2018 SUBARU FORESTER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    glass and windshield

    143 unsafe, 2 broken, 8 annoyance

    153
    incidents
    Typical range: 8,000–30,000 mi

    Median 18,500 mi, based on 129 reports (28% had no usable mileage)

    • "I JUST READ OF A CLASS ACTION SUIT AGAINST SUBARU FOR DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELDS IN LATE MODEL FORESTERS. WE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD ON OUR 2018 SUBARU FORESTER IN AUGUST OF 2018. WE CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE ONE DAY AND NOTICED THE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. WE DI…"~976 mi, complaint #1616281
    • "DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD. NO STONES OR ROCKS HIT IT. JUST STARTED CRACKING IN NUMEROUS LOCATIONS FROM COLD WEATHER. SEEMED LIKE IT CRACKED WHEN THE DEFROSTER WAS PUT ON IN COLD WEATHER. CRACKS EVERYWHERE."~10,000 mi, complaint #1647102
    • "A SMALL ROCK FLEW UP AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, CRACKING THE WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD SHOULD BE ABLE TO WITHSTAND THE IMPACT OF A ROCK THAT SMALL."~18,000 mi, complaint #1744995
    • "CRACKED WINDSHIELD APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE DURING THE MONTH OF JULY 2019. VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN MY GARAGE. NOTICED IT NEXT MORNING WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE IN MY GARAGE. CAR NOT EVEN A YEAR OLD. NO ROCK OR HAIL WAS IN CONTACT WITH WINDSHIELD PRIOR DAY OR EV…"~29,000 mi, complaint #1654351
    • "WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED WHILE VEHICLE WAS AT IDLE FOR NO REASON AND NO IMAPCT"~75,000 mi, complaint #1745081
  2. #2

    airbag system

    86 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    88
    incidents
    Typical range: 6,500–23,000 mi

    Median 12,000 mi, based on 51 reports (68% had no usable mileage)

    • "THE PASSENGER AIRBAG SYSTEM INTERMITTENTLY TURNS OFF EVEN IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT. IT CAN BE WHILE PARKED OR DURING DRIVING. THERE'S NO SET CAUSE OR CIRCUMSTANCES THAT TRIGGER THIS."~3,000 mi, complaint #1593008
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANNAPOLIS SUBARU ([REDACTED ADDRESS], ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401, [REDACTED PHONE]) BECAUSE THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STARTED. ALTHOUGH TH…"~8,300 mi, complaint #1601980
    • "VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN "SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED" WARNING APPEARED ON CONSOLE. PASSENGER WAS PRESENT IN PASSENGER SEAT. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE, ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN WHEN CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IN M…"~13,000 mi, complaint #1669156
    • "The contact's mother owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the front passenger's side seat belt warning light failed to illuminate and alert the passenger to fasten the seat belt. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken…"~23,000 mi, complaint #1882410
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the passenger’s side air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who reset the fault light; however, the failure persisted. The contact was aware of NHTSA Ca…"~63,000 mi, complaint #1853827
  3. #3

    battery and charging

    23 stranded, 16 unsafe, 1 broken

    40
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 27,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WENT TO START MY CAR AND BATTERY WAS DEAD. GOT A JUMP FROM AAA BUT SINCE NONE OF THE EYESIGHT SAFETY FEATURES WORKED, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SUBARU AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I WAS TOLD I'D NEED TO DRIVE IT EVERY DAY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. THAT'S ABS…"~2,909 mi, complaint #1747466
    • "FORESTER WAS PARKED IN UNDER GROUND PARKING GARAGE FOR BETWEEN ONE AND TWO WEEKS. THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DEAD, NO SOUND AT ALL WHEN I TRIED TO START IT. THE ONLY DOOR THAT WAS LOCKED WAS THE REAR HATCH DOOR. NEIGHBOR BROUGHT A BATTERY CHARGER AND GOT TH…"~11,735 mi, complaint #1660136
    • "SUBARU FORESTER BATTERY DIES REPEATEDLY AFTER SITTING FOR VERY SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. THREE TIMES WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE (BOUGHT IT NEW). FIRST TIME, DEALER TOLD ME IT MUST BE MY FAULT BECAUSE IT TESTED FINE, 2ND TIME THEY SAID IT WAS AN I…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1726859
    • "WHILE GETTING A 2 HR DENTAL PROCEDURE, THERE WAS AN UNEXPLAINED BATTERY DRAIN, LEAVING THE CAR DEAD. I PAID AAA TO GIVE ME A ROADSIDE EMERGENCY JUMP. I HAD HAD NO PREVIOUS ISSUES."~34,000 mi, complaint #1747421
    • "BATTERY DRAINS FOR SEEMINGLY NO REASON. THE RADIO OR LIGHTS ARE NOT LEFT ON THAT WOULD MAKE THE CAR DRAIN WHILE THE CAR OFF. I HAD TO REPLACE THE BATTERY ON 5/14/2021."~100,000 mi, complaint #1747545
  4. #4

