Worst 2018 Subaru Forester Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Wipers & Visibility
Airbags
Electrical Faults
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Subaru Forester.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wipers & Visibility | 135 | — | — | 20,485 mi | |
| Airbags | 87 | 2 | — | 21,501 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 65 | — | — | 22,683 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | 6 | 1 | 25,256 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 29 | 13 | — | 17,773 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 27 | — | — | 11,718 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 24 | 2 | — | 20,423 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 21 | 4 | — | 10,674 mi | |
| Fuel System | 18 | 3 | — | 11,250 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 18 | — | — | 30,535 mi | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification | 17 | — | — | 16,391 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 15 | — | — | 20,000 mi | |
| Brakes | 13 | 6 | — | 34,943 mi | |
| Body Structure | 13 | 6 | — | 19,069 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 10 | 1 | — | 9,492 mi | |
| Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger | 7 | — | — | 9,800 mi | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 6 | — | — | 3,912 mi | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 5 | — | — | 2,970 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 5 | — | — | 14,888 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Internal:Cvt | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator Module | 1 | — | — | — |
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.
Recalls for 2018 Subaru Forester
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~545,904 vehicles.
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.
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.
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."
Other Subaru Forester Years
2018 Subaru Forester — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?
What are common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Subaru Forester?
How safe is the 2018 Subaru Forester?
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Forester?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
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.
Check Any VIN — $4.99