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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Aug 15, 2018, crash
VEHICLE WAS BEING BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE TO REPLACE THE TRASH CAN. AFTER BACKING PART WAY OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR IT SHOT FORWARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT HIT THE BACK GARAGE WALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PUT INTO REVERSE IT SHOT BACKWARDS, ALSO. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS TOTALLY OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, THE GARAGE WALL AND THE INSIDE UTILITY ROOM AND HALLWAY.
Air bags, Aug 6, 2018
THE FORESTER HAS AN AUTOMATIC SYSTEM THAT TURNS OFF THE AIRBAGS FOR THE RIGHT SIDE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT WHEN NO-ONE IS SITTING THERE OR WHEN THEY DO NOT WEIGH ENOUGH TO ACTIVATE THE SYSTEM. SHOULD A PERSON NEED TO SIT ON A CUSHION IN THAT SEAT FOR WHATEVER REASON, THE SYSTEM DOES NOT THINK ANYONE IS THERE AND TURNS OFF THE AIRBAGS. I KNOW SEVERAL PEOPLE THAT NEED VARIOUS CUSHIONS FOR BACK SUPPORT OR OTHER HEALTH RELATED REASONS OR BECAUSE THEY HAVE SHORT TORSOS AND FEEL MORE COMFORTABLE SITTING HIGHTER. IF THEY USE THEIR PILLOWS OR CUSHIONS, THEY ARE NOT PROTECTED BY THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. IF THEY DON'T USE THEIR CUSHIONS, THEY ARE IN PAIN. I HAVE CONTACTED SUBARU AND THEY SAY THEY CANNOT CHANGE THE SYSTEM. I FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IN THAT PASSENGERS WILL USUALLY USE THEIR CUSHIONS TO AVOID PAIN AND HOPE THERE IS NO ACCIDENT THAT WOULD NEED AIRBAG PROTECTION. IN MY OPINION, THERE SHOULD BE AN OVERRIDE TO THE AIRBAG DISABLE SYSTEM SO ADULTS NEEDING SEAT CUSHIONS CAN STILL BE PROTECTED BY THE AIRBAG SYSTEM.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2018
ALL MY CARS FROM 2001 THRU 20176 FORDS TOYOTAS MAZDAS ETC. ALL HAD AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING WEATHER WHEN PUT IN GEAR OR WHEN THE CAR PROCEDED TO 10 MPH I JUST LEASED A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER IT DOES NOT DO IT! WENT TO THE DEALER THEY STATED THE CAR DOES NOT DO THAT ONLY THE LEGACY AND THE OUTBACK . THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I WILL TAKE LEGAL MOTION AGAINST SUBARU MY CELL NUMBER IS [XXX] PLEASE CALL ME THERE IS A MODULE BOX THAT CAN BE INSTALLED AT MY OWN EXPENCE AND IM OK WITH THAT FOR 125$ I AM IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY IS A BIG ISSUE WITH ME PLEASE ALL ME FOR DIRECTION ME PERSONALLY THEY SHOULD RECALL AND HAVE THAT SAFETY ISSUE INSTALLED THE SALESPERSON DID NOT MENTION THAT THE CAR DIDNT COME WITH OUT THAT OPTION GEE WHIZ ITS LIKE NOT HAVING AN AIR BAG IN YOUR CAR. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other or unspecified, Jul 26, 2018
MY 2018 SUBARU FORESTER XT SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 2 TIMES ON 7/26/18. NOTHING HAPPENED, NO WARNING LIGHTS,IT JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN A MATTER OF SECONDS -I WAS GOING 40 MPH. AFTER IT SHUT OFF THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ONE, THE CHECK ENGINE, AND THE ESP ELECTRONIC STABILITY LIGHT CAME ON. EXTREAMLY HEART STOPPING TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE SHUT OFF/STALL, WHATEVER, WHILE ON A ROAD, ESPECIALLY A HIGHWAY. LUCKILY I WAS ON A STREET WHERE I COULD GET TO THE SIDE BEFORE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED. BUT I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF THE FREEWAY HOWEVER I COMMUTE TO WORK ONE A FREEWAY. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN TODAY, I PRAY I'M NOT ON THE FREEWAY OR ANYWHERE WHERE I CAN'T SAFELY GET OVER ON TIME BEFORE I'M HIT. IT STARTED AGAIN NO PROBLEM, THEN STALLED AGAIN IN MY DRIVEWAY 10 MINUTES LATER. MY VEHICLE IS AN AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION AND SHOULDN'T STALL WHILE DRIVING.
