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
495 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Aug 25, 2021
When putting the car in park and attempting to turn the car off and take the key out of the ignition, the key is stuck. I typically have to shift back into R or N and then back in park a few times before the key is able to be released. This has been happening off and on for about 6 months and seems to get worse in the heat.
Exterior lighting, Aug 19, 2021
During the winter of 2019 I was driving during a heavy wet snow storm. I had to stop every 5 -10 minutes to wipe off my headlights as they were covered in heavy wet snow. This was a safety issue as I needed to get out of my car on the side of the interstate near Hardin MT, where often many vehicles would pass near the car. For an all weather SUV, this is a safety issue. The lights did not produce any heat to melt the snow so that I could continue to drive in a safe manner. Have never run into this issue before with any vehicle. I have written Subaru about this issue after this occurred, but have never received any response.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 12, 2021
WINDSHEILD CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE FOR NO REASON
Air bags, Aug 9, 2021
Passenger side airbag sensor malfunctioning, vehicle has heated seats. Sometimes when passenger is seated the passenger airbag does not turn on and the airbag malfunction light comes on. There is a recall for the same issue for the same year model Subaru Recall #19V701000. However, my particular Subaru does not fall within the date range listed on original recall, though it appears to be the exact same problem based on the description.
Other or unspecified, Aug 6, 2021
WENT INTO THE DOCTORS OFFICE YESTERDAY AND WHEN I CAME OUT THE REAR HACH WAS OPEN. THE CAR WAS LOCKED AND SECURE WHEN WE WENT IN.
Other or unspecified, Jul 30, 2021
The AC System has failed, most likely the compressor at 76,000 miles. This problem is widespread across Subaru models 2017 & 2018 and repairs cost at around $1,500.00. For a less than 3 year old, very maintained car components should not be failing this soon. Having no working AC is a safety hazard to be in while driving in 100+ degree weather and also the windshield will fog over because moisture is not being taken out of the air now.
Power train, Jul 30, 2021
The CVT transmission is begining to fail, the car has come near stalling several times and has a very rough/lurching shift while accelerating onto highways and merging. Subaru dealership says it does not qualify for a warranty replacement even though Subaru extended the warranty specifically for this problem.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 2021
The key would not pull from the ignition. We took the car to a Subaru Dealership and they had to replace the shifter assembly. This would have cost $650 had it not been covered by our 30 day limited warantee. We had just bought the car a week prior. There was no recall on the required notice we got when we bought the car because Subaru had not issued at that time. I discovered this when visiting forums of others with a similar experience. The owners know their experience, but that knowledge has not risen to the level of public acknowledgement by Subaru. The windshield cracked in 3 places for no discernable reason. We had it looked at, and they are not deep enough for service, at this time. However, we anticipate having to get a replacement windshield with estimated costs of $1000 or more. Another discovery found in the forums, but not from Subaru directly. The general public relies on the credibility of manufacturers and dealerships when making this long term investments. Subaru concealing information this information is quite concerning. If they do not disclose then neither do the dealerships selling them. In the end, the consumer ends up with the expense.
Electrical system, Jul 14, 2021
Multiple times, I've had the car parked for several days and when I try to start it, the battery is dead. I've had the dealer check the battery twice, and the entire charging system once. They couldn't find a problem. This doesn't happen every time consistently, but it's happened enough that I wanted to report the issue.
Visibility, Jul 12, 2021
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked when she noticed there was a crack on the windshield. There was no impact to the windshield that could have caused the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 33,203.
Air bags, Jul 12, 2021
When a passenger sits in the front passenger seat of my Subaru Forester, the airbag notification light indicates that the airbag is "OFF". It is my understanding that there was a recall for this very issue but when I contacted Subaru to get it fixed, they said that my vehicle wasn't on their list of recalled vehicles and would not service it under the recall.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2021
The windshield has several small cracks in it and it was not hit by rocks or any other debris.
Electrical system, Jul 9, 2021
Battery keeps dying without daily use. I drove my vehicle less than a week ago, no lights left on, nothing in the charging ports, no doors open, and still the battery didn't have enough power to start. I've had to call AAA and have neighbors jump start my vehicle a few times but when I get my battery tested I'm told that my battery is fine and that I do not need a new one. Something is draining my battery and I don't know what.
