2018 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
3 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 32% about visibility & wipers.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2018 Subaru Forester
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2018 Subaru Forester recalls
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Fuel system
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 21V587000
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.
Fix: 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.
- Airbags
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.
Details 19V701000
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.
Fix: 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.
- Tires & wheels
Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
Details 18V455000
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."
Fix: 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.
2018 Subaru Forester safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).
- Exhaust and emissions: This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding a rattle-type noise or fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage, during acceleration.
- Battery: Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2018 Subaru Forester safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
495 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Subaru Forester years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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