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.
Electrical system, Lane departure, May 15, 2021
WENT TO START MY CAR AND BATTERY WAS DEAD. GOT A JUMP FROM AAA BUT SINCE NONE OF THE EYESIGHT SAFETY FEATURES WORKED, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SUBARU AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I WAS TOLD I'D NEED TO DRIVE IT EVERY DAY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. THAT'S ABSURD. TO MAKE THINGS WORSE, REMOTE START WILL ONLY WORK FOR 2 STARTS. ON THE 3RD START, IT WON'T START UNLESS YOU START THE CAR MANUALLY. WHAT'S THE POINT OF HAVING A REMOTE START IF YOU HAVE TO START THE CAR MANUALLY EVERY 3 DAYS?
Electrical system, May 15, 2021
WHILE GETTING A 2 HR DENTAL PROCEDURE, THERE WAS AN UNEXPLAINED BATTERY DRAIN, LEAVING THE CAR DEAD. I PAID AAA TO GIVE ME A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY JUMP. I HAD HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES.
Visibility, May 13, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THE UPON ENTERING HER VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED A VERTICAL CRACK AT THE BOTTOM BASE OF THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED WITHOUT INCIDENT OR IMPACT. WITHIN HOURS, THE CRACK WAS EXTENDED AND FORMED A CURVE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD, OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVER'S VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED DELLENBACH SUBARU SERVICE CENTER (3103 S. COLLEGE AVE, FORT COLLINS, CO 80525, (970) 226-3100) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE INSPECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,300.
Visibility/wiper, May 3, 2021
WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT IDLE FOR NO REASON AND NO IMAPCT
Visibility/wiper, May 3, 2021
A SMALL ROCK FLEW UP AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE IMPACT OF A ROCK THAT SMALL.
Visibility, May 3, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WERE SEVERAL FRACTURES ON THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDSHIELD. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED WITH A GLASS REPAIR FACILITY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT YET REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT LEARNED OF A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT RELATED TO THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 22,000.
Visibility, Apr 29, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WHEN SHE NOTICED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD A CRACK ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND THE CRACK STARTED EXPANDING. WAGNER SUBARU (5470 INTRASTATE DR, FAIRBORN, OH 45324) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT SHE HAD TO PAY OUT OF POCKET FOR THE REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.
Wheels, Apr 26, 2021
THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR CAME ON AND EVEN AFTER THE TIRES WERE CHECKED AND CORRECT AIR WAS PUT IN THE SENSOR WOULD NOT GO OFF. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $170.00 TO REPLACE ONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS THEY SAID WERE FAULTY. NEITHER MY WARRANTY OR EXTENDED WARRANTY WOULD COVER IT. MY HUSBAND THEN PURCHASED A TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR AND TOOK IT TO A LOCAL MECHANIC SHOP FOR THEM TO REPLACE IT, WHICH HAVE COST A TOTAL OF $40.00. THE MECHANIC PUT IT ON THEIR COMPUTERS AND COULDN'T IDENTIFY A BAD SENSOR, BUT SOMETHING SHOWING WRONG IN ONE OF THE COMPUTERS READING THE SENSOR. WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO TAKE IT BACK TO THE DEALER AND TRY TO GET THIS RECTIFIED. IF IT IS A COMPUTER THEN I FEEL IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE WE CAN NOT GET AN ACCURATE READING AND THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT IS STAYING LIT UP ON THE DASHBOARD.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 25, 2021
IN UNDER TWO YEARS, I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD ON MY VEHICLE TWICE. THE FIRST TIME, A ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD WHICH CAUSED A VERY SMALL CHIP. THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON, THE CHIP HAD BECOME A LARGE CRACK THE CAME DOWN FROM THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD NEARLY HALFWAY DOWN THE WINDSHIELD. I PAID THE EXTRA MONEY TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD WITH OEM GLASS. MORE RECENTLY (LESS THAN 1.5 YEARS LATER), THE WIPER BLADES ON MY WINDSHIELD WERE REPLACED. THE ONE WIPER BLADE WOULD NOT LET GO AND THE BLADE CAME BACK DOWN ON THE WINDSHIELD WITH THE SPRING. NO MARKS WERE OBSERVED IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE FOLLOWING AFTERNOON, A CRACK CAME UP FROM THE BLADE AND RAN ACROSS NEARLY 1/3 OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE DATE RECORDED IS FOR THE SECOND INCIDENT.
