2018 Subaru Forester Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 1%of 498 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 3,080miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2018 Subaru Forester, 1% of the 498 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 3,080 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Brand new vehicle. Driving on an interstate at 55mph and made a slight left turn at a bend in the road, well within the clearly painted lane markers. Clear weather, temp about 50 degrees f. Heard one beep and lost control of the steering for a second while the car steered itself slightly left. My hands were on the steering wheel and I was active operating the vehicle. Startling! Happened two more times. Took it to a dealer and he explained that I might not be used to electronic steering. …”
NHTSA complaint #11055994, filed 2017-12, 160 miles“While driving at 60 miles an hour on a 4 lane highway, I was going around a slight curve when the lane assist came on. I was in the left lane and not near the left line in road, but centered in the middle of lane. I heard one beep and then the steering wheel became very loose in my hand and it took me a few seconds to gain control of the steering wheel. This also happened while going on a slightly curved city street going about 40 miles an hour. It scared the dickens out of me as it was not what I expected the lane assist to do. …”
NHTSA complaint #11024931, filed 2017-09, 100 miles“The speedometer information is very difficult to see in sunny daylight. Numbers are red . If polarized or regular sun lenses are used, (info. (numbers) can not be read. 2019 models, the speedometer is changed, with white characters. Finally Subaru got the message. It is critical to be driving and you can not see the speed that you are driving !”
NHTSA complaint #11122391, filed 2018-08, 15 miles“Windshield cracked and is now half across from passenger side. No known rock hit same. Googled and noticed dozens of windshields cracked from structural defects. Subaru claims this is why eyesight cuts off eyesight cannot see it don't work. So I guess it doesn't work at night?”
NHTSA complaint #11207339, filed 2019-05, 6,000 milesElectronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 10 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 1% |
| 2017 | 5 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 2% |
| 2014 | 5 | 1% |
| 2013 | 1 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Forester
156 complaintsAir bags
99 complaintsOther or unknown
85 complaintsElectrical system
71 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsSeats
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
30 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
23 complaintsFuel system
21 complaintsSuspension
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology