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#BS-2018-SUBFOR-326B2018 Subaru ForesterProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 687 owners and 3 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·checked October 30, 2026 · NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 687 complaints, 53 crashes, 1 fires, and 3 recalls. Complaint rate is 2.5x the class average.
Top reported problems
cracked windshield
12 complaints • Severity 6.3/10
control arm bushings failure
4 complaints • Severity 7/10
total discharge of battery while doing my daily job
3 complaints • Severity 9.3/10
exhaust manifold
3 complaints • Severity 6.7/10
erratic steering at high speeds
3 complaints • Severity 10/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
136 owners reported visibility issues — failures commonly reported around 15K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (248 reports) • Median: 15K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Visibility (136 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2018 Subaru Forester: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Visibility Issues
Visibility complaints account for 20% of all reports filed for the 2018 Subaru Forester, with 136 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 14,771 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 15K-mile mark.
Airbags Issues
Airbags complaints account for 14% of all reports filed for the 2018 Subaru Forester, with 98 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to airbags-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 10% of all reports filed for the 2018 Subaru Forester, with 69 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 5% of all reports filed for the 2018 Subaru Forester, with 32 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to engine-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (3 recalls)
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2018 Subaru Forester NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (1)
All closed. Investigations are how NHTSA decides whether a defect needs a recall.
Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
The worst model year for the Subaru Forester is the 2014 — worth knowing if you're cross-shopping years. The biggest problem area is engine.
2018 Subaru Forester vs. Class Average (Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD)
This vehicle
687
Class avg
280
2.5x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical small sport utility vehicle 4wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 687 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 3 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated (checked October 30, 2026). NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Subaru Forester Model Years
2018 Subaru Forester: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2018 Subaru Forester Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 687 owner reports. Know before you buy.