2018 Subaru Forester recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester and 498 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (135), air bags (99), unknown or other (84). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2018 ranks #10 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (332). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Tires
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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 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 out…
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 Numbe…
Safety ratings
2018 Subaru Forester SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Subaru Forester.
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester, most recently for fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump (07/29/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?
Based on 498 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (135), air bags (99), unknown or other (84).
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester safe?
The 2018 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Subaru Forester?
The 2018 ranks #10 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (332). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Subaru Forester range from 25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Subaru Forester in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORESTER, Forester.