Structure, Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 23, 2021
CRACKING WINDSHIELD ONCE A YEAR SINCE LAST YEAR.
Visibility, Apr 21, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ENTERING THE VEHICLE, SHE NOTICED THAT A HORIZONTAL CRACK HAD FORMED ON THE BOTTOM SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD WITHOUT INCIDENT. A WEEK LATER, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ANOTHER SMALLER CRACK HAD FORMED ON THE BOTTOM, CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD ALSO WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT BOTH CRACKS OBSTRUCTED HER VISION WHILE DRIVING. THE CONTACT CALLED RAFFERTY SUBARU (4700 WEST CHESTER PIKE, NEWTOWN SQUARE, PA 19073, (888) 711-0779) AND WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR AN INSPECTION. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,300.
Engine, Apr 18, 2021
EXHAUST GASKET LEAK. ONLY NOTABLE WHEN COLD AS IT MAKES A WHISTLING SOUND. ISSUE HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES
Engine, Apr 18, 2021
EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS AT BOTH 30,0000 AND 65,000 MILES. CAR WAS MAKING WHISTLING SOUNDS WHEN STARTING THAT ARE EXCEPTIONALLY NOTABLY ONLY IN COLD WEATHER. UNKNOWN HOW LONG LEAKS WERE THERE AS THEY ONLY LOUD DURING THE COLD MONTHS. NOISE WOULD GO AWAY ONCE ENGINE WAS WARMED UP.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 18, 2021
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2018 SUBARU FORESTER (PURCHASED NEW) TWO TIMES IN LESS THAN 3 YEARS DUE TO (MINOR) ROCK STRIKES (HIGHWAY DRIVING) IN THE LOWER QUARTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. I NOW HAVE A THIRD CRACKED WINDSHIELD. I HAVE BEEN DRIVING FOR 45 YEARS AND I DON'T BELIEVE I HAVE EVER HAD TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD UNTIL I BOUGHT THIS CAR! I HAVE READ THAT THIS IS NOT AN ISOLATED INCIDENT WITH SUBARUS AND THAT ONE LAWSUIT WAS SETTLED AND THAT 1-2 ADDITIONAL LAWSUITS, INVOLVING 2017-2019 FORESTERS ARE PENDING
Suspension, Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2021
I HAVE AC PROBLEMS, REFRIGERANT LEAK, ACTUATOR PROBLEMS, BAD COMPRESSOR. I HAVE SERIOUS CVT SURGING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS THAT MAKE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAR LITERALLY BEGINS TO HOP LIKE YOU ARE STOMPING THE GAS AND BREAKS BACK AND FORTH AND CAN EASILY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL. IT SOMETIMES DOES NOTHING WHEN PRESSING ACCELERATOR FOR WAY TOO LONG MAKING IT DANGEROUS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. WINDOWS ROLL DOWN WITHOUT PRESSING BUTTON AND WON'T ROLL BACK UP UNLESS YOU ROLL THEM ALL THE WAY DOWN FIRST AND USUALLY IT JUST ROLLS RIGHT BACK DOWN AGAIN. AWEFUL TRYING TO DRIVE WHILE FIGHTING WITH WINDOWS THAT WON'T STAY UP. SUSPENSION IS SO DESTROYED FROM THE SURGING AND HOPPING THAT IT CANNOT BE ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE DESTROYS TIRES RAPIDLY AND UNEVENLY. GAS MPG IS TERRIBLE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU RUN AC. STEERING ASSIST IS DANGEROUS AND WILL SOMETIMES JERK WHEEL AWAY FOR NO REASON CAUSING YOU TO SCRAPE CURBS AND NEARLY HIT A POLE ONCE.. BREAKING ASSIST IS ALSO DANGEROUS AS IT WILL SLAM BREAKS FOR NO REASON. LANE DEPARTURE BEEPS A LOT FOR NO REASON. WIPERS ARE GARBAGE. WINDSHIELD GLASS IS TOO SOFT AND ALL DUST SCRATCHES IT MAKING VISIBILITY POOR THE TRUNK OFTEN WILL NOT OPEN NO MATTER IF YOU PUSH BUTTON ON KEY, INSIDE CAR OR ON TRUNK. THE DOOR SEALS FELL OFF, CHEAP CLIPS FALL OFF THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD IMPORTANT THINGS IN PLACE, GLOVE BOX SHOCK BROKE. I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES TOO. SUSPENSION IS A BIG ISSUE HOWEVER, COMPLETELY SHOT FROM SURGING. FAR TOO EXPENSIVE TO GET WHOLE NEW SUSPENSION. DEALERSHIP IGNORED ALL COMPLAINTS AND PURGED ALL RECORDS OF VISITS SO I COULDN'T FILE LEMON LAW. SUBARU IS VERY DISHONEST. SO MANY THINGS NEED RECALL THAT IT IS A LEMON PURE AND SIMPLE.