    unintended acceleration

    23 unsafe

    23
    incidents
    Typical range: 3,000–35,500 mi

    Median 18,000 mi, based on 28 reports (36% had no usable mileage)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON I-[REDACTED ADDRESS] AND STARTED TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC WHEN MY CAR STARTED TO RACE. I IMMEDIATELY TRIED TO BRAKE, I NEEDED TO PRESS VERY HARD ON THE BRAKE PEDDLE FOR THE CAR TO STOP ACCELERATING. AS SOON AS I TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE…"~1,100 mi, complaint #1470971
    • "I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO WAIT FOR ONCOMING TRAFFIC BEFORE MAKING A LEFT TURN. I ONLY HAD ABOUT TWENTY FEET TO GO TO ACCESS THE ANGLED PARKING SPACE FOR THE BUSINESS ON THE CORNER. AS I TURNED INTO THE SPACE, MY FORESTER SUDDENLY JUMPED THE CURB, MOWED DO…"~3,010 mi, complaint #1568202
    • "WHILE PARKING IN A LOT: WHEN PULLING INTO A SPACE, HIT BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR ACCELERATED RESULTING IN MINOR DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND OTHERS CARS. I BELIEVE THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED RESULTING IN THIS ACCIDENT."~18,000 mi, complaint #1574933
    • "I HAD MY FOOT ON THE BREAK (RIDING THE BREAK AND WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TAKE A LEFT TURN ONTO A RESIDENTIAL ROAD, AND AS I LEFT OFF THE BREAK TO START TURNING BECAUSE I WAS NOW GOING SLOW ENOUGH, THE CAR ACCELERATED FOR A SECOND. RPM RANDOMLY SHOT UP AND THE CAR…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1693126
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FOSTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING HER VEHICLE SHE SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND NO STRANGE SOUND HAPPENED BEFORE THE…"~65,000 mi, complaint #1731372
  5. #5

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    9 unsafe, 5 broken

    14
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The AC System has failed, most likely the compressor at 76,000 miles. This problem is widespread across Subaru models 2017 & 2018 and repairs cost at around $1,500.00. For a less than 3 year old, very maintained car components should not be failing this soon.…"complaint #1760599
    • "I was driving on a normal roadway when a pulley began to make a loud screaming sound. Then I heard two loud pops. I pulled to the side of the road. I found a melted serpentine belt. I replaced the belt and began to drive at a low speed. I noticed the Vehicle s…"complaint #1794513
    • "Environmental and safety issue. The AC System has failed three times now. SUBARU dealer checked the system for leaks at in November 2021 (mileage about 22,000 miles) and could not locate any leak but added freon. AC System stopped working again in August 20…"complaint #1835392
    • "The Condenser for the A/C went at 70,700 miles. This is a known problem with 2017-2018 Foresters. "complaint #1890206
    • "AC compressor went out at 110k miles. This is a common issue with Subaru compressors. "complaint #1911220
  6. #6

    suspension arms and bushings

    11 unsafe, 1 broken

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed at an independent mechanic, he was informed that the control arm and ball joints were rusted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the vehicle…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1791691
  7. #7

