MYRModel Year Report

2018 Subaru Forester

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2018 Subaru Forester
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Forester Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 1998: 101 complaints 1998 1999: 131 complaints 2000: 75 complaints 2001: 139 complaints 2002: 88 complaints 2002 2003: 189 complaints 2004: 219 complaints 2005: 93 complaints 2006: 88 complaints 2006 2007: 72 complaints 2008: 50 complaints 2009: 178 complaints 2010: 262 complaints 2010 2011: 147 complaints 2012: 105 complaints 2013: 77 complaints 2014: 403 complaints 2014 2015: 611 complaints 2016: 405 complaints 2017: 579 complaints 2018: 487 complaints 2018 2019: 831 complaints 2020: 592 complaints 2021: 207 complaints 2022: 93 complaints 2022 2023: 69 complaints 2024: 28 complaints 2025: 78 complaints 2026: 11 complaints 2026
2018: 487 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1998101
1999131
200075
2001139
200288
2003189
2004219
200593
200688
200772
200850
2009178
2010262
2011147
2012105
201377
2014403
2015611
2016405
2017579
2018487
2019831
2020592
2021207
202293
202369
202428
202578
202611

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY/WIPER 28%

28% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 135 distinct reports on file.

AIR BAGS 18%

18% of complaints: air bags — 90 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 66 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 6%

6% of complaints: engine — 31 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 29 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Twice in the last 4 months, after turning into a parking place and accelerating gently to pull forward into the space, the car surged forward much more than it should have given my light acceleration.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231204

VEHICLE WAS TURNING RIGHT INTO RESIDENTIAL GARAGE. DRIVER EXPERIENCED SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND STRUCK THE WALL OF THE GARAGE, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE STRUCTURE AND THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI report, 20181218

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2018 — complaint volume: 487
R 20180726 — equipment, tires

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 18V455000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20190806 — PE (closed 20200122)

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

R 20200211 — air bags

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.

Campaign 19V701000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210924 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Remedy: 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.

Campaign 21V587000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (135 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for air bags issues (90 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (66 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 18V455000 (equipment, tires) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 19V701000 (air bags) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V587000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2008 ▲ 2023 ▲ 2007

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2015 ■ 2020

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 28% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.