Service brakes, Visibility/wiper, Apr 13, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITH NO CAUSING DAMAGE. SHORT CRACK IN MOTION THAT GREW OVER SEVERAL NIGHTS WHILE PARKED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR WHILE STOPPED AT A LIGHT. HAD TOWED TO THE DEALER
Air bags, Seat belts, Apr 12, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE. THE AIR BAG SYSTEM WAS DEACTIVATED. THE SEAT BELT ALERT WAS ACTIVATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF KENNESAW (905 ERNEST W BARRETT PKWY NW, KENNESAW, GA 30144) HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS LATER DIAGNOSED AND THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS A WIRING HARNESS CONNECTION FAILURE, BRAKE PEDAL SENSOR AND THAT THE SEAT BOTTOM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SHE FELT UNSAFE OPERATING THE VEHICLE AND REQUESTED THAT THE MANUFACTURER BUY BACK THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 12, 2021
WHILE LEAVING FOR WORK THIS MORNING, I NOTICED A CRACK ON MY WINDSHIELD ON THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE, RIGHT ABOVE THE FRONT SPEAKER. IT APPEARS THE CRACK IS ONLY ON THE INSIDE AND IS NOT CAUSED BY ANY OUTSIDE DAMAGE OR FORCE.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 8, 2021, crash
I TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE COVERING THE BRAKE AND CAME TO A STOP. I WENT TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND WHEN THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STARTED TO MOVE THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCOMMANDED AND RAN INTO THE BUILDING.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 7, 2021
WINDSHIELD UPPER PASSENGER SIDE IS CRACKED APPROX 12" OVERNIGHT FOR NO APPARENT REASON. IT WAS PARKED STATIONARY IN A COVERED GARAGE.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 31, 2021
WINDSHIELD HAS NUMEROUS CRACKS AND CHIPS FROM SEVERAL EVENTS. IT CHIPS AND CRACKS TOO EASILY. ALL EVENTS HAPPENED WHILE IN MOTION WITH SPEEDS BETWEEN 35 AND 70 MPH.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 30, 2021
A CRACK STARTED IN THE LOWER PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND HAS CONTINUED TO MOVE ACROSS TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD OBSTRUCTING VIEW. I NOTICED IT WHILE DRIVING BACK FROM VICKSBURG, MS. IT WAS UNDER A LEASE AND THEN I PURCHASED IT IN MARCH OF 2021.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 29, 2021
WINDSHIELD HAS TWO CRACKS ON OPPOSITE SIDES EXTENDING FROM BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD UPWARDS. ONE APPEARS TO BE IMPACT-RELATED. THE OTHER DOES NOT. CRACKS ARE EXTENDING TOWARD THE LOCATION OF THE SUBARU EYESIGHT SAFETY SYSTEM CAMERAS.
Vehicle speed control, Mar 29, 2021, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 8 MPH, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING WHICH RESULTED IN THE VEHICLE CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALER (SUBARU WHITE PLAINS 258 E MAIN ST, ELMSFORD, NY 10523, (844) 338-8731) WHERE IT'S AWAITING DIAGNOSIS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 18,000.
Other or unspecified, Mar 27, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD IS PITTED AND CRACKED I FIRST NOTICED THE PITTING IN 03/2018 AND IT IS CONTINUALLY GETTING WORSE. THE WINDSHIELD NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT HAS A HUGE CRACK IN IT!