- The 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.
- The risk
- Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
Vehicle safety record
2018 Subaru Forester Problems, complaints & recalls
Owners have filed 500 complaints about the 2018 Subaru Forester with NHTSA, most often about the visibility & wipers (156) and the airbags (100). Those complaints describe 26 crashes, 1 fire and 9 injuries. It is covered by 3 recalls, the latest in July 2021 for the fuel pump. For comparison, the 2017 has 593 and the 2019 has 834.
NHTSA data checked
FFar more problems than a typical Forester year, for its age
#21 most complained-about 2018 vehicle
- Complaints
- 500
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 26
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 9
- Deaths
- 0
Most common 2018 Subaru Forester problems
Share of all 500 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.
2018 Subaru Forester recalls 3
Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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.
- The 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."
- The risk
- Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
- The 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.
What owners say
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500 complaints about the 2018 Subaru Forester
Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 20.
I own a 2018 Subaru Forester with a current mileage of approximately 70,485 miles. The airbag warning light intermittently illuminates and then turns off, indicating a possible malfunction in the passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS). This issue occurs repeatedly and unpredictably, raising serious concerns about whether the front passenger airbag will deploy properly in a collision. On [redacted], when the vehicle had 68,274 miles, I brought it to an authorized Subaru dealership, Grand Prix Subaru in...
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[[redacted]], for diagnosis. The dealership identified a problem involving the front passenger seat occupancy detection system and recommended replacing the passenger seat frame, occupant detection mat, and wiring harness. The estimated repair cost was $1,822.99. I am particularly concerned because Subaru previously issued Safety Recall WUM-98 (NHTSA Campaign 19V-701), covering certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles with defects involving the passenger-side occupant detection system wiring harness. The recall describes intermittent electrical connection problems that may cause the passenger airbag to become disabled. My vehicle exhibits similar intermittent symptoms, yet its VIN is not included in the recall. I am concerned that the affected vehicle population may be broader than originally identified. This is a critical safety issue, not a routine maintenance problem. An intermittent malfunction of the passenger occupant detection system could prevent proper airbag deployment during an accident, potentially resulting in serious injury. I respectfully request that NHTSA investigate whether additional 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles may be affected by the same or a similar safety defect and whether the existing recall should be expanded. The vehicle is available for inspection, and I can provide the Subaru dealership's diagnostic report and repair estimate upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Approximately a half dozen times since I bought my 2018 Subaru Forester Premium new in December of 2017 it has exhibited unintended acceleration, usually after I start it or travelling slowly, as when doing parking maneuvers. When this happens the car will suddenly lurch forward and the engine will roar, even when my right foot is firmly on the brake and no foot on the gas pedal (I use my right foot only on the pedals). The only way I've found to stop this problem is to turn the car off. Upon restarting the car, it...
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drives normally again until this problem reoccurs, which may be weeks or months later. I've examined the possible reasons that this is happening and have eliminated the possibility of the car mat or pressing the wrong pedal or both pedals at the same time. I've tried to press both pedals at the same time on purpose with the car off to check if this is possible, and am unable to press both pedals without my foot slipping between the pedals. I've also experienced the power steering warning light illuminate a few times upon starting the car, upon which the car has no power steering. Turning the car off and then back on again has solved that problem.
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...
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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 the passenger airbag.
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 wouldn't 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...
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have been fatalities. There were tons of lights all over the dash as I attempted to restart the engine. The engine wouldn't turn over until I gave it plenty of pedal pressure. This extra power to the engine during ignition freed the seized clutch and I was able to drive home without air conditioning. I parked outside in the driveway due to a strong odor of burning metal (probably clutch) when we arrived home. Several years earlier I had completed a Subaru recall WRB-21 for the condenser, and I believe this is directly related to the failure. Subaru of America denied my request for goodwill repair claim under claim 260810-210789 and won't recognize this as a serious safety issue. There are hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube videos of complaints that the a/c compressor fails prematurely and SOA has only acknowledged the condenser failure. My vehicle has less than 70,000 miles and it has been verified by the dealership (North Park Subaru Dominion) as a "faulty" compressor and leaking expansion valve o-rings. I have requested the dealership to use tracer dye and ensure that metal shavings and debris are not in the closed loop system before replacing the a/c compressor and o-rings which will cause another failure of the entire system. I will also request that they save the compressor for inspection.
