CarRecallDB

2018 Subaru Forester recalls and problems

3 recalls and 498 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Forester.

3
recalls
498
owner complaints
26
complaints mentioning a crash
1
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Subaru Forester recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · reported July 29, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 175,968 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification

NHTSA campaign 19V701000 · reported October 3, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 366,282 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Equipment: other, labels · Tires

NHTSA campaign 18V455000 · reported July 10, 2018 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 3,654 vehicles potentially affected

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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 2, 2026 · Air bags

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.

Oct 2, 2026 · Unknown or other

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…

Sep 30, 2026 · Air bags · 100 miles

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…

Sep 22, 2026 · Air bags

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…

Sep 17, 2026 · Engine

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…

Forester model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 3615537
2016 3416403
2017 1592401
2018 3498261
2019 38343711
2020 0603269
2021 0212165

Across all years, the 2019 Forester has the most complaints (834). All Subaru Forester years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester, the most recent reported on July 29, 2021 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Forester?
Owners have filed 498 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is visibility/wiper (135 complaints), followed by air bags (99).
How many 2018 Subaru Forester complaints mention a crash or fire?
26 of 498 complaints report a crash and 1 a fire; 9 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 2, 2026.