2018 SUBARU FORESTER

3 recalls, 669 complaints - 510 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Defect Description

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.

175,968 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Defect Description

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.

366,282 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Defect Description

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,... Read more

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.

3,654 vehicles affected

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

Complaint Statistics

669 total complaints 46 crashes 2 fires 10 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VISIBILITY/WIPER	127
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	77
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	65
AIR BAGS	57
ENGINE	51
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	32
POWER TRAIN	32
STEERING	22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	19
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	18

Incident date: Apr 5, 2023

I had a recall for my ODS sensor which controls the passenger airbag. I went and had it "taken care" of due to a recall. They did not fix it. My passenger airbag will still randomly shut off while I am driving down the road. I tried talking tk the dealership and they only say "we fixed the part we n... Read more

Incident date: May 21, 2026

B1760 code for ODS AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is On. There is a recall open for many other Subarus, same make, model & year. Safety concern for my daughter as she rides passenger. I had the problem diagnosed and documented receipt from ACS in Roseville California... Read more

Incident date: May 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated while his wife was seated in the passenger’s seat. The message that the passenger’s side air bag was disabled was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was no... Read more

Incident date: Jul 24, 2023

Subaru AC component cascading failures, starting 25,000 miles, light driving. July 2023 AC blowing hot. Recharged with dye. Subaru Dealer said no leak found. July 2024 AC expansion valve leaking and was replaced $500. (This failure would have directly effected the evaporator.) July 2025 AC system ne... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2026

During my daily commute to work on the interstate the service break assist message came on my dash and when attempting to break the pedal was very hard, to the point where I had to push extremely hard and quickly realized I had to brake much much soon than normal to prevent hitting other vehicles. S... Read more

Incident date: May 8, 2026

I recently discovered that the brake light does not activate when applying the front brake lever. I became aware of the issue only after noticing that the motorcycle’s cruise control system would no longer engage. Upon researching the cruise control malfunction, I found numerous reports from owne... Read more

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

My car would not go when i gave it gas on a major highway with mu 3 children in the back seat. We almost got into a wreck.

Incident date: Apr 14, 2026

While driving approximately 70 mph on the highway, my 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe experienced a sudden and complete loss of power without warning. This created a dangerous situation with risk of collision. The vehicle is also subject to an active recall related to high-voltage battery fire risk, w... Read more

Incident date: Apr 1, 2024

This has now happened twice to my daughter, both times on the highway. One time the car shut down completely and the 2nd time the car just started slowing while pressing the gas and coasted to a stop. Luckily she was able to avoid other cars and get to the shoulder. The car restarted both times...1s... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2025

Bought this vehicle with 27,000 miles on it. While driving on the interstate with heavy traffic. (Doing Highway speeds) All the sudden the power plant shuts down. It happend at 27,500 miles and happened again at 37,000 miles. It has done it to me four times now. Twice with heavy semi trucks beari... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2025

Instrument Panel Cluster Failure. Black screen. Can’t see MPH, Gas, mileage or any engine functionality. Consistent with NHTSA safety recall. My VIN is not in the recall despite being a 2020 Jeep Wrangler that is listed in the safety recall. Stellantis won’t cover repair and Jeep dealer in Mars... Read more

Incident date: Jul 3, 2025

Brake Booster and ABS, Brake Master Cylinder went out in car without any lights or warning while driving the vehicle at a moderate speed on Freeway. I was able to avoid an accident and take the car to a repair shop in which at 119K miles and just at 10.5 yrs old the entire brake system had to be re... Read more

Incident date: Feb 18, 2026

While starting to drive from a red light, I was about a car length or 1.5 car length away from the vehicle ahead of me. As I was driving forward because the light turned green keeping the same distance, the car gave me a second and a half of the collision warning, then immediately went to emergency ... Read more

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

Car will randomly accelerate when not on gas pedal and/or a delay in brakes working. Has happened on more than one occasion.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

Car will randomly accelerate when not on gas pedal and/or a delay in brakes working. Has happened on more than one occasion.

Incident date: Sep 1, 2025

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... Read more

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

Front camera failure in 2019 honda odyssey after only 5 years. Total system failure causing multiple warning lights and loss of full adas system

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

Passenger front seat. Airbag light is on when someone is sitting in the seat and seatbelt indicator dings when nothing is in the seat.