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    9 unsafe

    9
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN THE CAR STOPPED - THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GET ABOVE IDLE, EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR STOPPED IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT DID ACCELERATE AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING PRESSURE FROM T…"~750 mi, complaint #1440729
    • "I HAVE TROUBLE MAKING TURNS FOR IT HESITATES BEFORE IT WILL KICK IN,YESTERDAY I WAS ALMOST HIT BY A POLICE CAR GOING ON A CALL, LIGHTS/SIREN ON . I JUST MADE A TURN AND IT HESITATED ICOULDN'T GET OUT OF HIS WAY. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH THIS CAR."~2,945 mi, complaint #1479250
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE VEHICLE JERKED AND DECELERATED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JOHNSON SUBARU OF CARY ([REDACTED ADDRESS], CARY, NC 27511, [RE…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1509965
    • "OCCASIONALLY WHEN I SLOWLY ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, AS WHEN I PULL INTO A DRIVING LANE FROM A PARKING LOT A STOP SIGN, THE CAR WILL MOVE A FEW FEET AND THEN STOP. THE ENGINE WILL STILL BE TURNING APPROX. 2000 RPM BUT THE CAR WILL NOT MOVE . WHEN I APPLY THE ACC…"~9,300 mi, complaint #1517639
    • "WHEN DRIVING, SOMETIMES MY CAR LOSES POWER TEMPORARILY. IT HAPPENS AT TIMES WHEN I AM GOING UP AN INCLINE, BUT IT HAS ALSO HAPPENED ON FLAT SURFACES."~48,000 mi, complaint #1715754
  8. #8

    adas lane keeping

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 11,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "EYESIGHT SHUTS OFF , IN RAIN WHEN MOST NEEDED. DEALER STATES IT IS OK."~6,000 mi, complaint #1565899
    • "[XXX] 05/19/2019 [XXX]- CLEAR DAY @ 10AM EST. WHILE IN MY LANE AND TRAVELING STRAIGHT AND WITHIN THE LANE LINES, TWO (2) VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS ACTIVATE AT THE SAME TIME: LANE KEEP ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING. THE LANE KEEP ASSIST WAS THE STRONGEST "P…"~11,200 mi, complaint #1567830
    • "ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY EYESIGHT FEATURE SUDDENLY DISENGAGES AND MY CRUISE CONTROL CEASES TO WORK AND NO LANE ASSIST OR OTHER SAFETY FEATURES CONTAINED WITH THE "EYESIGHT PACKAGE" WORK FOR EXTENDED PERIODS OF TIME. THIS HAS OCCUR…"~15,050 mi, complaint #1633479
  9. #9

    key fob and immobilizer

    5 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE OCCASIONS THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE APPARENTLY AS AN ISSUE WITH THE ANTI-THEFT MECHANISM. WHEN THIS OCCURS, NOTHING WORKS TO TRY TO RESOLVE EXCEPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND WAIT FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND T…"~15,204 mi, complaint #1707817
    • "IKEY WILL NOT COME OUT OF THE IGNITION SWITCH AFTER THE CAR IS STOPPED, PUT IN PARK, BRAKE [PEDDLE DEPRESSED."~49,000 mi, complaint #1708247
  10. #10

    other

    3 unsafe, 4 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "SUN GLARE THAT BLINDS THE DRIVER WHEN SUN REFLECTS OFF THE SOUND SYSTEM SCREEN WHILE DRIVING."~3,000 mi, complaint #1469420
  11. #11

    transmission cvt

    7 unsafe

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "2018 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5I AUTOMATIC CVT: DEFECTIVE LOW GEAR - SAFETY ISSUE. 21 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE TOOK IT TO DURANGO COLORADO MOUNTAINS, PUT IT IN LOW GEAR BEFORE DESCENDING AND THE LOW GEAR NEVER KICKED IN TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. STOPPED MULTIPLE TIMES TO…"~2,600 mi, complaint #1470159
    • "FIRST, DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THE AIR CONDITIONER STOPPED WORKING. SECOND, THE VERY NEXT DAY, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO MAKE NOISES (SQUEALING) WHEN DRIVING IT ANYWHERE. STREETS, TURNS, HILLS ETC. THEN IT BEGAN RACE AND IT FELT AS IF THE BACK TIRES WERE RACING TO C…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1702442
  12. #12

    fuel pump

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO AN EXIT RAMP. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE WAS STILL IDLING EXTREMELY LOW AND THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF A…"~4,200 mi, complaint #1496920
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The contact pulled over, stopped, turned off, and restarted the vehicle. After the vehicle was started, smoke started coming from the vehi…"~38,000 mi, complaint #1817239
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After…"~69,000 mi, complaint #2077985
  13. #13

    power windows and locks

    5 unsafe, 1 broken

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING OR IMPACT. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC REPLACED THE WINDOW PROVIDED THROUGH THE INSURA…"~50,000 mi, complaint #1668469
  14. #14

    steering electric assist

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "THE STEERING LOCKS UP ON THIS VEHICLE AND WILL NOT ALLOW ME TO TURN IT BUT GIVE ME A STEERING WHEEL EMBLEM WITH THE! AND IT DOESN'T WEATHER IS HOT OR COLD SOMETIMES I HAVE TO TURN IT ON AND OFF SIX OR SEVEN TIMES BEFORE IT WILL UNFREEZE"~7,900 mi, complaint #1625859
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after shifting to drive, the steering wheel suddenly became very difficult the turn in either direction. The contact stated that the power steering fault message was displayed. After turning off…"~51,000 mi, complaint #1871398
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat was extremely hot. Additionally, air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the taillights were inoperable. While his wife was driving at…"~94,000 mi, complaint #1859509
  15. #15

    adas collision warning

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE EYESIGHT HAD BEEN MANIPULATED TO A WARNING EVEN WHEN THERE'S NO OBSTRUCTION WHILE DRIVING FORWARD, WHILE BACKING UP IT GIVES A WARNING THAT SOMEONE OR A VEHICLE IS ADJACENT TO MY CAR. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE PROBLEMS I ENCOUNTER. I HAVE AN IDEA WHO'S…"~7,100 mi, complaint #1538703
  16. #16

    wiring harness

    5 unsafe

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "IT SEEMS THAT MY CAR HAS A POORLY DESIGNED/NOT-CURRENT-LIMITED USB JACK, WHICH FAILS TO PREVENT A PHONE CHARGING CABLE WITH SHORTED OR SHORTING-INTERMITTENTLY INTERVAL POWER WIRES FROM BURNING UP AND POSSIBLY CAUSING A FIRE. THE DETAILS OF MY BURNT-CABLE EVENT…"~800 mi, complaint #1505986
    • "NHTSA RECALL 19V-701 (SUBARU RECALL WUM-98) INCLUDES ONLY FORESTERS WITH SEAT HEATERS MANUFACTURED FROM 1/20/15 - 8/1/17. MY FORESTER WAS MANUFACTURED ON 6/6/18 AND IS NOT CURRENTLY INCLUDED. PAGE 3 OF PRODUCT CAMPAIGN BULLETIN WUM-98R REVISED 11/20/19 (COP…"~5,615 mi, complaint #1633330
    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that rodents had eaten through the engine wiring harness. The contac…"~27,000 mi, complaint #1798523
  17. #17

    brake hydraulics

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "UPON ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, WITH BREAK PEDDLE ENGAGED, THE VEHICLE LUNGED FORWARD AT EXTREME SPEED HITTING A PROTECTIVE BARRIER. AFTER A REST PERIOD, THE VEHICLE WAS PUT IN REVERSE AND WITH BREAK PEDDLE ENGAGED LURCHED BACKWARD AT THE SAME EXCESSIVE SPEED H…"~19,000 mi, complaint #1728880
    • "TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2018 A SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH UP A HILL, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED BUT FAILED TO RESPOND AND VEHICLE ROLLED BACKWARDS AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DOOR FAILED TO OPEN. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJUR…"~35,000 mi, complaint #1702685
  18. #18

    infotainment head unit

    2 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "THE SUBARU (NAV) NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED. IT GIVES YOU NO ADVANCE WARNING OF UPCOMING HIGHWAY EXITS OR UPCOMING TURNS. THE NAV SYSTEM WILL EASILY BE THE CAUSE OF SEVER LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENTS DUE TO ITS POOR OPERATIONAL ABILI…"~650 mi, complaint #1406658
    • "WHILE IN REVERSE, AUDIO CONTROL IS LOST. ALTERATION TO CHANNEL OR VOLUME OR TURNING OFF AUDIO IS DISABLED - WHICH CAN BE HIGHLY DISTRACTING IF THE SETTING WERE LEFT EXTREMELY LOUD SINCE THE AUDIO WILL INITIALIZE SEVERAL SECONDS AFTER STARTING AND REVERSING IS…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1599424
  19. #19

