Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper — runs 5.4× the fleet median for that category across the 325 model-years tracked on this site.
487Complaints
3Recalls
26Crashes
1Fires
9Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper (27.7% of complaints) — recall and investigation status for this vehicle is currently unavailable.
Visibility/wiper complaints here are 5.4× the median for that category across the 325 model-years tracked on this site.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Visibility/wiper
135 · 27.7%
not available
—
Air Bags
90 · 18.5%
Recalled
Recall 19V701000
Electrical System
66 · 13.6%
not available
—
Engine
31 · 6.4%
not available
—
Vehicle Speed Control
29 · 6%
not available
—
Seats
27 · 5.5%
not available
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 487 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“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…”NHTSA complaint 11277600 — filed 11/01/2019 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“WINDSHIELD WAS CHIPPED BY A FLYING ROCK 1/2 INCH FROM LR CORNER WHILE DRIVING. NEXT DAY WHILE PARKED IN A PARKING LOT DURING THE DAY…”NHTSA complaint 11277343 — filed 10/31/2019 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“WINDSHIELD IS RANDOMLY CRACKED AND NOW HAS A BIG SPIDER CRACK ON THE LOWER END OF THE WINDSHIELD OF THE DRIVER SIDE.”NHTSA complaint 11277228 — filed 10/30/2019 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?
Visibility/wiper issues are the most-reported category, cited in 135 of 487 NHTSA complaints (27.7%), followed by air bags (90), unspecified/other issues (82), electrical system (66). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?
487 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 26 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, and 9 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes — 3 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 21V587000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Subaru Forester's reported problems?
Recall or investigation data is partly unavailable for this vehicle right now — check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for the authoritative answer.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.
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