Incident date: Apr 9, 2025

I am reporting a confirmed safety defect in my 2018 Ford Escape equipped with the 1.5L EcoBoost engine involving engine coolant intrusion into the cylinder bores. This appears to be a manufacturing defect associated with this engine design rather than a maintenance issue. I have exercised proper dil... Read more

Incident date: Feb 1, 2026

While pulling a 14' enclosed trailer when i left off the gas pedal there was a sudden low growl/vibration coming from the bed area of the truck. I was slowing down for a red light and it started at around 20mph. I pulled off slowly when the light turned green and was listening with my head out the w... Read more

Incident date: Jun 1, 2025

Noticed a tick sound. Sent to dealer. Lifter failed. Bent push rod. Took it in Nov 24th. Charged $7,100. Fixed all lifters and bent push rod. Was turning around in my driveway and vehicle just shut off. Took it back to same dealer in Jan 27th. Bad lifter. Same push rod. Still in shop. That’s two ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

Truck is shifting into low gear while at highway speed cause load thump or bang

Incident date: Aug 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Nitro. The contact stated that the vehicle frequently experienced electrical malfunctions, and the interior lights and windshield wipers would activate spontaneously. The “TEM” warning light was illuminated, and the radio display lights unexpectedly illuminated. Add... Read more

Incident date: Jan 10, 2026

We have an incomplete recall, we have been told not to drive vehicle since the wheel end hub bolt is broken by Ford. We have been in touch with Ford dealership as well as Ford Motor Co. since November 13, 2025 and are still waiting for the part. It’s been now 2 months with no estimated date given... Read more

Incident date: Aug 15, 2025

Front Suspension Steering Knuckle Cracking

Incident date: Oct 31, 2025

My shark fin has water damage and can’t drive or be in rain and this is the only car I have to take my young kids back and forth to school and do my grocery shopping or whatever I need

Incident date: Nov 1, 2025

Vehicle shuts off intermittently without warning. Random dash warning lights will flash, but not stay on. Air suspension will engage on its own while vehicle is not turned on, and electrical panels and lights will turn on and flash while vehicle is parked in garage, hours or days after last driven. ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 1, 2024

Subject: 2019 Hyundai Elantra – High Beam Headlight Failure and Warranty Denial To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to document and request review of an ongoing issue with my 2019 Hyundai Elantra regarding an inoperable high-beam headlight system and the handling of my warranty claim. Shortl... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2023

When my vehicle is in reverse the back up camera shuts off or shows inverted.

Incident date: Oct 2, 2023

-My 2019 Ford Edge Transmission went out it won’t shift at all and when it does it is shifting harsh the car has been not drivable for 2 month and I only got it in Jan 2025. Yes this vehicle can be inspected upon request. -There were no warnings at all it just started not shifting when I went to b... Read more

Incident date: Oct 2, 2023

The 7 inch instrument panel went completely blank upon startup. The vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealer and a temporary fix was implemented (unplugging battery). My safety was at risk due to the absence of information present on instrument panel such as speed, fuel gauge, turn signal, and all o... Read more

Incident date: Sep 3, 2025

The ABS computer brake module is bad in my jeep. It needs a replacement. Confirmed by Chrysler Jeep dealership. However, Chrysler does not offer a replacement module. ABS does not work on my vehicle. This is a huge safety issue and is common problem among this year Jeep. Chrysler shouldn’t be ... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2024

ON SUNDAY, AUGUST 31, AT APPROXIMATELY 12PM, I WAS DRIVING SOUTH ON UNION BLVD., COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, BETWEEN ACACIA DR. AND CIRCLE DR., WHEN I HEARD A LOUD EXPLOSION COMING FROM MY ROOF. I DID NOT FEEL ANYTHING HIT MY CAR AND DID NOT SEE ANYTHING OR ANYBODY THAT COULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE LOUD S... Read more

Incident date: Aug 1, 2024

The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light unexpectedly illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was appr... Read more

Incident date: Oct 3, 2024

I have been having intermittent problems for well over 1 year with my vehicle not accelerating. I try to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle does not respond. I have the accelerator pedal pressed to the floor nothing happens for 10-15 seconds, then vehicle will lurch forward and start responding. Th... Read more

Incident date: Oct 3, 2024

Incident date: Aug 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly started to decelerate. Additionally, while depressing the accelerator pedal, the brakes unintendedly engaged. The “Scheduled Maintenance” light was illuminated. The contact pulled over t... Read more

Incident date: Aug 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Honda CR-V. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated, and the transmission occasionally slipped into neutral while attempting to accelerate uphill. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact also became aware of a grinding ... Read more

Incident date: Feb 15, 2025

Driving at 60mph. No car in front, behind or to the side. Out of the blue slammed on brake fully. My foot was on the gas the whole time. Slowed rapidly to 20mph before I could continue on. If someone had been behind me they would have hit me. I'm now frightened of my own car. Took it to the dealer s... Read more

Incident date: Jan 1, 2025

Woke up and battery was dead. Car about one year old, no warnings about battery level through Bluelink or any onboard monitoring system. Dealer says dead battery is normal. Tons of issues online relating to dead batteries in new Konas

Incident date: Jul 11, 2025

Purchased 2019 after 44,000 miles engine was replaced metal in engine and inverter coolant issue July 2025 117,000 my inverter coolant light came in and off several times then car through all warning lights hev check engine warning shut it down went into limp mode Towed to dealership they checke... Read more

Incident date: Jul 11, 2025

Incident date: Jul 6, 2025

At around 26,528 miles my 2022 CX-30 2.5s (not the turbo) developed a "Low Oil Pressure" warning while driving between 55-65mph on 07/06/2025. The car has had regular oil and filter changes about every 5K miles. The last oil and filter change was at 25,259 mileage on 05/25/2025. There aren't any v... Read more

Incident date: Mar 12, 2025

Airbag light flashing, won’t go off! Lights under dash started blinking n radio only works on steering wheel sometimes, light blinks saying light bulb out but isn’t

Incident date: Mar 12, 2025

Seat belt does not fully clip in to buckle and tends to come undone while in operation of motor vehicle furthermore requires occupant to wiggle buckle back and forth to attempt to get a good connection between the two, belt and buckle.

Incident date: Jun 19, 2025

I am submitting a formal safety complaint regarding my 2024 Kawasaki Ninja ZX‑6R. Today, June 20, 2025, I received three official “Do Not Ride” letters from Kawasaki. These letters state that, due to a possible internal engine defect, the motorcycle is unsafe to operate. My authorized Kawasak... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2025

My timing belt tensioner is making a ticking noise and while taking it to a mechanic he says it should be taken to the dealership and be replaced as well as the timing belt. I believe my vehicle should be included in the recall opened in 2019 for the timing belt inspection safety recall.

Incident date: Jun 19, 2025

Slipping transmission. Hard shifting/slamming into gear. Typically when driving 35-45 mph.

Incident date: May 27, 2025

Rear Axle Hub Bolt Breakage - the rear axle hub bolt sheared off.

Incident date: May 27, 2025

Traveling at approximately 65 MPH and the transmission slipped into neutral and we began to lose speed while the engine freely revved, then it slammed back into gear violently. Then about an hour later on the same trip it did it again, except this time when it slammed into gear the rear tires lock u... Read more

Showing 50 of 669 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 SUBARU FORESTER

2018 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Optional
Lane Departure Warning	Optional

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 SUBARU FORESTER

510 manufacturer communications from 172 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
350000 EQUIPMENT	111
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	110
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	40
100000 POWER TRAIN	25
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	23
220000 SEATS	18
140000 AIR BAGS	16
355200 EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL	12

350000 EQUIPMENT

T16 Warranty Extension (15-317-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

T16 Warranty Extension (15-317-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.

350000 EQUIPMENT

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) Warranty from 3 years (36 months) of 36,000 miles to 8 years (96 months) or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides a repair procedure when diagnosing dark current draw on vehicles with GEN 1 Data Control Modules.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides a repair procedure when diagnosing dark current draw on vehicles with GEN 1 Data Control Modules.

143100 AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Due to limited part supply, the availability of the passenger front seat cushion may not satisfy demand. To reduce extended downtime for the customer, this bulletin announces the diagnostic and repair procedures to be used when DTC B1760 (O

220000 SEATS

140000 AIR BAGS

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru has extended the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from 3 years 36,000mi to 8 years or 100,000mi. In rare cases, customers may experience a dead battery as a result of the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).

