NHTSA has received 493 owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru Forester, or 56.8 per year on the road — more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.35, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #53 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 44% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 9% lower.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2017-09-08 and 2026-08-28. Median delay from incident to filing: 16 days.
493Complaints
56.8Complaints per year on the road
1.35Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
5.5%Share involving a crash or fire
29Last 12 months
Analysis
The following model year (2019) drew 108.4 per year, more than this one. In its first two years on the road the 2018 model collected 106 complaints, 19% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Body & structure (31.2% of complaints), followed by Airbags & seat belts (17.6%) and Electrical (15.2%). Body & structure complaints are 3.4 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Body & structure reports, owners most often mention “windshield”, “crack”, “rock”, “across” and “chip”. 27 reports (5.5%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 9 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 39 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (30% of incidents). In the last 12 months 29 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 22% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure” (opened 2019-08-06, closed 2020-01-22).
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles1.35
vs. other Subaru models1.44
vs. other 2018 models1.16
vs. other Compact SUVs0.91
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (106)1.19
My drivers side seatbelt broke in a minor fender bender and was replaced.
Brakes · 2026-03-20 · ODI 11725931 · Crash
The AC compressor/condesor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester. My kids and I were on a road trip in August 2025 when it stopped working.
Engine · 2026-02-03 · ODI 11715384
The passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS), including the occupant detection sensor system in the passenger seat, has malfunctioned. The SRS/airbag warning light is illuminated. The vehicle produced diagnostic trouble codes B1650 and B1760.
Airbags & seat belts · 2026-08-28 · ODI 11760470
Airbag light came on - dealership confirmed it is an occupant detection system failure - wiring harness has gone bad. No history of moisture exposure, which would leave faulty part as the problem.
Electrical · 2026-08-18 · ODI 11757637
Discovered (06/08/26) that the engine would not turn over without the accelerator being pushed down when warm from driving after resting 30-60 minutes. Car was taken to Capital Subaru. No codes were triggered. The throttle body was cleaned. No change.
Fuel system · 2026-08-09 · ODI 11755742
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION Campaign 19V701000 · 2019-10-03
Summary: 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.
Risk: 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.
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. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Summary: 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."
Risk: Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
PE19009 · AIR BAGS · Opened 2019-08-06 · Closed 2020-01-22 · Campaign 19V701000 · Model years: 2018
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehicles use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as e…
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2018 Subaru Forester?
493 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Forester, or about 56.8 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2018 Subaru Forester?
The most common category is Body & structure, accounting for 31.2% of complaints.
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year. 1 NHTSA defect investigation covers this model year; the most recent is “Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure” (opened 2019-08-06, closed 2020-01-22).
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 29 new complaints were filed, versus 35 in the 12 months before — a steady pace.
How does the 2018 Subaru Forester compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 493 owner complaints about the 2018 Subaru Forester, or 56.8 per year on the road — more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 1.35, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 73 model-year 2018 vehicles we track, it ranks #53 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 44% higher; against other Compact SUVs it is 9% lower.