2018 Subaru Forester Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the windshield, citing spontaneous cracking, pitting, and chipping, often without any apparent cause, and these issues are noted both while parked and in use. Additionally, air conditioning failures are commonly mentioned, with symptoms including grinding noises, failure to cool, and compressor malfunctions, often occurring around 70,000 to 110,000 miles. Some complaints also highlight potential safety concerns, including unintended acceleration resulting in a crash and airbag warning light malfunctions. These reports indicate potential reliability concerns for used car buyers, particularly related to the windshield and air conditioning system.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving power steering failures and steering wheel locking. Symptoms include sudden loss of power steering functionality, steering wheel vibrations, and intermittent locking of the steering wheel, sometimes accompanied by warning lights or symbols. These issues are often reported around 50,000 to 90,000 miles. Two complaints involve crashes potentially linked to unintended acceleration, although these are not conclusively attributed to steering issues. Prospective buyers should be aware of these potential steering-related safety concerns when considering a used 2018 Forester.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report incidents of sudden unintended acceleration, often occurring at low speeds or when transitioning between drive and reverse. Symptoms include the vehicle accelerating without driver input, sometimes accompanied by a locked brake pedal or minimal steering control. These issues have been reported across a wide range of mileages, with some occurring as early as 1,100 miles. Safety implications are significant, with nine reports involving crashes and one injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these patterns, as they indicate a risk of loss of control and possible collisions.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, including symptoms such as stalling, erratic acceleration, and lurching. These problems often occur at lower speeds and can lead to dangerous situations, with some reports noting sudden unintended acceleration resulting in crashes. Complaints typically arise within mileage ranges of 4,000 to 65,000 miles. Safety implications are evident, as three complaints involve crashes and one reports an injury. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly the transmission-related problems and their impact on vehicle control.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report issues related to sudden power loss, with complaints describing unexpected deceleration while driving at high speeds, often leading to hazardous situations on highways. These incidents are sometimes linked to catalytic converter failures, occurring around 85,000 miles. Additionally, some owners note ticking noises and reduced acceleration, which they suspect are due to premature AVCS solenoid failure. There are also reports of exhaust manifold issues, with leaks and exhaust fumes entering the cabin, particularly noticeable in cold weather. Safety implications are significant, as one owner reports a crash due to unintended acceleration after a car wash, and another describes an engine fire originating from the AC compressor. These patterns suggest potential safety risks and costly repairs, which prospective buyers should consider.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the windshield, describing spontaneous cracking without apparent cause, with some cracks occurring as early as 12,000 miles. Additionally, several complaints involve uncommanded acceleration leading to crashes, with incidents occurring during low-speed maneuvers such as parking or backing out. Another reported issue involves the hood unexpectedly releasing while driving, although no crashes are directly attributed to this problem. These complaints highlight potential safety concerns, including loss of vehicle control and impaired visibility.

Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with unintended acceleration when pressing the brake pedal, with some incidents leading to crashes. Complaints describe situations where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly, causing drivers to apply extra force to the brakes or shift to neutral to prevent collisions. Additionally, several owners mention the brake pedal becoming spongy or traveling to the floor, particularly after driving for some time. These issues are often reported around 35,000 to 38,000 miles. Safety implications include loss of vehicle control and crashes, although no injuries have been reported.