2018 SUBARU FORESTER

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

TIRES

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110,

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

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. Yes, the problem was confirmed by the dealer and by Subaru of America; the latter issued a limited 1-year warranty extension for the issue a couple of years ago, but it has expired without any further extension (before the problem first presented on my car). The vehicle was inspected by a dealer that confirmed the problem and wanted to charge me to repair it. There were no prior messages, warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the problem first happening.

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 but in order to replace the DCM to the 4G it will cost upwards of $2000.

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. There was already a recall on this but now with the new part the AC stopped working and sounds very bad under the hood while the car is turned on. AC is very much needed during hot summer day.s

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. There was already a recall on this but now with the new part the AC stopped working and sounds very bad under the hood while the car is turned on. AC is very much needed during hot summer day.s

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. I will need to pursue with Subaru but wanted to report this in case it's helpful as there seems to be a lot of reports on this specific issue.

Unknown

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. My car has only 46k. I bought it new in 2017.

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. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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. I raised this concern to a local Subaru Dealer, and they shared Subaru has not issued a recall on this make/model and the dealership has not provided a lasting fix. I believe this may be a defect in the occupant detection system or seat 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. This clear discrepancy proves the dealership intentionally rolled back or misrepresented the odometer reading. Later, the title was branded “mileage unknown.” After purchase, many severe issues appeared: chassis instability, transmission jerking, loud engine noise, high oil consumption, A/C malfunction, battery failure (replaced at my own cost), and worn tires that left me stranded. The dealer had advertised the vehicle as “excellent condition, only minor scratches,” which was completely false. I repeatedly contacted the dealer, but they only made partial chassis repairs and ignored all other problems. I paid signifi

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. This clear discrepancy proves the dealership intentionally rolled back or misrepresented the odometer reading. Later, the title was branded “mileage unknown.” After purchase, many severe issues appeared: chassis instability, transmission jerking, loud engine noise, high oil consumption, A/C malfunction, battery failure (replaced at my own cost), and worn tires that left me stranded. The dealer had advertised the vehicle as “excellent condition, only minor scratches,” which was completely false. I repeatedly contacted the dealer, but they only made partial chassis repairs and ignored all other problems. I paid signifi

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. This clear discrepancy proves the dealership intentionally rolled back or misrepresented the odometer reading. Later, the title was branded “mileage unknown.” After purchase, many severe issues appeared: chassis instability, transmission jerking, loud engine noise, high oil consumption, A/C malfunction, battery failure (replaced at my own cost), and worn tires that left me stranded. The dealer had advertised the vehicle as “excellent condition, only minor scratches,” which was completely false. I repeatedly contacted the dealer, but they only made partial chassis repairs and ignored all other problems. I paid signifi

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

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. I waited nearly a year for the replacement seat to arrive, and Subaru of America only offered $500 goodwill assistance. I paid about $900 out of pocket for the repair. Given that this is a critical airbag safety system, I believe this vehicle should have been included in the recall population. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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. I waited nearly a year for the replacement seat to arrive, and Subaru of America only offered $500 goodwill assistance. I paid about $900 out of pocket for the repair. Given that this is a critical airbag safety system, I believe this vehicle should have been included in the recall population. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- 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. I was worried a steering failure could occur. - My licensed mechanic diagnosed the problem as a right front lower control arm assembly problem with torn bushing. (Please see attached.) He replaced the assembly. Shortly thereafter, the steering wheel would feel occasionally loose and move on its own. The mechanic then did an alignment which did not help. The steering issue that came about after the control arm assembly was replaced is the subject of a complaint I filed with you yesterday: 11683647 - The problem being reported here has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. - There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. - Interestingly, the failure of the control arm as

- 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. I was worried a steering failure could occur. - My licensed mechanic diagnosed the problem as a right front lower control arm assembly problem with torn bushing. (Please see attached.) He replaced the assembly. Shortly thereafter, the steering wheel would feel occasionally loose and move on its own. The mechanic then did an alignment which did not help. The steering issue that came about after the control arm assembly was replaced is the subject of a complaint I filed with you yesterday: 11683647 - The problem being reported here has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. - There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. - Interestingly, the failure of the control arm as

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. I was informed that there was a known issue with the 2018 Forester A/C compressor and the compressor has been redesigned. I was also informed that if I postponed repair then the compressor could seize up with would cause the serpentine belt to break which would then cause immediate engine failure. Such failure could be extremely dangerous if it happens when driving on a highway, etc. There was no warning light that appeared when the grinding noise started. I also listen to music when I drive so it was lucky that I heard the noise before the compressor seized. If Subaru had to redesign the compressor then it seems reasonable that a recall should be issued to prevent eng

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. I was informed that there was a known issue with the 2018 Forester A/C compressor and the compressor has been redesigned. I was also informed that if I postponed repair then the compressor could seize up with would cause the serpentine belt to break which would then cause immediate engine failure. Such failure could be extremely dangerous if it happens when driving on a highway, etc. There was no warning light that appeared when the grinding noise started. I also listen to music when I drive so it was lucky that I heard the noise before the compressor seized. If Subaru had to redesign the compressor then it seems reasonable that a recall should be issued to prevent eng

1. The car's steering could be malfunctioning . The car is available for inspection upon request. 2. 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. I worry the issue (which so far has not interfered with steering the car) may worsen and possibly become hazardous. 3. I took the car to my regular licensed mechanic who did not experience the issue when he drove it. Nevertheless, the issue reported here exists as my wife and I have each experienced it. 4. The steering has not been inspected by Subaru, the police, insurance reps or others, other than my regular mechanic who has found no issues with the steering. 5. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue first occurring except for the replacement of a tie rod by my regular mechanic, which may be coincidental. 6. This issue has existed sinc