car is available for inspection upon request. - My safety and the safety of others were affected by the fact that the car was shaking rather intensely while driving at highway speeds. I was worried a steering failure could occur. - My licensed mechanic diagnosed the problem as a right front lower control arm assembly problem with torn bushing. (Please see attached.) He replaced the assembly. Shortly thereafter, the steering wheel would feel occasionally loose and move on its own. The mechanic then did an alignment which did not help. The steering issue that came about after the control arm assembly was replaced is the subject of a complaint I filed with you yesterday: 11683647 - The problem being reported here has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. - There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. - Interestingly, the failure of the control arm assembly occurred at 51012 miles, right after the warranty ran out. My wife and I are seniors and we drive with care. Under the circumstances, this component of the car should have lasted much longer than it did. Now we worry the left side assembly may fail, especially since we have a loose steering problem that I reported yesterday.
Steering, Aug 28, 2025
1. The car's steering could be malfunctioning . The car is available for inspection upon request. 2. The steering wheel occasionally and without warning suddenly FEELS loose and "disconnected" from its ability to steer the car -- until I turn the steering wheel about a quarter to a half an inch and the steering FEELS normal again. I worry the issue (which so far has not interfered with steering the car) may worsen and possibly become hazardous. 3. I took the car to my regular licensed mechanic who did not experience the issue when he drove it. Nevertheless, the issue reported here exists as my wife and I have each experienced it. 4. The steering has not been inspected by Subaru, the police, insurance reps or others, other than my regular mechanic who has found no issues with the steering. 5. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue first occurring except for the replacement of a tie rod by my regular mechanic, which may be coincidental. 6. This issue has existed since at least last February with no worsening of the condition. My regular mechanic has assured me there is no danger as he has checked the mechanical aspects of the steering (linkages, tie rods, etc.).
Steering, Suspension, Jul 19, 2025
I would like to bring your attention to an issue I recently had experienced concerning my 2018 Subaru Forester that I had purchased new in June of 2018, and to date has only 48,518 miles. A steering rattle sound/vibration had developed while driving at normal speeds on paved roadways. I made an appointment with my local Subaru dealer to have the condition checked out. After a test drive and inspection by the technician, it was determined that both front transverse bushings needed to be replaced, and a wheel alignment performed following the repair. I have done some research and discovered that Subaru had changed the inferior material of the cushion portion of the front transverse bushing due to premature failure of the component (Reference: Subaru TSB 05-63-18R). It is negligent for Subaru not to inform the consumers knowing that a potential safety issue existed in the steering system of the vehicle. I believe the Subaru corporation should have initiated a recall of the effected vehicles and replace the defective components, at no cost to the consumer, in order to restore the safety and drivability of the vehicle.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Aug 8, 2024
LCA lower control arm front bushing on Right and Left front for 2018 Subaru Forester is a known issue with EVERY Forester. Mine had only 55K miles when the Right Front started shaking and now the left is doing so and I am only at 60K miles!!
Steering, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 6, 2024
Starting up the car in the morning after a long day stuck in traffic (over 100 degree F weather), moved about 5 feet then the eyesight system stopped working, rear braking stopped, and power steering gave out - the car started and the engine ran normally. The car was abandoned as unsafe until diagnostics could be performed and a different car was used to get around . That evening the car started up fine, also the next morning to reproduce conditions. Tested the battery, which showed "good" (93% charge/40%healthy). I suspect that, in the morning the A/C, headlights, radio, backup lights, etc... put a large draw on the electrical system resulting in a system wide shutdown of adaptive features - However loss of power steering is insane and can easily result in death if it happens while driving especially while making a turn if the driver is not prepared/strong enough to force it. The linking of non-critical system to help the driver to an essential system is just asking for trouble.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Sep 22, 2023
While driving steering wheel freezes and driver is not able to control steering.Engine quits .
Steering, Apr 11, 2023
When the vehicle is driven 60 MPH or greater, the front end/steering starts to vibrate and rattle.