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. The affected passenger seat and components remain installed in the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. As the SRS light is on, none of the airbags may not deploy as intended in a crash because the occupant detection system is incorrectly classifying an...
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adult passenger as "Empty or CRS." With an adult seated normally and wearing the seat belt, the system continues to display "PASS AIR BAG OFF." This could prevent or improperly control deployment of vehicle airbag during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Yes. The problem was confirmed by a Subaru dealership. The dealership diagnosed the passenger Occupant Detection System/SRS issue and confirmed that the passenger occupant detection system is malfunctioning. The vehicle produced diagnostic trouble codes B1650 and B1760. The vehicle has been inspected/serviced previously by a Subaru dealer in connection with the passenger occupant detection system recall. The recall repair was completed before I purchased the vehicle. Subaru of America has also been contacted regarding the current SRS issue and opened a case. The SRS/airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. The passenger airbag indicator also displays "PASS AIR BAG OFF" when an adult is seated normally in the passenger seat. The SRS warning light appeared after I had purchased the vehicle. A subsequent diagnostic scan reported codes B1650 and B1760. The vehicle had previously received the applicable passenger occupant detection system recall repair before I purchased it.
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. Similar to Subaru recall from 2020 on heated passenger seats - this vehicle was not included in that recall, but is in the same year range and has heated seats. Entire bottom piece of front seat must be replaced, including wiring harness and seat mounting bracket; otherwise air bags may not deploy in case of accident. Quick online search reveals this problem has been prevalent in other 2018 Foresters not included in the original recall.
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. The Crankshaft Position Sensor was replaced, the ECU was reprogrammed, then the EVAP Purge Valve was replaced. A bottle of fuel injector cleaner was added to the gas tank by the dealership mechanics. No improvement. Then both CAM sensors were replaced. No...
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improvement. All with no effect. Finally the injectors were pulled and a rail pressure test was conducted. The injectors were not holding pressure for more then 2-3 minutes. The warm start issue was fixed when the injectors were replaced on July 31, 2026.
- The passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor, which is part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag system, has failed. This component was previously replaced under a Subaru safety recall completed in May 2020. The SRS airbag warning light is now illuminated again, indicating a failure of the same system. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection upon request. - The failure of the ODS sensor directly impacts the functionality of the passenger airbag system. This creates...
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a significant safety risk because the airbag may not deploy correctly - or at all - in the event of a crash. This puts both the driver and any passenger at increased risk of serious injury or death. Since this is a critical safety system, its failure compromises the overall crash protection of the vehicle. - The issue is indicated by the illuminated SRS airbag warning light and has been identified as related to the Occupant Detection System. A dealership has confirmed that the ODS sensor requires replacement. The failure is consistent with known issues related to the prior recall repair. - I contacted Subaru of America regarding this issue, but they declined to provide assistance. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, as no accident has occurred. - The SRS airbag warning light illuminated. There were no prior symptoms before the warning light appeared. The light has remained on consistently since then, indicating a persistent fault in the airbag system. - This issue is especially concerning because the component that failed was previously replaced under a safety recall. A recall repair should resolve a safety defect, not temporarily mask it. The failure of a critical airbag system component only a few years after a recall repair suggests that the original remedy may not have been a permanent fix. This raises serious safety concerns not only for my vehicle but potentially for other vehicles that received the same recall repair.
