2018 Subaru Forester Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 3%of 498 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 12,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the body and structure of the 2018 Subaru Forester, 3% of the 498 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 12,000 miles. 6 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.
“I was in stop and go traffic. I don't remember if I was taking foot off brake, or gas pedal. This happen within seconds. Car started to accelerate, I slammed on brakes still moving, I pulled emergency brake, still moving, I hit back end of pick-up truck. By then I had put car in park and turned off ignition.”
NHTSA complaint #11219240, filed 2019-06, 37,242 miles“I turned into a parking space covering the brake and came to a stop. I went to shift into park and when the gearshift lever started to move the car accelerated uncommanded and ran into the building.”
NHTSA complaint #11407119, filed 2021-04, 40,000 miles“Vehicle was being backed out of the garage to replace the trash can. After backing part way out of the garage when I put the car in gear it shot forward and I was unable to stop the vehicle until it hit the back garage wall. When the vehicle was then put into reverse it shot backwards, also. I was unable to stop the vehicle until it was totally out of the garage. The vehicle seemed to accelerate on its own. Damage was done to the front end of the vehicle, the garage wall and the inside utility room and hallway.”
NHTSA complaint #11120029, filed 2018-08, 2,300 miles“I came to a complete stop to wait for oncoming traffic before making a left turn. I only had about twenty feet to go to access the angled parking space for the business on the corner. As I turned into the space, my Forester suddenly jumped the curb, mowed down a sign pole, and crashed into the building window. After replaying this incident over in my mind, I truly believe this was a case of unintended acceleration. Fortunately, no one was injured. I was on a city street and was totally shocked that the vehicle accelerated like it did.”
NHTSA complaint #11209053, filed 2019-05, 3,010 miles“Parked the car in a protected lot. When I returned there was a 2-foot long crack down the middle of the top of the windshield. It required replacement with no help or coverage from Subaru. This was with 12000 miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11315692, filed 2020-03, 12,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11022304Aug 11, 2025This bulletin provides information on paint codes for vehicles in the 2026 line up.
- 10246093Nov 9, 2023This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 9% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 3 | 4% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 2% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 25 | 3% |
| 2018 | 14 | 3% |
| 2017 | 15 | 3% |
| 2016 | 11 | 3% |
| 2015 | 20 | 3% |
| 2014 | 27 | 7% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 5 | 5% |
| 2011 | 8 | 5% |
| 2010 | 7 | 3% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 8% |
| 2005 | 4 | 4% |
| 2004 | 4 | 2% |
| 2003 | 19 | 10% |
| 2002 | 3 | 3% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
| 1999 | 3 | 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 27, 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