Air bags, Jul 15, 2018
FOR 2 MONTHS SINCE MAY 19, 2018, THE AIRBAG WARNING SENSOR LIGHT GOES ON MY DASHBOARD WHILE DRIVING AND THE PASSENGER AIRBAG 'OFF' WARNING LIGHT ALSO GOES ON ' SEE ATTACHED PHOTO. THIS OCCURRENCE HAPPENS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE MY VEHICLE. I BROUGHT THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER TWICE FOR REPAIR BUT THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. SUBARU ' STARLINK PROGRAM HAS NOTIFIED ME WITH NUMEROUS EMAILS THAT I SHOULD HAVE THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE FIXED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. AFTER NOT RECEIVING ANY SATISFACTION FROM THE DEALER, I CALLED AND WRITTEN TWICE TO SUBARU USA HEADQUARTERS IN CHERRY HILL, NJ EXPLAINING THIS SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE OF HAVING NO ACTIVE PASSENGER AIRBAG WHILE DRIVING. THEY STATED THAT A PART HAS TO BE ORDERED TO REPAIR THIS SERIOUS ISSUE BUT IT HAS NOW BEEN 4 WEEKS SINCE MY INITIAL CALL TO HEADQUARTERS WITH NO RESULTS. I FEEL THAT THEY ARE STALLING AS THERE MAY NOT BE AN EASY FIX AVAILABLE. I'M EXTREMELY CONCERN TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE WITHOUT AN ACTIVE PASSENGER AIRBAG PROTECTION FOR THE SAFETY OF MY WIFE IF WE WERE IN AN ACCIDENT AND THERE WAS NO AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 13, 2018
DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ONLY TURN OFF WHEN MATING 90 TURN. TAKING EXITS OR CROSSING LANES LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY ELDERLY PEOPLE CANNOT HEAR THE BLINKIN. NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED
Air bags, Jul 9, 2018
TAKATA RECALL PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG INDICATOR SHOWED A PROBLEM WITHIN FIRST 200 MILES OF DRIVING THE NEW FORESTER.
Power train, Jun 29, 2018
I HAVE TROUBLE MAKING TURNS FOR IT HESITATES BEFORE IT WILL KICK IN,YESTERDAY I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A POLICE CAR GOING ON A CALL, LIGHTS/SIREN ON . I JUST MADE A TURN AND IT HESITATED ICOULDN'T GET OUT OF HIS WAY. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR.
Vehicle speed control, May 25, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON I-95 IN FAIRFIELD CT AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO RACE. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO BRAKE, I NEEDED TO PRESS VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE FOR THE CAR TO STOP ACCELERATING. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE CAR ACCELERATED AGAIN AT A VERY HIGH SPEED. WHEN I WAS BRAKING, I COULD NOT CONTROL THE BRAKE SPEED, IT SEEMED LIKE THE CAR WAS SHUTTING OFF SO I REMOVED MY FOOT FROM THE BRAKE. THIS HAPPENED FOUR MORE TIMES UNTIL I WAS ABLE TO GET OVER TO AN OFF RAMP AND SHUT THE CAR DOWN. THE CAR SMELLED LIKE SOMETHING BURNING. I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SUBARU DEALER.
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.
Engine, May 22, 2018
2018 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5I AUTOMATIC CVT: DEFECTIVE LOW GEAR - SAFETY ISSUE. 21 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE TOOK IT TO DURANGO COLORADO MOUNTAINS, PUT IT IN LOW GEAR BEFORE DESCENDING AND THE LOW GEAR NEVER KICKED IN TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. STOPPED MULTIPLE TIMES TO RE-ATTEMPT AND LOW GEAR FAILED EACH TIME. I DARED ONLY 40MPH ON THE GRAVELLY SWITCHBACKS. MANUFACTURER & DEALER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE DEFECT EVEN THOUGH I RECORDED ANOTHER INSTANCE ON TEXAS HILLS. MECHANIC SHOP IN THE AREA SAID THAT THE CAR HAS NO LOW GEAR FAILURE LIGHT SO DIAGNOSTIC MACHINES WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO PICK UP A CODE THAT DOES NOT EXIST. THE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO FIX ISSUE AND DEALER SAID DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE DID NOT FIND ANYTHING. I GAVE BOTH THE VIDEO OF LOW GEAR FAILURE AND A JAPANESE & USA ARTICLE ON HOW LOW GEAR WORKS. I OFFERED EVEN EXCHANGE FOR A MANUAL PREMIUM. NO RESOLUTION.
