CarModelProblems.com

2018 Subaru Forester Problems & Recalls

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 categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Visibility/wiper135 · 27.7%not available
Air Bags90 · 18.5%RecalledRecall 19V701000
Electrical System66 · 13.6%not available
Engine31 · 6.4%not available
Vehicle Speed Control29 · 6%not available
Seats27 · 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.

Complaints by component

VISIBILITY/WIPER135 · 27.7%
AIR BAGS90 · 18.5%
Unspecified / other82 · 16.8%
ENGINE31 · 6.4%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL29 · 6%
SEATS27 · 5.5%
STEERING24 · 4.9%
POWER TRAIN21 · 4.3%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM18 · 3.7%

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.

Recalls — 3 campaigns

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 2021 · reported 07/29/2021

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

NHTSA campaign 19V701000 · 2019 · reported 10/03/2019

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

Tires

NHTSA campaign 18V455000 · 2018 · reported 07/10/2018

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 it Park 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

32017522018103201998202012620211022022682023502024432025242026

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.