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.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2019
NOTICED SMALL CRACK IN WINDSHIELD LAST TUESDAY, STARTING JUST ABOVE A CLIP ON WIPER. ASSUMED, AT FIRST IT WAS DIRTY WINDSHIELD FROM LIGHT RAIN & WIPER USE, BUT THEN SATURDAY IT MOVED ABOUT 6 INCHES MID DAY PARKED THEN HALFWAY ACROSS DRIVER SIDE A COUPLE OF HOURS LATER PARKED. I HAVE NOT BEEN HIT BY ANYTHING BIG OR SMALL. I HAVE READ THAT THIS WINDSHIELD ISSUE HAS BEEN IN EVERY SUBARU MODELS. I WANT SUBARU TO PAY FOR THIS!
Air bags, Aug 15, 2019
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON, PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SAYS 'OFF' ON PANEL WHEN PERSON IS ON SEAT. STARLINK EMAILS ME THAT THERE IS AN AIRBAG ISSUE.
Air bags, Seat belts, Aug 14, 2019
FRONT PASSENGER SEAT AIRBAG SENSOR BEGAN NOT RECOGNIZING PASSENGERS SITTING IN THE SEAT SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING MY BRAND NEW 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THIS STARTED OCCURING WHILE DRIVING, TURNING OFF AND ON. AFTER A WHILE, IT COMPLETELY STOPPED RECOGNIZING ANY PERSON SITTING IN THE SEAT EVEN AFTER ONLY JUST TURNING THE CAR ON. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED IT SINCE IT WAS IN THE WARRANTY PERIOD BUT BLAMED US FOR IT MALFUNCTIONING SAYING THAT WE MUST HAVE GOTTEN THE SEAT WET, CAUSING THE SENSOR TO FAIL. WE TOLD THEM THAT WE HADN'T EVER GOTTEN THE SEAT WET. ONE YEAR AND 3 MONTHS AFTER WE'D GOTTEN OUR FORESTER BACK FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE AIRBAG SENSOR REPAIR, A PASSENGER THAT SAT IN THE SEAT BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION THE FACT THAT THE PART OF THE SEATBELT THAT SITS TO THE LEFT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WAS LOOSE. WE TOOK IT TO THE SAME DEALERSHIP AGAIN AND THEY TOLD US THAT THE TECHNICIAN HAD REINSTALLED THE SEAT BELT INCORRECTLY AFTER THE AIRBAG SENSOR REPAIR AND THAT IT WAS MISSING A PART AND THAT'S WHY IT WAS LOOSE AND NOT ANCHORED PROPERLY. THEY WERE ORDERING THE PART AND IT WOULD ARRIVE WITHIN A WEEK. WHEN WE RETURNED A WEEK LATER THEY INFORMED US THAT THEY ORDERED THE WRONG PART AND NOW WE'D HAVE TO WAIT ANOTHER WEEK FOR THE SEAT BELT TO BE ANCHORED PROPERLY. STILL WAITING FOR THE CORRECT PART TO ARRIVE FOR THE SEAT BELT TO BE ANCHORED PROPERLY.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 13, 2019, crash
AS I WAS EASING INTO A PARKING SPACE IN MY TOWNHOME COMMUNITY IN FRONT OF MY NEIGHBOR'S HOUSE, THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND JUMPED THE CURB, LANDING ON THE SIDEWALK AND PUSHING IN THE WALL OF THE HOUSE. AIRBAGS DID NOT GO OFF AND LUCKILY NOBODY WAS HOME OR STANDING ON THE SIDEWALK. I WAS NOT INJURED. THE CAR SUSTAINED MINIMAL DAMAGE (BUMPER WAS ASKEW) BUT THE HOUSE WALL NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE TENANTS WERE UNABLE TO LIVE THERE FOR TWO WEEKS.
