Complaint volume
488 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Subaru Forester Complaints
488 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Subaru Forester, grouped by component category.
488 Total complaints
26 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
6 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are visibility/wiper, air bags, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 26 crash reports, 1 fire report, 6 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 241 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 21,173 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to visibility/wiper, air bags, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Subaru Forester?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Subaru Forester
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Subaru Forester complaints?
26 Crash
1 Fire
6 Injury
0 Fatality
21 Towed
3 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Forester complaint categories?
VISIBILITY/WIPER 123
AIR BAGS 60
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 52
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 47
VISIBILITY 19
AIR BAGS,SEATS 17
ENGINE 12
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11
POWER TRAIN 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 7
488 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2023 | EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE,ENGINE | Front end collision with car making an illegal left in front of our Subaru. Our car hood, bumper, head lights, grill and parts of the engine were smashed, with liquid draining out of the engine. My husband (wearing a seatbelt) hit his knee and shoulder on impact. Airbags failed - Not a single airbag deployed. A police officer helped him move car parts out of the street. Safety was at risk because my husband hit the dash. Car is at an independent service center now. We need to know how to get it inspected. There were no warning lights on dash prior to impact. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jun 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEATS | My 2018 Subaru Forester should be included in a recall and subaru is denying that this recall exists. My SRS air bag light is on. The dealership wants to charge $1216.73 to replace the passenger side seat occupant detection sensor mat Information from https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/SUBARU/FORESTER/SUV/AWD#recalls October 3, 2019 NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V701000 Occupant Detection System May Deactivate Airbag 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. NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000 Manufacturer Subaru of America, Inc. Components AIR BAGS Potential Number of Units Affected 366,282 Summary 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. Remedy 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | While reversing out from a drive way and turning to get into the lane the cars velocity massively increased from no throttle coasting to approximately 20 mph. Panic braking and enough space due to it being a cul-de-sac saved us, but we were launched forward in our seats and slammed back during breaking. we were very fortunate not to have anyone or anything behind us as we nearly went over a curb and into a lawn. A very scary experience that has cast doubt onto this vehicles driving suitability. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | STRUCTURE | Doors are rusting in areas where seam sealer was improperly applied. Water collects in these areas and rust is evident and perforating the metal, separating the inner and outer shell of the door. Dealership took the vehicle in for warranty and stated Subaru would not cover the defect until the rust had entirely perforated its way through the metal, leaving a hole. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Went out in the morning to get in my car and noticed the windshield was a crack that starts close to bottom of windshield on passengers side and goes up and across about half of the windshield. I have not noticed anything else wrong with the windshield. It literally cracked while sitting in the driveway. There were no rock pecks or anything that I had observed prior to this happening. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | SUSPENSION | 1. Lower control arm failed, February 2022. Part is not available for inspection, repair shop disposed of it. 2. The car vibrated at highway speed, steering was compromised as steering wheel was shaking. 3. Yes, shop confirmed part had failed. 4. No manufacturer representatives have inspected the part or vehicle. 5. No car built-in diagnostic measures were triggered, no indication of a failed component. 6. Car is starting to show similar behavior now, roughly one year later, vibration at highway speeds, especially when turning and on road curves. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | AIR BAGS | NHTSA 19V-701 is for Subaru Forester's concerning the passenger airbag being off while the passenger seat is occupied. The recall stops with Forrester's built after August 2017. My Forrester has this problem but was built in October of 2017 so Subaru says it is not covered! That's ridiculous. The exact recall problem not being honored because of some Subaru created arbitrary date? Subaru should repair this for me. I reported it to them and they never followed up as they indicated they would. Since I'm driving the "safest car in America" according to Subaru, my passenger airbag should work while someone is riding in the passenger seat! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS | My srs airbag system has just started going on and off. What I read is there is recall for this. 2018 with heated seats caused by faulty wiring. Yet when I put in my vin shows no recalls. Filed complaint with Subaru they stated basically go get it fixed and will notify you if there is a recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Purchased NEW , after 5 years battery died ..OK time for a replacement, Les Schwab installed a New Higher Capacity battery. 3 weeks later dead Battery, had it jumbled, Les Schwab replaced new battery. 4-5 weeks later DEAD battery. Made appointment with Dealership (Lithia Subaru) 3-17-2023 in Reno Nv. A hour + away. I waited a few hours for their service department to check out the charging/battery issues. Came back said NOTHING WRONG, need to drive it more ! Drove it a couple days ago , this morning DEAD Battery AGAIN ! I’m almost 70 / Disabled and live in a very Rural mountainous area and need a dependable vehicle… especially in the SNOW. HELP Please! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2023 | AIR BAGS,SEATS | Since purchase in 2019, Subaru indicates that front passenger seat air bag will not turn on unless passenger is 65 lbs or more. My passenger seat air bag registers "on" if I place any item such as 1 gallon Milk (full bottle from store) in the passenger seat and furthermore, the Warning chime for passenger seat belt (not buckled) will sound continuously until I buckle the seat belt? Our local Subaru dealer will not look at issue unless we are willing to pay $100-$200 for diagnostic test? And then warns us we will have to pay labor and parts costs if sensor is found defective. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The Condenser for the A/C went at 70,700 miles. This is a known problem with 2017-2018 Foresters. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This is the third time my car has completely drained my battery. I have replaced the battery twice since I purchased it in 2018. I drove it less than 24 hrs ago and it’s completely dead off a 8 month old battery. Nothing was left on any of the times it has died. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | 2018 Forester: front windshield. Second crack in windshield in 14 months. First crack: A minor rock strike caused small crack in windshield, within several days, spider web of cracks evolved from initial small impact. Windshield was examined and replaced at Subaru dealership: cost: $1674.00. (02/25/22). (including eye sight system as needed) Second strike: 03/31/2023: Same scenario, small impact on highway, crack is now 17" across middle of windshield. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2023 | STEERING | When the vehicle is driven 60 MPH or greater, the front end/steering starts to vibrate and rattle. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS | The contact's mother owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt warning light failed to illuminate and alert the passenger to fasten the seat belt. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the front passenger's side seat and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that a credit towards the repair would be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 23,000 |
| Mar 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Battery has drained drastically twice to the point of the car dying while just waiting for some takeout | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2023 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE | 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, | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STRUCTURE | I was traveling on the highway when I heard a clunk and noticed that my hood had released and was bouncing against the hood safety release. I had not touched the hood release lever, and the hood was fully closed prior to coming unlatched. I have not had any prior accidents or work performed on the vehicle that might have affected the release mechanism. Had the safety release not caught the hood when it was unlatched, the hood would have blown open and obstructed my visibility, potentially causing an accident. This has happened twice before, but initially I assumed I must have hit the release inadvertently. I am certain that I was not touching the release lever this time. I will be having the mechanism inspected at my next service. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 77,978 |
| Feb 2023 | STEERING | 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. | Crash: No Fire: No | 51,000 |
| Feb 2023 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Windshield crack developed in July of 2022 on the passenger side of the vehicle. The small crack grew large within a day, covering half the windshield. This crack developed out of nowhere - no items had hit the windshield. In January of 2023, less than a year later, a crack developed again in the exact same location. The crack again spread across half the windshield. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Feb 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | My car is a 2018 with only 28100 miles on it. I have now had to replace the battery three times. Subaru tells me I need to drive it every two days in order to keep it from discharging the battery. This is unacceptable. Clearly there is a parasitic drain. My issue is very common, and affects many late model subarus. I have already been stranded several times by this issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I was the first car stopped at a red light of an intersection coming off the freeway, in far right lane. When the light turned green, as I released my foot off the brake and not even stepping on the gas the RPM surged with full force accelerating without my foot on the gas. I stepped on the brake but it would not engage - it locked. The steering wheel locked and only had minimal movement, as much movement as you would get in a parked position. There was no way to stop the car. Given the lane position and obstructions ahead (freeway on ramp), the car ran over a median and scraped along side the curb and on top to damage the front passenger wheel enough for it to pop. Only when the wheel broke did the car’s brake re-engage and I was able to put it into park. The vehicle has not yet been inspected and is available in my driveway for inspection. There was no warning or indicators leading up to this. In fact, the vehicle had just been inspected for an oil change at the dealership three weeks prior. This accident would have caused a fatality, mine, if not many others if there had been cars ahead of me or cars had been in the intersection or if the wheel did not break in time before merging with the freeway traffic. I am fearful to drive this car again. There were absolutely NO indicators leading up to this or right before it happened. The car simply took over and there was no control of it. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | POWER TRAIN | Rear wheel bearings are needing to be replaced at 65,000 miles, car is less than 5 years old. No specific incident is connected to this premature failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2023 | SUSPENSION | Needed to replace a wheel bearing and a front control arm bearing at 18k miles. Have seen multiple reports of the control arm bearings going bad prematurely on these vehicles and it seems this could be a serious safety concern. There should probably be a recall for the front control arms on this year/make/model. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |