2018 SUBARU FORESTER Recalls, Complaints & Safety

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 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.

Crash

My drivers side seatbelt broke in a minor fender bender and was replaced.

Crash

My drivers side seatbelt broke in a minor fender bender and was replaced.

Crash

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.

The CVT parking brake switch has failed. The failure leads to the inability to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in park. This happens repeatedly, with the only temporary solution being to restart the car, and force the shift lever from "park" to "drive" and back again rather violently. Yes, the problem was confirmed by the dealer and by Subaru of America; the latter issued a limited 1-year warranty extension for the issue a couple of years ago, but it has expired without any further extension (before the problem first presented on my car). The vehicle was inspected by a dealer that confirmed the problem and wanted to charge me to repair it. There were no prior messages, warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the problem first happening.

The AC compressor/condesor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester. My kids and I were on a road trip in August 2025 when it stopped working. It was extremley hot even with the windows down and heat stroke became very real while we were sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. There was already a recall on this but now with the new part the AC stopped working and sounds very bad under the hood while the car is turned on. AC is very much needed during hot summer day.s

3 injured

The AC compressor/condesor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester. My kids and I were on a road trip in August 2025 when it stopped working. It was extremley hot even with the windows down and heat stroke became very real while we were sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. There was already a recall on this but now with the new part the AC stopped working and sounds very bad under the hood while the car is turned on. AC is very much needed during hot summer day.s

3 injured

The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the battery and resulting in a no-start safety risk for drivers but in order to replace the DCM to the 4G it will cost upwards of $2000.

The AC compressor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester so I am reporting in case it may help with a recall. Cost to repair is $2,000+. Right now it may only be covered under warranty or through a TSB goodwill. I will need to pursue with Subaru but wanted to report this in case it's helpful as there seems to be a lot of reports on this specific issue.

Unknown

I was driving on the interstate when car started vibrating and making a terrible sound. Dealership advised both front lower control arm bushings were worn and had play. Had them replaced but because they are rubber technician advised this will most likely happen again. My car has only 46k. I bought it new in 2017.

The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the battery and resulting in a no-start safety risk for drivers. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The passenger airbag light in my 2018 Subaru Forester intermittently turns off and on, even when the seat is occupied. The vehicle has never been in a crash, and the airbags have not deployed. This issue raises serious safety concerns, especially since it may prevent the airbag from deploying in an accident while a passenger is in the seat. I raised this concern to a local Subaru Dealer, and they shared Subaru has not issued a recall on this make/model and the dealership has not provided a lasting fix. I believe this may be a defect in the occupant detection system or seat wiring.

On October 3, 2023, I purchased a used 2018 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) from Hengxin Auto Group, 210 39th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, for about $19,500 including tax and fees. The dealer stated the mileage was 65,800 and printed that number on the contract. However, both the official NY DMV Title Record and the Carfax report showed 86,588 miles at the time of sale. This clear discrepancy proves the dealership intentionally rolled back or misrepresented the odometer reading. Later, the title was branded “mileage unknown.” After purchase, many severe issues appeared: chassis instability, transmission jerking, loud engine noise, high oil consumption, A/C malfunction, battery failure (replaced at my own cost), and worn tires that left me stranded. The dealer had advertised the vehicle as “excellent condition, only minor scratches,” which was completely false. I repeatedly contacted the dealer, but they only made partial chassis repairs and ignored all other problems. I paid significant repair expenses and eventually had to trade in the car on April 29, 2024, at Romano Toyota for $12,530.24, while still owing $13,705.58, resulting in a direct loss of about $9,283.78, not including additional repair and transportation costs. On October 2, 2025, I sent a formal demand letter to Hengxin Auto Group requesting compensation for odometer fraud and vehicle misrepresentation. The letter was received on October 9, but no response or resolution has been offered. The dealer’s conduct involves clear odometer fraud and nondisclosure of safety-related defects. I respectfully request NHTSA to investigate this case and take appropriate action to prevent similar consumer deception and safety risks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Air bag warning light comes on intermittently so passenger air bag system is off.

The passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor failed, turning off the airbag and illuminating the SRS light. This is a known safety defect covered by Subaru recall 19V701 / WUM-98 for 2015–2018 Foresters built through August 1, 2017. My vehicle, a 2018 Forester XT Touring (VIN [XXX] ), has the same defect but Subaru and NHTSA do not list it as part of the recall. I waited nearly a year for the replacement seat to arrive, and Subaru of America only offered $500 goodwill assistance. I paid about $900 out of pocket for the repair. Given that this is a critical airbag safety system, I believe this vehicle should have been included in the recall population. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Steering and suspension were affected. The car is available for inspection upon request. - My safety and the safety of others were affected by the fact that the car was shaking rather intensely while driving at highway speeds. I was worried a steering failure could occur. - My licensed mechanic diagnosed the problem as a right front lower control arm assembly problem with torn bushing. (Please see attached.) He replaced the assembly. Shortly thereafter, the steering wheel would feel occasionally loose and move on its own. The mechanic then did an alignment which did not help. The steering issue that came about after the control arm assembly was replaced is the subject of a complaint I filed with you yesterday: 11683647 - The problem being reported here has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. - There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. - Interestingly, the failure of the control arm assembly occurred at 51012 miles, right after the warranty ran out. My wife and I are seniors and we drive with care. Under the circumstances, this component of the car should have lasted much longer than it did. Now we worry the left side assembly may fail, especially since we have a loose steering problem that I reported yesterday.

While driving the vehicle I began to hear a loud grinding noise from the engine compartment when the A/C was engaged. I pulled over to look under the hood and it sounded like the noise was coming from the serpentine belt. Upon inspection by a Subaru dealership it was determined that the A/C compressor is failing. I was informed that there was a known issue with the 2018 Forester A/C compressor and the compressor has been redesigned. I was also informed that if I postponed repair then the compressor could seize up with would cause the serpentine belt to break which would then cause immediate engine failure. Such failure could be extremely dangerous if it happens when driving on a highway, etc. There was no warning light that appeared when the grinding noise started. I also listen to music when I drive so it was lucky that I heard the noise before the compressor seized. If Subaru had to redesign the compressor then it seems reasonable that a recall should be issued to prevent engine failure. All routine maintenance has been preformed on this vehicle at the dealership in a timely fashion. There is 78,000 miles on the vehicle and I am the original owner.

1. The car's steering could be malfunctioning . The car is available for inspection upon request. 2. The steering wheel occasionally and without warning suddenly FEELS loose and "disconnected" from its ability to steer the car -- until I turn the steering wheel about a quarter to a half an inch and the steering FEELS normal again. I worry the issue (which so far has not interfered with steering the car) may worsen and possibly become hazardous. 3. I took the car to my regular licensed mechanic who did not experience the issue when he drove it. Nevertheless, the issue reported here exists as my wife and I have each experienced it. 4. The steering has not been inspected by Subaru, the police, insurance reps or others, other than my regular mechanic who has found no issues with the steering. 5. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue first occurring except for the replacement of a tie rod by my regular mechanic, which may be coincidental. 6. This issue has existed since at least last February with no worsening of the condition. My regular mechanic has assured me there is no danger as he has checked the mechanical aspects of the steering (linkages, tie rods, etc.).

Passenger seat occupancy detection sensor failure. Known recall for the issue from same year 2018, my vin not included. Delaership stated 5300 dollars to repair. Subaru of America to provide goodwill gesture of 2000 dollars. Remaining amount is 3500 to repair ODS.

I would like to bring your attention to an issue I recently had experienced concerning my 2018 Subaru Forester that I had purchased new in June of 2018, and to date has only 48,518 miles. A steering rattle sound/vibration had developed while driving at normal speeds on paved roadways. I made an appointment with my local Subaru dealer to have the condition checked out. After a test drive and inspection by the technician, it was determined that both front transverse bushings needed to be replaced, and a wheel alignment performed following the repair. I have done some research and discovered that Subaru had changed the inferior material of the cushion portion of the front transverse bushing due to premature failure of the component (Reference: Subaru TSB 05-63-18R). It is negligent for Subaru not to inform the consumers knowing that a potential safety issue existed in the steering system of the vehicle. I believe the Subaru corporation should have initiated a recall of the effected vehicles and replace the defective components, at no cost to the consumer, in order to restore the safety and drivability of the vehicle.

Wheel studs are of inferior quality, which leads to galling. Replacement of a wheel results in snapped studs. I have replaced three so far on two occasions within a week. Swapping to a spare in an emergency with broken studs will leads to accidents. As of now, I will need to drive with one broken stud to get it fixed. This is a known issue, the lugs were not over-torqued. The softness of the threads results in galling such that the threads tear out and fuse to the lug nut. How they have not issued recall/replacement/upgrades is astounding.

My airbag warning light comes on intermittently. My mechanic found it is due to a recalled part but my vin number is not listed on the recall even though it meets the criteria. Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98 NHTSA Recall ID 19V 70. The person in the passenger seat's safety is at risk if the airbags don't deploy in the event of a crash.

