CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Subaru Forester has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 498 complaints with NHTSA, including 26 crashes, 1 fire, 9 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility/Wiper (135 reports).
2018 Subaru Forester recalls
Fuel pump may fail, causing engine stall while driving
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail on certain Subaru and Toyota 86 vehicles.
Passenger Airbag May Switch Off While Seat Is Occupied
A loose electrical connection in the front passenger seat's Occupant Detection System can cause the front passenger airbag to deactivate even when the seat is occupied.
Tire Label May Show Wrong Size or Pressure
The tire and wheel information on the vehicle's Certification Label may be incorrect.
Most common 2018 Subaru Forester problems
Problem areas named in the 498 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 135 |
| Air Bags | 124 |
| Unknown Or Other | 84 |
| Electrical System | 71 |
| Engine | 32 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 30 |
| Seats | 30 |
| Steering | 25 |
| Power Train | 23 |
| Visibility | 22 |
What owners report
The air conditioning system began blowing warm or hot air. Determined that the compressor failed and required replacement. Vehicle was purchased new from the dealership in Oct. 2018, with this issue arising at approximately 50k miles. This is apparently a common and known issue for 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. This is a hazard in hot weather such as I am in right now with outside temperatures at 90F or more.
My SRS Airbag System warning light illuminated on the dashboard while driving. Subaru dealership service department informed me that the passenger airbag system occupant detection technology failed and the airbag function was disabled. The repair required replacement of the entire seat bottom.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving, the passenger's side air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with ODS failure. The contact was informed that the ODS needed to be replaced. The manufacturer had covered the cost for the diagnostic test. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V701000 (Air Bags); however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The manufacturer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The manufacturer offered to help with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 100.
The front passenger airbag of my Subaru Forester 2018 is deactivated, I brought my car to the Subaru dealer in white Plains, NY to check because I found out that there was a recall for malfunction of the airbag and I was told that I have to pay for it since the repair was already done, then, I have to pay for the repair ( see the estimated bill) I contacted the Subaru headquarters because I considered unfair, they air bag is still inactive and I am at risk of having an accident. Today I received a message from the DMV to renew my registration and I saw that my car is in a recall for the air bag (NTSA Campaign 21V587000). Please help me to contacting the manufacturer to accept to rereplace
On July 31, 2026, I was driving with my daughter when the a/c compressor clutch seized up and experienced a catastrophic compressor failure that also blew out the expansion valve o-rings. The failure led to a total loss of engine power and control of the vehicle. The car would not start back up because the clutch was seized and the pulleys wouldnât turn. Luckily, I was in a residential neighborhood and cars were able to safely go around me. If this had happened on a highway or faster speed limit zone there could have been fatalities. There were tons of lights all over the dash as I attempted to restart the engine. The engine wouldnât turn over until I gave it plenty of pedal pressure. T
2018 Subaru Forester questions
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester: Fuel pump may fail, causing engine stall while driving; Passenger Airbag May Switch Off While Seat Is Occupied; Tire Label May Show Wrong Size or Pressure. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?
Based on 498 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility/Wiper (135), Air Bags (124), Unknown Or Other (84).
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Subaru Forester has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.