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2018 Subaru Forester: common problems and reliability
One of the worst Forester years.
One of the Subaru Forester years to avoid. All Forester years
495 owner complaints, most about visibility/wiper. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Forester?The 2018 Subaru Forester has 495 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper and air bags.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Forester years only. How we score it
Is 2018 a good year for the Forester?
Across the 29 Forester model years we track, complaint volume runs from 50 (2008) to 833 (2019). With 495 complaints, the 2018 Forester sits above the model's median of 141.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2018 Forester
fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Campaign 21V587000Subaru 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.
air bags:sensor:occupant classification
Campaign 19V701000Subaru 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.
tires
Campaign 18V455000Subaru 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."
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment across multiple generations, with the Forester consistently praised for its practicality, safety, all-weather capability, and long-term reliability when properly maintained.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Forester. See the full Forester owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Forester listings typically run $15,000–$24,194.
Other Forester model years
Compare every Forester year side by side to see how 2018 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Forester against its rivals
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