Yesterday 6/19/25 I was driving out the driveway when the vehicle accelerated on its own, and not slowly, but like it had been punched. I was actually coasting at the time since I didn't want to stir up dust. My foot was not on the gas pedal. And it was not the floor mat. It happened on its own, the first time in 87,000 miles. It probably cannot easily be replicated as it was completely random, although now that it's happened once, it very well could happen again if there's a faulty or aging part or sensor. Neither the local dealer nor Subaru has acknowledged the problem (I called both today) but it's a SERIOUS safety issue. No check engine light or other means of warning. It just happened out of nowhere. Glad I was in the driveway and not in town waiting while a pedestrian was crossing the street.

Subaru recall WUM98 was issued in 2019 to replace the ODS harness on my 2018 Subaru Forester. The part replacement was completed in in April 2020. The harness failed again in Oct 2024. It was replaced for the 2nd time. Now, my passenger air bag light is on for the 3rd time, and the dealership is indicating that the ODS mat is the culprit (not the harness). Subaru is not covering this under any open recall. Note that Subaru currently has an open recall WRA-24 for certain 2020 - 2022 Forester & Outback models to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System sensors in the front passenger seat. Since Subaru is saying that the issue in recall WRA-24 is the same as my issue, it is my belief that other models should also be included in this recall. It should also be noted that for WRA-24, they still don't have parts for many of the vehicles that need the seat assembly replaced, which may indicate supply issues. I was also told that Subaru does not have the seat assembly for my vehicle. The length of time for Subaru to get parts is unacceptable. Recall WRA-24 was issued by letter on May 21, 2024. It is my belief that they should also cover costs for rental vehicles until the issue is fixed.

Windshield cracked sitting parked matching Subaru TSB 12-192-15R except model of vehicle and Subaru stating not covered under the class action warranty extension

Ticking noise on cold start up as well as reduced acceleration speed and torque. Diagnostics point me to believe the AVCS solenoids are beginning to fail prematurely. This has not been confirmed by a dealership and the issue is reproduced during any driving. There are no CEL lights active or codes stored. The vehicle currently has 74,*** miles. The issue started within the last 6 months. This is a safety concern when attempting to get up to highway and freeway onramps or getting up to merging or passing speeds.

Fuel Pump. Stalled in intersection in middle lane at expressway entrance. Car stalled 3 x before I could move out of intersection to safety. Kept pressing gas peddle but car would not move then sputtered going a few feet before stopping again. 3x Cars were going thru light and around me at 45 mph. Honking, swerving into other lane, barely avoiding hitting my car as well as other cars.

Intermittent failure of occupant detection system on front passenger seat which turns off airbag even though an adult is sitting in the seat. The occupant detection system wiring harness was recalled and replaced in 2020. I believe there is a continuing issue with this recall either not being a complete solution or being repaired with a defective part or new part that did not solve the issue. This is a critical occupant safety issue. This issue has occurred multiple times and continues to be an issue.

I’ve experienced recurrent failures with my Subaru’s AC system, and it’s become more than just an inconvenience—it’s a real safety concern. In hot weather, the cabin can become unbearably warm, making it difficult to concentrate and increasing the risk of fatigue or even heat-related illness, especially for passengers who are older, very young, or have medical conditions. What’s even more frustrating is the poor quality of the system and Subaru’s lack of communication about what appears to be a known defect. Despite numerous complaints from other owners and repeated service visits, there’s been no clear explanation or long-term fix offered. The situation is not only uncomfortable—it’s unsafe, and the lack of transparency and accountability from Subaru has been incredibly disappointing.

I am the second owner of this vehicle and lately my passenger airbag sometimes doesn’t turn on due to a harness connected to the occupant plate being faulty. When the issue first occurred I contacted my local Subaru service center and explained my situation and told them I had seen there was a recall for my exact issue. They informed me that the repair had already been done on my vehicle and the only solution offered was to pay a $140 diagnostic fee to see if that was the actual cause of my airbag not turning on. I took it to my local mechanic shop named Peet’s Garage and they confirmed there was an issue with the harness and my vehicle had a code for my passenger side airbag. I contacted Subaru customer advocacy since the affected part had a past recall. I was told since the repair was done in 2020 it’s no longer their responsibility and was refused further assistance . I now have a 50/50 chance of having a passenger airbag working in my car and if I want it to be repaired I’ll have to pay out of pocket. There has been multiple complaints from other consumers online being affected by this issue on the same make and model and Subaru is still refusing to take further action. This is a very serious safety issue and not a cheap repair as the only solution made available by Subaru is to replace the entire seat cushion and wiring when all they did was replace the effected harness.

2018 Subaru Forester Safety air bag recall I drive my grandchildren in front passenger seat. There’s a safety recall. No incident yet. What has to happen before this air bag problem is fixed?