Other or unspecified, Jun 25, 2021
There is a crack in the glass of my moon roof and the moon roof is not properly sealed so water leaks in to the car. I purchased the vehicle on 6/18/21 and noticed the crack today (6/25/21) as I was examining the car when I was showing it to a friend of mine. I noticed the water leaking in to the car on 6/19/21 and 6/24/21 when I took the vehicle to get washed.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Jun 23, 2021
Follow up-to complaint #11420905 submitted 6/14/2021. The car was taken back to the dealership due to stall, hesitation, slowness, and erratic uncontrolled acceleration. Safety was the main issue. The dealer confirmed the concern and replaced the transmission with a remanufactured one. The problems still remain with the exception of the stalling. We believe this situation requires further thorough investigation and possible recall or new transmission installation.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 14, 2021
The 2018 Forrester XT was taken to Subaru Dealer (Gwinnett) for a routine 42,000-mile service. There were no issues with the car. Shortly after picking up and driving approximately 30 miles the car stalled twice at traffic lights. The engine was restarted but started to exhibit sluggish and erratic acceleration, especially from 0-45 MPH. The car was taken back to Gwinnett Subaru the next day. They did some data retrieval and found a mass airflow event, cleaned the air filter, test drove the car, and released it to us. The next few days, the same problems were experienced but the car did not stall. At one point, at a traffic light, the car would simply not accelerate even with full pedal pressure which was gradually increased. When it finally did, it was uncontrolled and erratic. Highway driving once speed was reached seemed normal, but any acceleration from a slower speed was problematic. On Monday 6-14-2021 the car was taken back to the dealer due to serious concerns about safety and the possibility of the loss of power when critically needed or when on the highway. The dealer promised to investigate the problem further. That evening, we were informed that it was their assessment that the car would need a brand new CVT transmission. The car has approximately 41,100 miles and we were told that it would be covered by the 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Expected to take 7-10 days for repair.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 9, 2021
When applying gentle gas pressure at low speed car does not respond for 2-4 seconds, then lurches strongly forward as tho full throttle has been applied. Happens at random times. Dealer said nothing wrong when first happened 2 years ago. Was rare until today when it happened 6 times within 50 miles of city driving. Will see dealer tomorrow. No warnings of any kind. Grave safety hazard as could be hit by traffic when trying to enter street or get out of somebodies way when car does't respond.
Other or unspecified, Jun 2, 2021
The windshield, after being in a garage for A whole weekend cracked. There was no impact, it just split up the middle. This issue has had a class action lawsuit brought up against Subaru, and is something that sadly happened to me to. I am now stuck with an almost 1000 bill. There were no warnings or causes. It happened with no indication this would occur.
Visibility/wiper, May 31, 2021
The windshield cracked over half way across due to no apparent reason. Noticed it in the morning after vehicle had been parked in a protected area. The crack continued to get bigger over the next day and now covers over half of the windshield.
Visibility/wiper, May 22, 2021
Changing wipers blades. Blade hit passenger side windshield and creates a 12 inch crack. Windshield had to be replaced.
Electrical system, May 17, 2021
I have had numerous times that my car would not start because the battery was dead. I upgraded my battery at purchase because I had the dealer install a remote start. Within a few months my car was completely dead and had to be towed to the dealer, 2.5 hrs away. Subaru replaced the battery with the biggest battery that would fit. The next winter, the same dead battery issues happened. It was suggested that I get a car starter jump pack, to keep on hand, which I used often. Then the battery stopped holding charge for even four days. So they recommended that I get a Trickle charge battery tender, so I did. The dealer thought it might be the remote starter, and replaced that. So far, it has been okay, but it is warmer weather now too. They also recommended that I keep the battery tender plugged in all time, year round, which seems crazy for a new car. I tried several times and ways to download my invoices showing these repairs. All failed.
Electrical system, May 16, 2021
The battery died. Subaru battery drain related
Electrical system, May 16, 2021
BATTERY DRAINS FOR SEEMINGLY NO REASON. THE RADIO OR LIGHTS ARE NOT LEFT ON THAT WOULD MAKE THE CAR DRAIN WHILE THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY ON 5/14/2021.
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
BATTERY DIED AND HAD TO BE REPLACED
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
WOULD GO TO START CAR AND IT WOULDN'T START. MULTIPLE DAYS THOUGHT I WAS DOING SOMETHING WRONG G LEAVING SOMETHING ON, GOT BATTERY CHECKED THEY SAID IT WAS OK JUST LOW. IT KEPT DOING IT, WENT ON FOR LIKE 2-3 MONTHS . FINALLY I HAD ENOUGH AND BOUGHT A NEW BATTERY. SINCE IT HAPPENED AND REPLACED BATTERY VEHICLE IDLES HIGH LIKE 1-2 IN PARK.