    engine oil consumption

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE CHANGING THE OIL IN THE VEHICLE, THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL INSIDE THE ENGINE OIL. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT NOTICED FUEL FUMES INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1624303
    • "HAD SUBRA 2018 FOR 2 WEEKS OIL LIGHTS COME ON ALL LIGHTS BEEN HAVING THIS OIL BURNING FOR A YEAR. NOW THE STEERING FREEZE UP WHILE DRIVING IT LAST WEEK COULDN'T MOVE CAR AT ALL ON THE HIGHWAY TURNING. IT WOULDN'T MOVE GOOD THING WE WEREN'T GOING FA…"~14,771 mi, complaint #1538410
  20. #20

    engine stall or no start

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "MY 2018 SUBARU FORESTER XT SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 2 TIMES ON 7/26/18. NOTHING HAPPENED, NO WARNING LIGHTS,IT JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN A MATTER OF SECONDS -I WAS GOING 40 MPH. AFTER IT SHUT OFF THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ONE, THE CH…"~7,650 mi, complaint #1486162
    • "AS IT STANDS IN P (PARK) IT HAS A REALLY HIGH IDLE EVEN IN NEUTRAL AS IF IT WANTS TO GO. THEN IN DRIVE IT WILL LURCH REALLY FAST. OR I HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BREAK AND IT STARTS TO REV HIGH THEN AFTER 3-5SEC OF SEEING REV CYCLE IN THE 2000-3000S IT CALMS DOWN. I…"~34,000 mi, complaint #1698226
  21. #21

    fuel injector

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "STRONG FUEL ODOR IS DETECTED IN GARAGE AFTER PARKING AS WELL AS WITHIN THE CABIN WHILE DRIVING. BELIEVE FUEL IS ENTERING OIL FROM UNDETERMINED LOCATION AS ODOR IS ESPECIALLY PRONOUNCED AROUND DIP STICK. IF OIL IS CHANGED THE ISSUE DISSIPATES BUT RETURNS WITHI…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1652796
  22. #22

    seat mechanism

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "VEHICLES DRIVER SEAT RAIL HAS BECOME LOOSE CAUSING SEAT TO SLIGHTLY MOVE WHEN LAYING BACK.. COULD BE HAZARDOUS WHILE DRIVING.. AT INITIAL TAKE OFF, ACCELERATION JERKS, ACCELERATION IS NOT SMOOTH, AFTER SLIGHTLY PRESSING ON THE ACCELERATION PEDAL, I HAVE TO SO…"~14,500 mi, complaint #1719654
  23. #23

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    1 unsafe, 1 broken, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "SEAT WARNING BUZZE WHEN THE DRIVER OR THE PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS NOT FASTENED THE BUZZER SOUNDS FOR APPROXIMATELY 8 SECONDS. HOWEVER, AFTER THIS INTERVAL, IF EITHER BELT IS STILL UNFASTENED BUZZER CONTINUES TO CHIME IN EVER INCREASING VOLUME. THE MANUAL STA…"~4,800 mi, complaint #1532886
  24. #24

    throttle and pedal

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I TURNED INTO A PARKING SPACE COVERING THE BRAKE AND CAME TO A STOP. I WENT TO SHIFT INTO PARK AND WHEN THE GEARSHIFT LEVER STARTED TO MOVE THE CAR ACCELERATED UNCOMMANDED AND RAN INTO THE BUILDING."~40,000 mi, complaint #1739704
  25. #25

    transmission automatic

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHEN ON AN INCLINE, AND OR ENTERING A HIGHWAY WHILE ACCELERATING THE CAR WILL GO INTO THE HILL DECENT MODE. EVERY LIGHT ON THE DASH WILL LIGHT UP! I AM FORCED TO PULL OVER BECAUSE THE ENGINE IS NOW SCREAMING!!! I THEN NEED TO TURN THE CAR OFF AND ON TWO TIMES…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1556625
  26. #26

    adas blind spot

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I PURCHASE A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER AND 5 MONTH LATER THE SIDE/BACK RADAR WARNING SYSTEMS WENT DEAD. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF A SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE PART WAS NOT WARRANTED AND WOULD COST OVER $2K TO…"~4,985 mi, complaint #1662546
  27. #27