I brought my vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership (Byers Imports, LLC in Columbus, Ohio) to diagnose the reason for the airbag warning lamp illuminating. The dealer had the manufacturer's WUM-98 Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V701000) performed to remedy a defective Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor harness.Despite the recall remedy being completed, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag warning light re-illuminated on the dashboard, completely disabling the front passenger-side...
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airbag.The dealership confirmed that the passenger-side airbag remains completely disabled and inoperable due to a hardware failure of the internal occupant detection sensor mat. Because the initial WUM-98 recall was previously marked as "closed" in Subaru's automated system, the manufacturer refused to cover the repair under the recall. I was forced to pay $1,258.34 out of pocket up front to order a replacement front passenger seat cushion assembly (Part #64139SG061LL) to restore basic airbag safety to the vehicle.The initial federal safety recall remedy failed to permanently correct the underlying safety hazard. The vehicle continues to exhibit the exact same life-threatening defect (disabled passenger airbag) targeted by the original recall, and the manufacturer is shifting the financial burden of this failed remedy onto the consumer.
I am filing a formal complaint against Subaru of America for refusing to remedy an active federal safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 / Subaru Recall WUM98). My passenger airbag is currently disabled (DTC B1760). SRS light goes on and off and visit to the Sheehy Fredericksburg Subaru location confirmed that the occupant detection system is failing and I need a cushion assembly replacement. Subaru Customer Advocacy Department claims they already performed the initial wire harness replacement for this recall...
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back in March 2020, but unable to provide me with the invoice or documentation of where this repair was done, and they are using this as their sole justification to refuse proceeding with Step 6 on Page 8 of the official recall bulletin - which explicitly mandates the replacement of the complete seat cushion assembly if the condition persists. When I referenced federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30120(g)(1)) regarding the 15-year statutory limit for free recall remedies, the representative denied coverage claiming 'it has been 6 years.' Subaru is actively denying a mandated safety remedy, ignoring its own technical guidelines, and endangering passenger safety.
I had a recall for my ODS sensor which controls the passenger airbag. I went and had it "taken care" of due to a recall. They did not fix it. My passenger airbag will still randomly shut off while I am driving down the road. I tried talking tk the dealership and they only say "we fixed the part we needed to replace". This is a huge safety issue. If I were tk wreck and my passenger airbag was turned off, someone would die.
B1760 code for ODS AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is On. There is a recall open for many other Subarus, same make, model & year. Safety concern for my daughter as she rides passenger. I had the problem diagnosed and documented receipt from ACS in Roseville California. I contacted Maita Subaru of Sacramento and they said there is not and wasn't a recall for my Subaru. Very concerning, please help.
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated the passenger's side air bag warning light remained illuminated while his wife was seated in the passenger's seat. The message that the passenger's side air bag was disabled was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.
Subaru AC component cascading failures, starting 25,000 miles, light driving. July 2023 AC blowing hot. Recharged with dye. Subaru Dealer said no leak found. July 2024 AC expansion valve leaking and was replaced $500. (This failure would have directly effected the evaporator.) July 2025 AC system needed to be recharged. December 2025 evaporator replaced $1,680. March 2026 Compressor replaced $1,750. June 2026 Evaporator Sensor needs replacing $1,200.
Passenger airbag system doesn't detect occupancy in seat
June 2025: I proactively replaced the battery October 2025: Left the car parked for 17 days. Dead battery. Got a jump, drove for 2 hours. May 2026: Left the car parked for 10 days. Dead battery. Got a jump, drove to mechanic who replaced it under warranty. Saw article about Subaru class action lawsuit about this issue, so I'm reporting it. I will visit the Subaru dealer where I purchased to car and ask them about it and Subaru's plans for permanent repair.
The air conditioning system of my 2017 Subaru Forrester suddenly went out without warning. I noticed a defect when the A/C started buzzing with a high pitched sound and blowing semi-warm air instead of cool. I took my auto to a car repair shop. He provided this diagnostic analysis: Normal coolant level in the system. Performed Leak Detection Test- no detectable leak found at this time. A/C system pressures are too high on both pressure ports. A/C compressor has an internal noise. System is clogged. Ventilation...
