2018 Subaru Forester VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2018 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 475 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (126), Air Bags (79), Electrical System (64).
Forester reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Forester before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2018 Subaru Forester issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Visibility Wiper126
- Air Bags79
- Electrical System64
- Unknown Or Other59
- Steering24
- Vehicle Speed Control21
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Subaru Forester
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
- Test A/C system for proper cooling and listen for unusual noises
- Check control arm bushings for wear or damage
- Verify passenger seat airbag sensor functionality
- Test battery for charge and check for signs of parasitic drain
- Check for transmission shudder or erratic acceleration
- Inspect for any signs of oil leaks or exhaust manifold issues
2018 Forester recalls (3)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Forester. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021
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.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 19V701000Oct 3, 2019
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.
Consequence: 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.
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.
- TIRES, EQUIPMENTNHTSA 18V455000Jul 10, 2018
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."
Consequence: Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Used-market value
2018 Subaru Forester resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2018 Subaru Forester on the road
171,613 2018 Subaru Forester units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2018 Subaru Forester stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2018 Subaru Forester
With a 73/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Subaru Forester lands slightly below the class norm for reliability. That points to a mixed profile rather than a clear strength, with buyer risk modestly higher than average based on the index.
Complaints are not confined to a single system. Visibility/wiper issues lead, but air bags and the electrical system also account for a meaningful share, with additional reports spread across other areas and some steering-related concerns. That distribution suggests multiple touchpoints rather than one dominant weak spot. Recall activity is limited, indicating fewer formal corrective actions relative to models with elevated recall counts. As the final year of its generation, the data reflects an end-of-cycle snapshot rather than an early run.
Overall risk level: moderate, slightly above the segment average.
What you get in a 2018 Subaru Forester report
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2018 Subaru Forester — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Subaru Forester reliable?
With a 73/100 score against a 75/100 segment average, the 2018 Subaru Forester lands slightly below the class norm for reliability. That points to a mixed profile rather than a clear strength, with buyer risk modestly higher than average based on the index.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?
3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru Forester. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Forester problems?
The most-reported 2018 Subaru Forester problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (126), Air Bags (79), Electrical System (64).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Subaru Forester?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Subaru Forester, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.