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "WHEN DRIVING FORWARD ON LEVEL ROAD, THE VEHICLE DRIFTS OR GOES TO THE RIGHT. I MUST KEEP TURNING THE STEERING WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. I NOTICE WHEN THE VEHICLE DRIFTS TO THE RIGHT SIDE, STEERING WHEEL MAINTAINS A CENTERED POSITION."complaint #1470347
    • "SINCE I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN 2018, WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT A SPEED BETWEEN 65 TO 70 MY TIRES FEEL UNBALANCED. SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE MY CAR IS SWERVING AND IT FEELS LIKE IT'S HARD TO CONTROL THE CAR ."complaint #1561554
  28. #28

    catalytic converter

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I recently purchased a used Subaru Forester with about 92k miles. About two weeks after purchase, I took it to a Subaru dealership and a multi point inspection revealed a cracked catalytic converter. The tech stated that this was discovered by visual inspectio…"complaint #1834877
    • "For the second time we were on the freeway at a hight speed and the car suddenly lost power, all the warning lights came on, and we had to get off the freeway (dangerously). We almost got hit, and other cars had to brake radically. We took it in to Subaru and…"complaint #2056144
  29. #29

    control module

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned of…"complaint #2145060
    • "The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned of…"complaint #2172998
  30. #30

    engine head gasket

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "EXHAUST MANIFOLD GASKET LEAKS AT BOTH 30,0000 AND 65,000 MILES. CAR WAS MAKING WHISTLING SOUNDS WHEN STARTING THAT ARE EXCEPTIONALLY NOTABLY ONLY IN COLD WEATHER. UNKNOWN HOW LONG LEAKS WERE THERE AS THEY ONLY LOUD DURING THE COLD MONTHS. NOISE WOULD GO AWAY O…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1741881
    • "EXHAUST GASKET LEAK. ONLY NOTABLE WHEN COLD AS IT MAKES A WHISTLING SOUND. ISSUE HAS HAPPENED 2 TIMES"~65,000 mi, complaint #1741883
  31. #31

    exhaust system

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "EXHAUST GETTING INTO THE CAR COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY OR AROUND OTHER CARS. ONLY STOPS SUCKING EXHAUST IN IF WE CHANGE THE AIR VENTILATION MODE TO INSIDE THE CAR ONLY. IT MAKES IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE AROUND BECAUSE THE CAR GETS HUMID FAST…"complaint #1657990
    • "Smelled car exhaust entering the cabin, took to dealer for inspection. Exhaust manifold part is actually warped and separated from the engine (not gasket issue). Apparently this problem is known by the dealer service shops, but is undisclosed by Subaru. I was…"complaint #1810858
  32. #32

    instrument cluster

    2 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE READINGS ARE BETWEEN 3-7 DEGREES OFF. DEALER SAYS THAT IS NORMAL. AN I TO ASSUME THE TIRE PRESSURE, ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE AND OIL PRESSURE GAUGES ARE ALSO OFF ?"~2,000 mi, complaint #1604861
  33. #33

    lighting exterior

    1 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ONLY TURN OFF WHEN MATING 90 TURN. TAKING EXITS OR CROSSING LANES LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY ELDERLY PEOPLE CANNOT HEAR THE BLINKIN. NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED"~1,500 mi, complaint #1482585
  34. #34

    steering column

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "ON STRAIGHT HIGHWAY SOMETIMES WILL GIVE A JERK TO THE RIGHT. HAD VEHICLE IN FOR ISSUE THEY FOUND STEERING SHAFT BOLT LOOSE. THEY RETORQUED TO SPEC. DROVE TO FLORIDA STILL HAS SAME ISSUES. WHEN IN A BANKED TURN DOES NOT HOLD TURN PROPERLY. WHEN ON ABSOLUTELY…"~3,773 mi, complaint #1555049
    • "IGNITION STEERING LOCK IS DIFFICULT TO CLEAR. WE HAVE HAD 5 INSTANCES WHERE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START THE CAR BECAUSE THE STEERING IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. IT TAKES A LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING THE KEY TO THE EX…"~12,000 mi, complaint #1511199
  35. #35

    suspension struts shocks

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "I HAVE AC PROBLEMS, REFRIGERANT LEAK, ACTUATOR PROBLEMS, BAD COMPRESSOR. I HAVE SERIOUS CVT SURGING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS THAT MAKE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAR LITERALLY BEGINS TO HOP LIKE YOU ARE STOMPING THE GAS AND BREAKS BACK AND FORTH AND CAN EAS…"~2,000 mi, complaint #1741059
  36. #36