Other or unspecified, May 18, 2018
SUN GLARE THAT BLINDS THE DRIVER WHEN SUN REFLECTS OFF THE SOUND SYSTEM SCREEN WHILE DRIVING.
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2018
PAGE 9-6 FIGURE 8 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL SHOWS HOW TO PLACE THE JACK ON THE FRAME TO RAISE THE CAR TO CHANGE A TIRE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN YOU REEF DOWN ON EITHER LOOSENING OR TIGHTENING THE TIRE, THE CAR WILL ROCK EITHER FORWARD OF BACKWARDS AND SLIDE OFF OF THE JACK. THE CAR WILL THEN FALL FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS DROPPING THE CAR TO THE GROUND, POTENTIALLY INJURING THE PERSON CHANGING THE TIRE. THE CAR FELL TWICE WHEN I WAS TRYING TO CHANGE THE TIRE. THIS CAN BE EASILY RESOLVED BY HAVING A JACK THAT FITS SNUGLY WITH THE MOUNT POINTS ON THE CAR SO THAT THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF THE CAR MOVING AS THE PERSON IS TIGHTENING OR LOOSING THE LIRE LUG BOLTS. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE HAND BRAKE SET, YET WILL STILL MOVE SLIGHTLY AS THE PERSON PRESSES HARD ON THE LUG WRENCH. THE CAR COULD FALL ONTO THE PERSON EITHER INJURING THEM OR TRAPPING THEM UNDER THE CAR. THE CAR NEEDS TO COME WITH THE CORRECT JACK, WHICH WOULD SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. PHOTO 109 SHOWS HOW THE JACK IS TOO NARROW FOR THE SLOTS ON THE FRAME, THE JACK HEAD SHOULD BE ABOUT A HALF INCH WIDER TO FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CAR FRAME. FILE 105 SHOWS HOW CLOSE THE JACK HEAD WHEN CENTERED IS NEXT TO THE FRAME SLOTS.
Visibility, Apr 24, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORSTER. APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE, A CRACK SUDDENLY APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD. AFTER HAVING THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED WEEKS LATER, ANOTHER CRACK WAS PRESENT AFTER A SMALL PEBBLE MADE CONTACT WITH THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND LOCAL DEALER (DAY APOLLO SUBARU IN MOON TOWNSHIP, PA) WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
Forward collision avoidance, Apr 15, 2018
SUNDAY APRIL8 2018, THE 'EYESIGHT' WHICH IS A SAFETY DEVICE WAS POSSIBLY TURNED OFF REMOTELY, THUS RENDERING THIS SAFETY DEVICE INOPERABLE AND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE SAFETY DEVICE WARNS YOU IF YOU CROSS OVER THE CENTER OR SHOULDER TRAFFIC LINE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED AND WAS REPORTED TO FCC, SUBARU AND THEIR DEALERSHIP. I HAVE AN IDEA WHO'S BEHIND THIS DANGEROUS MANIPULATION BUT I DON'T HAVE THE TALENT OR RESOURCE TO PROVE IT.
Power train, Mar 30, 2018
THE CAR WILL PERIODICALLY STALL FOR A SECOND OR TWO ON OCCASSIONS WHEN STARTING OUT AND THEN ACCELERATE WITH A JOLT. WHEN IN TRAFFIC THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I UNDERSTAND THIS MAY BE COMMON WITH CVT TRANSMISSIONS. IF THAT IS THE CASE I QUESTION WHY THEY ARE ALLOWED ON THE ROAD. I WLL NOT PURCHASE ANOTHER SUBARU OR ANY OTHER CAR WITH A CVT.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 16, 2018
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN THE CAR STOPPED - THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GET ABOVE IDLE, EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR STOPPED IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT DID ACCELERATE AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING PRESSURE FROM THE PEDAL AND PUSHING IT PARTIALLY DOWN AGAIN IT BEGAN TO PICK UP SPEED.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 21, 2017
BRAND NEW VEHICLE. DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE AT 55MPH AND MADE A SLIGHT LEFT TURN AT A BEND IN THE ROAD, WELL WITHIN THE CLEARLY PAINTED LANE MARKERS. CLEAR WEATHER, TEMP ABOUT 50 DEGREES F. HEARD ONE BEEP AND LOST CONTROL OF THE STEERING FOR A SECOND WHILE THE CAR STEERED ITSELF SLIGHTLY LEFT. MY HANDS WERE ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND I WAS ACTIVE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. STARTLING! HAPPENED TWO MORE TIMES. TOOK IT TO A DEALER AND HE EXPLAINED THAT I MIGHT NOT BE USED TO ELECTRONIC STEERING. THE SAME DAY, ON A TWO LANE ROAD AT 35 MPH, AT A SLIGHT LEFT BEND IN THE ROAD, ONE BEEP AND LOST STEERING FOR ABOUT A SECOND BUT ENOUGH TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE EDGE OF THE SHOULDER. I WAS STARTLED AGAIN AND TURNED SHARP LEFT, CROSSING THE DOUBLE YELLOW LINE INTO THE ONCOMING LANE. FORTUNATELY, THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN THE LANE. THE CULPRIT SEEMS TO BE THE "LANE KEEP ASSIST" FEATURE OF THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM WHERE THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER TAKES OVER CONTROL IF IT DETECTS A LANE DEPARTURE UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS. OBVIOUSLY, IT IS NOT FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AND COULD HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT OR WORSE. TURNED LKA OFF.
