2018 Subaru Forester — Known Issues & Recalls

Your air conditioning system experienced multiple failures in sequence: first the expansion valve failed, then the evaporator core stopped working entirely, and finally the compressor began to fail. Each failure required costly repairs, and you've found that other 2018 Subaru Forester owners have reported the same pattern of problems. A dealer will likely need to diagnose which AC components need replacement or repair.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Your air conditioning compressor seized up, which caused the serpentine belt to break. This appears to be a known issue affecting this year and model. You'll need to replace both the A/C compressor and the serpentine belt.

Your driver's side seatbelt broke during a minor fender bender accident and had to be replaced. This is a safety concern since seatbelts are critical for protecting occupants during crashes.

Your airbag warning light stays on because of a problem with the passenger seat airbag system. Your vehicle's VIN wasn't included in a previous recall that addressed this exact issue, even though your car should have been covered. The airbag system will need to be inspected and repaired, likely involving the passenger seat airbag sensor or 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.

- 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.

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.

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.

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.

The car's steering could be malfunctioning . The car is available for inspection upon request. 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.

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

Unknown