    tire failure

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "I WAS DRIVING DOWN I-40 EAST BETWEEN MORRISONVILLE AND CARY IN NORTH CAROLINA WHERE THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65 MPH AND HAD A PLOW OUT. THERE WERE ONLY 20,000 MILES ON THE TIRES, I JUST HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED IN MAY OF THIS YEAR. THE YOKOHAMA TIRE SHREDDED JUS…"~20,000 mi, complaint #1577599
  37. #37

    wheel bearing

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear wheels. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with…"~77,409 mi, complaint #1782687
  38. #38

    wheel or rim

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND VIBRATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (SUBURBAN SUBARU, [REDACTED ADDRESS], TROY, MI) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY A…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1497564
  39. #39

    wiper and washer

    1 unsafe, 1 broken

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "I WAS DRIVING ON A SIDE STREET, ABOUT 20MPH WHEN THE REAR DOOR WINDOW ON THE DRIVERS SIDE SHATTERED. IT APPEARED SPONTANEOUS, I DIDN'T SPECIFICALLY HEAR ANYTHING HIT THE WINDOW, AND I DON'T REMEMBER THERE BEING OTHER CARS AROUND THAT WOULD'VE KICKED SOMETHING…"~31,000 mi, complaint #1617538
  40. #40

    backup camera

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACKUP CAMERA'S PICTURE QUALITY HAD BECOME EXTREMELY POOR AND OBJECTS BEHIND THE VEHICLE WERE NOT VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WHEELING SUBARU ([REDACTED ADDRESS], WHEELING, WV) TO B…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1519899
  41. #41

    corrosion and rust

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Doors are rusting in areas where seam sealer was improperly applied. Water collects in these areas and rust is evident and perforating the metal, separating the inner and outer shell of the door. Dealership took the vehicle in for warranty and stated Subaru wo…"complaint #1896074
  42. #42

    door latch and hinge

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was traveling on the highway when I heard a clunk and noticed that my hood had released and was bouncing against the hood safety release. I had not touched the hood release lever, and the hood was fully closed prior to coming unlatched. I have not had any…"complaint #1872185
  43. #43

    driveshaft axle cv

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "FRONT WHEEL DRIVE BARRING'S LT SIDE, WORN OUT UNDER 19,000 MILES, REAR GATE LIFT MOTOR REPLACED TWICE-IN MOTION! LT BACK INTERIOR FRAME POPPING OUT!"~18,000 mi, complaint #1727410
  44. #44

    engine internal

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Ticking noise on cold start up as well as reduced acceleration speed and torque. Diagnostics point me to believe the AVCS solenoids are beginning to fail prematurely. This has not been confirmed by a dealership and the issue is reproduced during any driving. T…"complaint #2093612
  45. #45

    fuel tank and lines

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Fuel gauge system became inaccurate in February 2022, showing 100 extra miles available upon filling tank, 450 instead of 350, also gallons left on fuel gauge was inaccurate, off by 4 gallons. Went to Subaru dealership/Service Dept. & was told that I would hav…"complaint #1841118
  46. #46

    paint and clearcoat

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "We purchased 2018 Subaru Forester. Paid top dollar. When we got home we noticed rust and paint bubbles across the windshield. Subaru says they won't do anything car is 5 yrs old. collision shop wants $1700 to repair. Says it is more than stone chips as rest of…"complaint #1908224
  47. #47

    parking brake

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The CVT parking brake switch has failed. The failure leads to the inability to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in park. This happens repeatedly, with the only temporary solution being to restart the car, and force the shift lever fr…"complaint #2175261
  48. #48

    steering rack mechanical

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THIS CAR HAS A MANUAL TRANSMISSION AND ONLY HAS BEEN DRIVEN 3,370 MILES. EVERY SO OFTEN AFTER STARTUP, WHILE BEGINNING TO MOVE FORWARD, THE STEERING BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THIS EFFECT LASTS, PERHAPS, FOR UP TO 5 SECONDS OR SO."~3,370 mi, complaint #1589697
  49. #49

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR CAME ON AND EVEN AFTER THE TIRES WERE CHECKED AND CORRECT AIR WAS PUT IN THE SENSOR WOULD NOT GO OFF. WE TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD COST $170.00 TO REPLACE ONE OF THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSORS THEY SAID WERE FAULTY. NEITH…"~37,000 mi, complaint #1743571

NHTSA investigations

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for SUBARU FORESTER directly.