Steering, Lane departure, Mar 8, 2023
Steering wheel locking intermittently, without warning. white car symbol appears between lanes, followed by green car symbol as the wheel locks. Took the car to Liberty Subaru, my dealer, Emerson, NJ. First two times garage unable to replicate the problem, no repairs done. Third time this happened to me, the car started rocking from side to side on the road as the wheel remained locked, terrifying. I called the dealer, they told me to turn off the safety system (lane assist) which I did. Back to the same garage, same outcome. Could not replicate the problem. 4th time this happened to me, I had not reset the lane assist and the same warning symbols appeared as the wheel locked. Back to garage, told me they were not going to give me a loaner car as they cannot replicate the problem. Reported to Subaru of America, no response to first email. Second email acknowledged receipt and gave me a case number: Case# 230306-0200125. Car remains at Liberty Subaru, it is dangerous to drive. I will end up in an accident as I cannot control the car when the wheel is locked, and I will endanger others on the road at the same time. Dates are approx, occurred 4 different days over two weeks approx. Speed ranged from 41 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour when it occurred,
Steering, Electrical system, Feb 8, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that she was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the power steering warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that after 5 minutes she was able to start the vehicle and to drive to her destination. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,978.
Steering, Feb 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after shifting to drive, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult the turn in either direction. The contact stated that the power steering fault message was displayed. After turning off and restarting the vehicle, the vehicle operated as needed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. A service appointment was scheduled with the local dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Steering, Suspension, Dec 28, 2022
My 2018 Subaru Forester front low control arms and wheel bearing were damaged after about 24000 miles of driving in 5 years. I got it second hand in 2020 and it had only about 14000 miles. I had them replaced due to safety concern.
Steering, Air bags, Seats, Dec 15, 2022
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat was extremely hot. Additionally, air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the taillights were inoperable. While his wife was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the taillight bulbs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,400.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Mar 20, 2021
VEHICLE HAS 50K MILES. WINDOW MOTOR ON DRIVER WINDOW REPLACED TWICE. KEEPS FAILING. ALSO UNEVEN TREAD WEAR ON BRAND NEW TIRES INDICATING SOMETHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Jan 1, 2020
ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY EYESIGHT FEATURE SUDDENLY DISENGAGES AND MY CRUISE CONTROL CEASES TO WORK AND NO LANE ASSIST OR OTHER SAFETY FEATURES CONTAINED WITH THE "EYESIGHT PACKAGE" WORK FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. THIS HAS OCCURRED WHEN IT IS RAINING OR SNOWING.
Steering, Dec 4, 2019
THE STEERING LOCKS UP ON THIS VEHICLE AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN IT BUT GIVE ME A STEERING WHEEL EMBLEM WITH THE! AND IT DOESN'T WEATHER IS HOT OR COLD SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TURN IT ON AND OFF SIX OR SEVEN TIMES BEFORE IT WILL UNFREEZE
Steering, Jul 30, 2019
THIS CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND ONLY HAS BEEN DRIVEN 3,370 MILES. EVERY SO OFTEN AFTER STARTUP, WHILE BEGINNING TO MOVE FORWARD, THE STEERING BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THIS EFFECT LASTS, PERHAPS, FOR UP TO 5 SECONDS OR SO.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Jun 14, 2019, crash
WHILE PARKING IN A LOT: WHEN PULLING INTO A SPACE, HIT BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR ACCELERATED RESULTING IN MINOR DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND OTHERS CARS. I BELIEVE THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED RESULTING IN THIS ACCIDENT.
