2018 Subaru Forester Forward collision avoidance Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 2%of 498 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,150miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the forward collision avoidance of the 2018 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 498 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,150 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“Sunday april8 2018, the 'eyesight' which is a safety device was possibly turned off remotely, thus rendering this safety device inoperable and could cause the vehicle to get into an accident without any warning, the safety device warns you if you cross over the center or shoulder traffic line. This is the second time it happened and was reported to fcc, Subaru and their dealership. I have an idea who's behind this dangerous manipulation but I don't have the talent or resource to prove it.”
NHTSA complaint #11085135, filed 2018-04, 300 miles“Temperature dropped to -20 and large crack randomly appeared on driver side windshield. This crack has caused the eyesight safety feature to not work meaning I don’t have lane departure warning or forward collision warning. Informed my warranty does not cover the windshield repair or required camera recalibration.”
NHTSA complaint #11448105, filed 2022-01“After ice storm and after car was cleaned of any ice, The emergency braking appeared to be confused by the ice on the road. I decided to not go forward once I was on the street as it seemed to slick and tried to back up to my house to get into my driveway which is on a slope. In reverse, the brakes kept slamming on after a foot or two and I would lose momentum and slide forward. I ended up having to drive forward around the block forward to get back to my house. The eyesight system seems to get confused very easily when there are icy reflections or snow on the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11578805, filed 2024-03“Component: EyeSight Camera motherboard failure due to cold weather (Code B28B3). Possibly an improper conformal coating that is susceptible to cracking or building moisture which then freezes and cracks components of the camera system. Safety Concern: It appears this is common in Subaru EyeSight systems for all models years 2017-2019. A local mechanic shop (Fairbanks, AK) has seen these systems fail repeatedly in our winter climate. I find this concerning that the system that has the ability to control steering and breaking is susceptible to what we consider normal winter climates. …”
NHTSA complaint #11581380, filed 2024-04“I took our 2018 Subaru Forester through a car wash. The usual washing procedure went just fine with me in the car idling in neutral as it went through. When it came to the end of the wash cycle, I coasted out and then shifted into drive. Instantly the car surged forward at an alarming speed and I could not stop it. The car crossed a busy street. I fortunately did not collide with cars. The car continued into a field next to a Ford dealer’s lot at a high speed and I was unable to stop it. I managed to swerve right to avoid crashing into the cars parked on the Ford lot. …”
NHTSA complaint #11456421, filed 2022-03Related service bulletins
- 11023536Sep 30, 2025In the interest of customer satisfaction Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage in the models listed. The extension will address…
- 11021263Jul 29, 2025This announcement provides information about a Subaru of America, Inc. preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding the EyeSight system in certain Subaru vehicles.
- 10243372Sep 11, 2023This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSight® system after body repair…
Forward collision avoidance: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 21% |
| 2025 | 13 | 13% |
| 2024 | 5 | 16% |
| 2023 | 13 | 18% |
| 2022 | 15 | 15% |
| 2021 | 17 | 8% |
| 2020 | 44 | 7% |
| 2019 | 43 | 5% |
| 2018 | 8 | 2% |
| 2017 | 8 | 1% |
| 2016 | 8 | 2% |
| 2015 | 8 | 1% |
| 2006 | 2 | 2% |
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 29, 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