Electronic stability control (ESC), Sep 21, 2017
WHILE DRIVING AT 60 MILES AN HOUR ON A 4 LANE HIGHWAY, I WAS GOING AROUND A SLIGHT CURVE WHEN THE LANE ASSIST CAME ON. I WAS IN THE LEFT LANE AND NOT NEAR THE LEFT LINE IN ROAD, BUT CENTERED IN THE MIDDLE OF LANE. I HEARD ONE BEEP AND THEN THE STEERING WHEEL BECAME VERY LOOSE IN MY HAND AND IT TOOK ME A FEW SECONDS TO GAIN CONTROL OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THIS ALSO HAPPENED WHILE GOING ON A SLIGHTLY CURVED CITY STREET GOING ABOUT 40 MILES AN HOUR. IT SCARED THE DICKENS OUT OF ME AS IT WAS NOT WHAT I EXPECTED THE LANE ASSIST TO DO. I WENT BACK TO DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM ABOUT THE STEERING AND THEY SAID I JUST NEEDED TO GET USED TO HOW THE ELECTRIC STEERING WORKED. AFTER IT HAPPENED A COUPLE MORE TIME I MADE APPOINTMENT FOR SOMEONE TO TAKE A TEST DRIVE. THE TECHNICIAN FELT A SLIGHT SWAYING BUT SAID IT WAS THE TYPE OF STEERING OF THE LANE ASSIST. HE SUGGESTED I TURN IT OFF AND NOT USE IT FOR A WHILE AND SEE HOW CAR THEN HANDLED. THE TECHNICIAN FILED CASE # 26296330423, NO PROBLEM FOUND WITH VEHICLE, SYSTEM IS OPERATING AS DESIGNED, NO REPAIR ATTEMPT PERFORMED. (EQMR WAS ALSO FILLED OUT AND SUBMITTED.) I HAVE NOT DRIVEN MY FORESTER WITH THE ASSIST ON SINCE THIS HAPPENED. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS LOOSE WHEEL STEERING HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM CONVINCED IT IS THE LANE ASSIST AND FEEL IT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY IN MY VEHICLE. I WILL PROBABLY NEVER USE IT AGAIN. LANE DEPARTURE IS FINE, DOES WHAT IT'S SUPPOSED TO DO. I HAVE NO COMPLAINTS WITH THE DEALERSHIP OR THEIR TECHNICIAN, THEY WERE VERY THOROUGH AND KIND. THIS LANE ASSIST IS JUST AN ASPECT OF THIS SAFETY TECHNOLOGY THAT I DON NOT LIKE HOW IT WORKS. OR IS THERE SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT IN MY CAR THAT THIS HAS NOT HAPPENED TO OTHERS YET? I DO UNDERSTAND HOW LANE ASSIST WORKS, I DID TEST DRIVES HAVING IT ON AND IT WOULD BRING ME BACK TO MY LANE IF I WENT OVER THE LINE WITHOUT A BLINKER ON.
Other or unspecified, Sep 8, 2017
THE SUBARU (NAV) NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED. IT GIVES YOU NO ADVANCE WARNING OF UPCOMING HIGHWAY EXITS OR UPCOMING TURNS. THE NAV SYSTEM WILL EASILY BE THE CAUSE OF SEVER LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENTS DUE TO ITS POOR OPERATIONAL ABILITY TO SAFELY GIVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS IN ADVANCE OF THE ACTUAL DIRECTION. I AM AN EXPERIENCED USER OF OTHER NAV SYSTEMS AND CAN HONESTLY TELL YOU THAT THE ONE IN THE SUBARU IS WORTHLESS.I LOVE THE CAR BUT HATE THE NAV SYSTEM!