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interior cabin filter inspected and given a check at 24, 027 miles. Inspected , removed and replaced engine and cabin air filters at 41,600 miles. Inspected and removed and replaced engine and cabin air filters at 56,375. There are no other A/C related inspection or maintenance requirements to be accomplished (reference Subaru Forrester Maintenance/ Automation Subaru Arapahoe.My vehicle currently has 64,695 miles. My mechanic is currently working up an estimate for the A/C condenser, clutch, pump replacement... essentially the entire system. I consider this a latent defect and wish to be compensated for the repairs. Due to the weather, I wish to have the repairs accomplished and then be reimbursed. I have read articles on line stating this defect has become commonplace for 2017 and 2018 Subaru Forresters. This should be a recall item.
Cascading air conditioning system failures in my 2018 Subaru Forester. The failures occurred in the following sequence: 1. Expansion Valve Failure - The AC expansion valve failed, requiring repair. 2. Evaporator Core Failure - Shortly thereafter, the evaporator core failed, causing complete loss of air conditioning and requiring a second very costly repair. 3. AC Compressor Failure - Then the compressor started failing as well, resulting in a third major costly repair. Based on my research, a significant number of...
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2018 Subaru Forester owners have reported the same pattern of cascading AC component failures, suggesting a systemic design or manufacturing defect in the AC system. Subaru of America, to my knowledge, has not issued a recall.
My drivers side seatbelt broke in a minor fender bender and was replaced.
The A/c compressor seized up causing the belt to break. Looked up online and it seems it's a common occurrence with this year and model.
Airbag light comes on due to some failure in the passenger seat. This vehicle year has had a recall on the same issue but this VIN number was not included for some reason. Another consumer posted his assessment which I have attached. My vehicle falls under his category. He has sold his since his was never resolved.
Passenger front seat. Airbag light is on when someone is sitting in the seat and seatbelt indicator dings when nothing is in the seat.
Subaru Forester: every year compared
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 100 | 1 | C |
| 2021 | 215 | 0 | D |
| 2020 | 603 | 0 | F |
| 2019 | 834 | 3 | F |
| 2018 | 500 | 3 | F |
| 2017 | 593 | 1 | F |
| 2016 | 416 | 3 | D |
| 2015 | 617 | 3 | F |
| 2014 | 403 | 2 | D |
2018 Subaru Forester vs rivals
| Vehicle | Complaints | Recalls | Grade | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Forester | 500 | 3 | F | |
| 2018 Ford Escape | 1,831 | 4 | F | Compare |
| 2018 Jeep Compass | 952 | 6 | F | Compare |
| 2018 Jeep Cherokee | 692 | 7 | F | Compare |
| 2018 Hyundai Tucson | 398 | 1 | F | Compare |
| 2018 Toyota RAV4 | 333 | 3 | F | Compare |
| 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan | 289 | 14 | D | Compare |
| 2018 Kia Sportage | 166 | 3 | D | Compare |
| 2018 Mazda CX-5 | 126 | 3 | B | Compare |
More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.
Questions about the 2018 Subaru Forester
Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes - NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester: fuel pump (July 2021); occupant classification (October 2019); tires (July 2018). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?
By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the visibility & wipers (156), airbags (100), electrical system (72).
How many complaints has the 2018 Subaru Forester had?
500 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on September 8, 2017 and the latest on November 11, 2026. Of these, 26 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 9 injuries and 0 deaths.
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester a reliable vehicle?
Its Safety Index is 22 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Subaru Forester year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.
Which Subaru Forester years have the most complaints?
2019 (834), 2015 (617), 2020 (603). See every Subaru Forester year compared.
What should I do if my 2018 Subaru Forester has a problem?
If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data