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 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

2018 Subaru Forester

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2018 Subaru Forester
BUILT 2026-10-10

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: 497
Recalls: 3
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Visibility/wiper

Complaints per year

2018: 497 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	101
1999	131
2000	75
2001	139
2002	88
2003	189
2004	219
2005	93
2006	88
2007	74
2008	50
2009	178
2010	262
2011	147
2012	105
2013	77
2014	403
2015	615
2016	413
2017	587
2018	497
2019	832
2020	601
2021	209
2022	98
2023	74
2024	29
2025	96
2026	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

27% · 135 reports

Air bags

25% · 123 reports

Most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I brought my vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership (Byers Imports, LLC in Columbus, Ohio) to diagnose the reason for the airbag warning lamp illuminating.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-19

Also filed under Electrical system and seats

I am filing a formal complaint against Subaru of America for refusing to remedy an active federal safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 / Subaru Recall WUM98). My passenger airbag is currently disabled (DTC B1760).

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14

Electrical system

14% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

Engine

6% · 32 reports

CRASHFIREINJURY

Vehicle speed control

6% · 30 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASHINJURY

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, 2023-12-04

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and power train

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, 2018-12-18

Safety timeline

3 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2018Complaint volume 497 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2018-07-26Equipment, tires18V455000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2019-08-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2020-01-22 Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure
R

2020-02-11Air bags19V701000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2021-09-24Fuel system, gasoline21V587000 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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility/wiper: 135 reports on file for this year.
Air bags: 123 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 71 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 18V455000 · Equipment, tires
Recall 19V701000 · Air bags
Recall 21V587000 · Fuel system, gasoline

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

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 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?: 3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.