The 2018 Subaru Forester is associated with 492 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Visibility & Wipers, accounting for 123 reports (25% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 3 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.5l 4-cyl and 2l 4-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 24 to 28 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 492 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Visibility & Wipers (123 / 25%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 26 crash / 1 fire / 6 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 24–28 MPG (3 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 26 MPG | 32 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Forester AWD | 2L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 23 MPG | 27 MPG | 25 MPG | — | $3,050 / yr |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 MPG | 28 MPG | 24 MPG | — | $2,550 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SUV AWD | | | | | 16.900000000000002% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Optional and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Optional in official NHTSA records for tested 2018 Subaru Forester models.
View complete 2018 Subaru Forester crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2018 Subaru Forester problems & component breakdown (89 categories) →
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
Affected Component: TIRES
Defect Summary: 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."
Free Manufacturer Remedy: 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.
View all 2018 Subaru Forester recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →