2018 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 481 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2018 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2018 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2018 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Subaru Forester has 481 owner complaints, 26 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 481
- Crash-related complaints
- 26
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 27
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Airbag Malfunctions
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Airbag Malfunctions, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Subaru Forester?
The 2018 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the windshield wipers and visibility systems for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the windshield wipers and visibility systems for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for airbag and electrical system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA data for the 2018 Subaru Forester, complaints are concentrated in the Visibility/Wiper and Airbag categories. There are 3 recalls and 26 crash-related complaints, but the confidence level is low, so patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Airbag malfunctions are the second most reported component.
- Unintended acceleration and steering defects are among the less frequent but notable complaints.
- Visibility/Wiper issues are the most common complaint.
- Airbag malfunctions are a recurring theme.
- Electrical faults and engine problems also appear in the data.
All 2018 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2018 Subaru Forester Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Forester. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 481 owner complaints, 26 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 26 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 481 total complaints. 9 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2018 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Visibility/Wiper during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.