350000 EQUIPMENT

This announcement provides information in regard to the extension of the basic new car limited warranty for the Telematics Data Communication Module (DCM). This coverage will apply to the vehicles listed for vehicles sold or leased in the U

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from three years (36 months or 36K miles) to eight years (96 months or 100K miles), whichever comes first. This extension is in light of the rare cas

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides procedures required for reprogramming the Data Communication Module (DCM) in Gen 1 Subaru vehicles due to sunsetting of the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides procedures required for reprogramming the Data Communication Module (DCM) in Gen 1 Subaru vehicles due to sunsetting of the 3G network.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

This bulletin announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is extending the New Car Basic Warranty coverage for the 12 Volt batteries used in the above listed models and model years beyond the original three (3) years or thirty six t

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSightA? system after body repair procedures have been performed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever (shifter) mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.

100000 POWER TRAIN

This Service Information Bulletin provides an updated diagnostic flow along with an IMPORTANT caution to follow for certain CVT solenoid related DTCs as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

As part of Subarua??s dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing an extension to the Emissions Warranty for Front Exhaust Pipe Bellows cracks on certain 2017-2018MY Forester vehicles. This will extend c

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding a rattle-type noise or fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage, during accele

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Battery Class Action Settlement Updates.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery Class Action Settlement Updates.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Class Action Settlement Updates.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

Battery Class Action Settlement Resources. (2)

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Class Action Settlement Resources. (2)

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide a description of current changes to Service Manuals.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.

350000 EQUIPMENT

Special Edition, 2012 current model subaru evaporative diagnostics and smoke testing.

100000 POWER TRAIN

The bulletin announces the design change made the propeller shaft to address the small number of customer concerns regarding a growling-type sound being heard from under the vehicle when driving.

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINKA? Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

020000 SUSPENSION

This bulletin announces a design change made to the front stabilizer bushings.

220000 SEATS

This bulletin announces a design change made to the Slide Rail components of the left and right front power seat frame / track assembliesd.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change to the CVT select lever mechanism in response to isolated customer concerns of not being able to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in Park.

100000 POWER TRAIN

Showing 100 of 510 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehic... les use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints reported the ODS failed to operate properly, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, and/or the ODS incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash that is sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On August 14, 2019 ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Subaru requesting information on the subject vehicles and MY 2014-2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.On October 3, 2019, Subaru submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness of 366,282 MY 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles equipped with seat heaters.The DIR stated that over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals in the ODS sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible. If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of the right front seat occupant. If the ODS is unable to correctly determine the status of the front occupant, the airbag warning light may illuminate, and 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.Using vehicle production data and field occurrence frequency, Subaru determined the potentially affected vehicle production range to be between January 20, 2015 ?and August 1, 2017.In addition, Subaru indicated that over 99 percent of the related MY 2015-2018 field reports with vehicles in the production range involved vehicles with seat heaters.NHTSA's analysis of complaint and warranty claim data showed 1,440 of the complaints and 11,672 of the claims involve vehicles with seat heaters that were built within the production range covered by Subaru's recall.In addition, NHTSA's analysis showed a complaint rate of 393.1 per hundred thousand vehicles for the recalled population and 89.0 for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall. Analysis of warranty claim data found a claim rate of 3.2 percent for the recalled population and 0.3 percent for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall.Subaru will instruct owners with Subaru Forester vehicles produced in the affected vehicle production range, to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the sensor mat harness, inspected and replaced with a new part, including the seat cushion assembly, if necessary.Based on ODI's analysis, the actions taken by Subaru mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by ODS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles. For subject and peer vehicles outside the recall population and those equipped without seat heaters, ODI's analysis indicates that there is currently no safety-related defect trend. Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT.THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQ... Read more

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU FORESTER across all model years (1998, 2026).

114 Total Recalls

8,633 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

784 Reported Crashes

135 Reported Fires

10 Reported Deaths

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	2	17	View
2025	2	108	View
2024	2	38	View
2023	1	102	View
2022	1	137	View
2021	0	285	View
2020	0	798	View
2019	3	1,084	View
2018 (current)	3	669
2017	1	789	View
2016	3	609	View
2015	3	894	View
2014	2	576	View
2013	12	94	View
2012	15	140	View
2011	16	195	View
2010	17	307	View
2009	18	228	View
2008	1	67	View
2007	1	89	View
2006	2	121	View
2005	1	105	View
2004	2	270	View
2003	3	238	View
2002	1	109	View
2001	0	169	View
2000	0	95	View
1999	1	156	View
1998	1	138	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2018 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2018 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2018 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models