2018 SUBARU FORESTER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Forester. This model year has 481 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Visibility/Wiper.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2018 Subaru Forester Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Visibility/Wiper
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Considering a 2018 Subaru Forester?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Subaru Forester. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 135 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 87 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 81 | 4 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 67 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | 6 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 30 | 13 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 24 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 23 | 4 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 14 | 6 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | 7 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Carry Handle | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Shell | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Base | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 481 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
The air conditioning system of my 2017 Subaru Forrester suddenly went out without warning. I noticed a defect when the A/C started buzzing with a high pitched sound and blowing semi-warm air instead of cool. I took my auto to a car repair shop. He provided this diagnostic analysi…
Cascading air conditioning system failures in my 2018 Subaru Forester. The failures occurred in the following sequence: 1. Expansion Valve Failure – The AC expansion valve failed, requiring repair. 2. Evaporator Core Failure – Shortly thereafter, the evaporator core failed, causi…
The A/c compressor seized up causing the belt to break. Looked up online and it seems it's a common occurrence with this year and model.
My drivers side seatbelt broke in a minor fender bender and was replaced.
Airbag light comes on due to some failure in the passenger seat. This vehicle year has had a recall on the same issue but this VIN number was not included for some reason. Another consumer posted his assessment which I have attached. My vehicle falls under his category. He has so…
Passenger front seat. Airbag light is on when someone is sitting in the seat and seatbelt indicator dings when nothing is in the seat.
The CVT parking brake switch has failed. The failure leads to the inability to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in park. This happens repeatedly, with the only temporary solution being to restart the car, and force the shift lever from "park" to "drive"…
The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the batt…
The AC compressor/condesor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester. My kids and I were on a road trip in August 2025 when it stopped working. It was extremley hot even with the windows down and heat stroke became very real whi…
The AC compressor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester so I am reporting in case it may help with a recall. Cost to repair is $2,000+. Right now it may only be covered under warranty or through a TSB goodwill. I will nee…
Unknown
I was driving on the interstate when car started vibrating and making a terrible sound. Dealership advised both front lower control arm bushings were worn and had play. Had them replaced but because they are rubber technician advised this will most likely happen again. My car has…
The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the batt…
The passenger airbag light in my 2018 Subaru Forester intermittently turns off and on, even when the seat is occupied. The vehicle has never been in a crash, and the airbags have not deployed. This issue raises serious safety concerns, especially since it may prevent the airbag f…
On October 3, 2023, I purchased a used 2018 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) from Hengxin Auto Group, 210 39th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, for about $19,500 including tax and fees. The dealer stated the mileage was 65,800 and printed that number on the contract. However, both the offici…
Air bag warning light comes on intermittently so passenger air bag system is off.
The passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor failed, turning off the airbag and illuminating the SRS light. This is a known safety defect covered by Subaru recall 19V701 / WUM-98 for 2015–2018 Foresters built through August 1, 2017. My vehicle, a 2018 Forester XT To…
- Steering and suspension were affected. The car is available for inspection upon request. - My safety and the safety of others were affected by the fact that the car was shaking rather intensely while driving at highway speeds. I was worried a steering failure could occur. - My …
While driving the vehicle I began to hear a loud grinding noise from the engine compartment when the A/C was engaged. I pulled over to look under the hood and it sounded like the noise was coming from the serpentine belt. Upon inspection by a Subaru dealership it was determined…
1. The car's steering could be malfunctioning . The car is available for inspection upon request. 2. The steering wheel occasionally and without warning suddenly FEELS loose and "disconnected" from its ability to steer the car -- until I turn the steering wheel about a quarter to…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Subaru Forester.
Recalls for 2018 Subaru Forester
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2018 Subaru Forester — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2018 Subaru Forester has 481 NHTSA owner complaints, 26 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Visibility/Wiper (135 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (135 complaints). #2: Airbag Malfunctions (87 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (81 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2018 Subaru Forester has 26 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 481 total NHTSA complaints. 9 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Subaru Forester. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2018 Subaru Forester has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Visibility/Wiper issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2018 Subaru Forester
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.