Steering, Structure, May 21, 2019, crash
I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO WAIT FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I ONLY HAD ABOUT TWENTY FEET TO GO TO ACCESS THE ANGLED PARKING SPACE FOR THE BUSINESS ON THE CORNER. AS I TURNED INTO THE SPACE, MY FORESTER SUDDENLY JUMPED THE CURB, MOWED DOWN A SIGN POLE, AND CRASHED INTO THE BUILDING WINDOW. AFTER REPLAYING THIS INCIDENT OVER IN MY MIND, I TRULY BELIEVE THIS WAS A CASE OF UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. FORTUNATELY, NO ONE WAS INJURED. I WAS ON A CITY STREET AND WAS TOTALLY SHOCKED THAT THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED LIKE IT DID.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 20, 2019
[XXX] 05/19/2019 [XXX]- CLEAR DAY @ 10AM EST. WHILE IN MY LANE AND TRAVELING STRAIGHT AND WITHIN THE LANE LINES, TWO (2) VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS ACTIVATE AT THE SAME TIME: LANE KEEP ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING. THE LANE KEEP ASSIST WAS THE STRONGEST "PULL" I'VE EVER FELT AND PULLED/STEERED THE VEHICLE TO RIGHT CAUSING ME NEARLY CROSS INTO THE LANE ON MY RIGHT. MY HANDS WERE ALWAYS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY CORRECT IT. THE DEPARTURE WARNING ALSO ACTIVATED AT THE INITIAL 'LANE KEEP ASSIST' FEATURE ACTIVATION. ATTACHED IS A PICTURE OF THE ROAD FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD HAS DRIED INSECT RESIDUE BUT NOTHING I CONSIDERED VISUALLY IMPAIRING. IF MY HANDS WERE NOT ON THE STEERING WHEEL OR OTHERWISE WAS DISTRACTED, I HAVE NO DOUBT I WOULD HAVE STEERED COMPLETELY INTO THE LANE NEXT TO ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Visibility/wiper, May 13, 2019
EYESIGHT SHUTS OFF , IN RAIN WHEN MOST NEEDED. DEALER STATES IT IS OK.
Steering, Wheels, Apr 26, 2019
SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN 2018, WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT A SPEED BETWEEN 65 TO 70 MY TIRES FEEL UNBALANCED. SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE MY CAR IS SWERVING AND IT FEELS LIKE IT'S HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR .
Steering, Apr 4, 2019
ON STRAIGHT HIGHWAY SOMETIMES WILL GIVE A JERK TO THE RIGHT. HAD VEHICLE IN FOR ISSUE THEY FOUND STEERING SHAFT BOLT LOOSE. THEY RETORQUED TO SPEC. DROVE TO FLORIDA STILL HAS SAME ISSUES. WHEN IN A BANKED TURN DOES NOT HOLD TURN PROPERLY. WHEN ON ABSOLUTELY STRAIGHT HIGHWAY STEERING WHEEL APPEARS TO BE SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT OF 6:00. MAKING APPT WITH DEALERSHIP AGAIN. DON'T KNOW WHEN IT STARTED, WIFE HAD BEEN DRIVING DUE TO MY MEDICAL ISSUE. *BF 'PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).'*JB
Steering, Engine, Feb 10, 2019
HAD SUBRA 2018 FOR 2 WEEKS OIL LIGHTS COME ON ALL LIGHTS BEEN HAVING THIS OIL BURNING FOR A YEAR. NOW THE STEERING FREEZE UP WHILE DRIVING IT LAST WEEK COULDN'T MOVE CAR AT ALL ON THE HIGHWAY TURNING. IT WOULDN'T MOVE GOOD THING WE WEREN'T GOING FAST ON A INTERSTATE. SAT ON SIDE OF ROAD WITH IT. READ BOOK TRYING TO SEE WHAT WAS GOING ON NO STEERING THAT CAR AT ALL. I DIDN'T BUY A BRAND NEW CAR WITH PROBLEMS LIKE THAT. THE OIL ISSUE BEEN GOING ON SINCE I GOT CAR IN 2017. BEEN BACK A FORTH TO DEAL SHIP NOTHING DONE WHAT SO EVER
Steering, May 22, 2018
WHEN DRIVING FORWARD ON LEVEL ROAD, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS OR GOES TO THE RIGHT. I MUST KEEP TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I NOTICE WHEN THE VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT SIDE, STEERING WHEEL MAINTAINS A CENTERED POSITION.