Service brakes, Aug 12, 2019
2018 SUBARU FORESTER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BRAKING ISSUE. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME SPONGY/MUSHY AFTER DRIVING SEVERAL MILES. THE PEDAL WOULD CONTINUE TO TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR AFTER BEING DEPRESSED. *JS THE CONSUMER STATED THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WERE NOTIFIED. THE DEALER STATED THE VEHICLE WAS OPERATING AS DESIGNED. THE CONSUMER WAS UNSATISFIED WITH THIS RESPONSE. *JS
Air bags, Aug 11, 2019
THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY TURNS OFF EVEN IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. IT CAN BE WHILE PARKED OR DURING DRIVING. THERE'S NO SET CAUSE OR CIRCUMSTANCES THAT TRIGGER THIS.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 27, 2019
I'VE HAD MY 2018 FORESTER FOR JUST ONE YEAR AND TWO WINDSHIELDS HAVE CRACKED FROM MINOR ROCK STRIKES. THE FACTORY WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED AT 11,670 MILES ON 12/17/2018 AND WAS REPLACED WITH SUBARU OEM GLASS. NOW AT 24,000 MILES THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED FROM A MINOR ROCK STRIKE. I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE WHEN A CAR PASSED ME. THE SOUND OF THE ROCK STRIKE WAS BARELY NOTICEABLE AND I DIDN'T NOTICE THE DAMAGE UNTIL MY PASSENGER POINTED IT OUT TO ME. SUBARU WINDSHIELDS ARE TOO FRAGILE AND BREAK EASILY WHICH IS A SAFETY RISK. I WILL BE REPLACING THIS SECOND SUBARU WINDSHIELD WITH AFTERMARKET GLASS.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 15, 2019
I AM WRITING AGAIN BECAUSE I HAVE ANOTHER CHIP IN MY WINDSHIELD. IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS STARTING TO CRACK; JUST LIKE THE LAST TWO TIMES. IT DOESN'T SEEM RIGHT THAT CAR INSURANCE SHOULD HAVE TO COVER A POOR QUALITY PRODUCT. IT COSTS ALMOST A THOUSAND DOLLARS EACH TIME. IT IS ALSO A SAFETY ISSUE TO BE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE WINDSHIELD CRACKS. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN TO THESE WINDSHIELDS IF ANYONE WAS EVER IN AN ACCIDENT.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 8, 2019
SECOND CRACK IN WINDSHIELD IN 5 MONTHS. I BEEN DRIVING FOR 20 YEARS, AND NEVER HAD ANY ISSUES. NOW WITH THE 2018 FORESTER I HAVE SECOND CRACK IN WINDSHIELD FROM A TINY ROCK IN 5 MONTHS. FIRST OCCURANCE HAPPENED IN IL ON NORMAL ROAD, SECOND HAPPENED 2 DAYS AGO IN WI, ON NORMAL PAVED ROAD.
Air bags, Jul 4, 2019
AIRBAG ALERT ISSUED BY CAR COMPUTER: 'AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED'. PASSENGER WAS IN SEAT AND BUCKLED IN. CAME ON WHEN CAR WAS STARTED AND REMAINED ON FOR DURATION OF DRIVE. INTERMITTENT. TURNED OFF WHEN I WENT BACK TO TAKE A PHOTO OF THE MESSAGE.
Tires, Wheels, Jun 23, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-40 EAST BETWEEN MORRISONVILLE AND CARY IN NORTH CAROLINA WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH AND HAD A PLOW OUT. THERE WERE ONLY 20,000 MILES ON THE TIRES, I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. THE YOKOHAMA TIRE SHREDDED JUST LEAVING THE TREAD AND THE RIM. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO INJURIES EXCEPT FOR THE FEAR OF MY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON, ON AN INTERSTATE WITH VEHICLES SPEEDING DOWN THE HIGHWAY ON A FRIDAY AFTERNOON, FOR THE WEEKEND. I HAD TO PURCHASE A NEW TIRE AND NOW I AM TOLD I WILL HAVE TO BUY 3 MORE BECAUSE THE TRUCK IS A 4 WHEEL DRIVE. THERE WAS MORE THAN A HALF A PENNY OF TREAD LEFT ON THIS TIRE AND NOW I HAVE TO DELAY A TRIP BECAUSE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH MY TIRES. I DID NOT RUN OVER A NAIL NOR DID I RUB AGAINST ANY THAT WOULD CAUSE A TEAR IN THE TIRE. THESE TIRES ARE DEFECTIVE AND AS A SUBARU OWNER AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THE PRODUCT I PURCHASED. I HAVE ENJOYED MY SUBARU AND HAVE A LONG ADMIRER OF THE VEHICLE FOR YEARS. I PLAN TO TRADE THIS VEHICLE IN THE NEXT 2 YEARS FOR ANOTHER VEHICLE AND WAS PLANNING TO RETIRE WITH THIS ONE.
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.
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 11, 2019, crash
I WAS IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I DON'T REMEMBER IF I WAS TAKING FOOT OFF BRAKE, OR GAS PEDAL. THIS HAPPEN WITHIN SECONDS. CAR STARTED TO ACCELERATE, I SLAMMED ON BRAKES STILL MOVING, I PULLED EMERGENCY BRAKE, STILL MOVING, I HIT BACK END OF PICK-UP TRUCK. BY THEN I HAD PUT CAR IN PARK AND TURNED OFF IGNITION.
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
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Visibility/wiper, May 13, 2019
WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND IS NOW HALF ACROSS FROM PASSENGER SIDE. NO KNOWN ROCK HIT SAME. GOOGLED AND NOTICED DOZENS OF WINDSHIELDS CRACKED FROM STRUCTURAL DEFECTS. SUBARU CLAIMS THIS IS WHY EYESIGHT CUTS OFF " EYESIGHT CANNOT SEE IT DON'T WORK." SO I GUESS IT DOESN'T WORK AT NIGHT?
Steering, Electronic stability control (ESC), Visibility/wiper, May 13, 2019
EYESIGHT SHUTS OFF , IN RAIN WHEN MOST NEEDED. DEALER STATES IT IS OK.
Visibility/wiper, May 6, 2019
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME WITHIN 2 YEARS OF THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY CRACKING WHERE A SMALL CHIP WAS. WINDSHIELD CHIPS VERY EASILY. MONTHS LATER THE WINDOW WILL ALL OF A SUDDEN CRACK. ONCE WAS WHEN WE TURNED ON THE DEFROSTER; SECOND TIME WAS WINDOW WAS COLD AND TEMPERATURE OUTSIDE WAS WARMER. FIRST TIME HAPPENED WAS 12/2017. SECOND TIME WAS 5/2019.
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 .
Suspension, Power train, Apr 9, 2019
WHEN ON AN INCLINE, AND OR ENTERING A HIGHWAY WHILE ACCELERATING THE CAR WILL GO INTO THE HILL DECENT MODE. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL LIGHT UP! I AM FORCED TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS NOW SCREAMING!!! I THEN NEED TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON TWO TIMES IN ORDER TO BE ABLE TO DRIVE IT. NOW HALF THE LIGHTS ARE STILL ON. BUT THE CAR IS RUNNING NORMALLY. IT WILL TAKE TO MORE TIMES TURNING OFF THE ENGINE BEFORE ALL THE LIGHTS GO OFF. THE DEALER CLAIMED I WAS DRIVING TWO FOOTED. LEFT FOOT ON BRAKE AND RIGHT ON GAS. NOT TRUE I DO NOT DRIVE LIKE THAT. YOU CAN VERIFY THIS BEHAVIOR WITH STARLINK WHICH I HAD THE FIRST YEAR. STAMFORD SUBARU HAS HAD THE CAR A WEEK NOW AND I HAVE HEARD NOTHING! THE SECOND ISSUE IS THE FRONT END. WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP OR TURNING INTO A DRIVEWAY THERE IS A LOUD CLUNK. TO ME IT SOUNDS LIKE BALL JOINTS. STAMFORD SUBARU HAS TOLD ME IT IS THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE SYSTEM LIFTING ONE WHEEL OFF THE GROUND, THAT'S BULL. I'M DOING FIVE MILES AN HOUR. BOTH ISSUES HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR OVER A YEAR. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN MY SUBARU. STAMFORD SUBARU HAS GIVEN ME AN IMPRESA AS A LONER AND I AM LOVING IT. I HAVE PUT SIX HUNDRED MILES ON IT AND NO PROBLEMS. PLEASE GET IN THEIR BUTTS TO FIX OR REPLACE MY FORESTER!!! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE... PS, THE COMPUTER CODE SAID INCORRECT GEAR RATIO FOR THE TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IN ADDITION THIS HAS HAPPENED FIVE TIMES IN A YEAR AND FOUR MONTHS. VERY SCARY!!!
Air bags, Apr 8, 2019
2018 SUBARU FORESTER: PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILS & TURNED ITSELF OFF. HAPPEN 4-5 TIMES IN FALL 2018. 10/23/2018 I TOOK TO NORTHEND SUBARU SERVICE CODE B1650, PART BACK ORDERED. 04/05/2019 PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILS & TURNED ITSELF OFF AGAIN. CALLED NORTHEND SUBARU SERVICE. PART STILL BACK ORDERED MORE THAN 5 MONTHS. THEY SAY 60+ ARE AWAITING PARTS IN NEW ENGLAND. IS SUBARU REPORTING TO YOU THIS TYPE OF SAFETY ISSUE? WILL I HEAR THAT YOU RECEIVED MY NOTIFICATION TO YOU?
Visibility/wiper, Apr 5, 2019
2018 SUBARU FORESTER WITH EYESIGHT. 16 INCH LONG CURVED CRACK ORIGINATING FROM DEFROSTER AREA AT BOTTOM OF WINDSHIELD ON DRIVER'S SIDE, CURVING UP INTO DRIVER'S FIELD OF VISION. CRACK OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, PARKED IN OWNER'S DRIVEWAY. NOTHING WAS SEEN OR HEARD STRIKING THE WINDSHIELD BEFORE THE CRACK SUDDENLY APPEARED.
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
Visibility/wiper, Mar 18, 2019
OUR WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY, STARTING AT THE WIPER PARK HEATER ON THE DRIVER SIDE. THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING GARAGE WHEN THE CRACK SPONTANEOUSLY APPEARED.