2018 Subaru Forester recalls
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester, most recently on Mar 10, 2019. Each entry below explains the defect, what can happen, and the free repair.
Is your car already fixed? Recalls are listed by model. Whether your own vehicle has been repaired depends on its VIN: check it on NHTSA's recall lookup or ask any dealer for that brand. Recall repairs are free.
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Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification
Problem: 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.
Risk: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
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Tires
Problem: 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, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
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Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pump
Problem: 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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Owner complaints
Owners have filed 500 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Forester, including 26 involving a crash and 1 involving a fire, with 9 injuries reported. Complaints are unverified reports, not recalls, but clusters can lead NHTSA to open an investigation.
| Component | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 135 |
| Air bags | 100 |
| Unknown or other | 85 |
| Electrical system | 72 |
| Engine | 32 |
| Seats | 31 |
Other Forester years
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my 2018 Subaru Forester has an open recall?
Enter your 17-character VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup or call a dealer. Manufacturers also mail owners when a recall is announced, so keep your registration address up to date.
Do I have to pay for recall repairs?
No. Safety recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer for that brand, even if you bought the vehicle used or the warranty has expired.
Where does this information come from?
From NHTSA, the U.S. agency that oversees vehicle safety recalls. This page is refreshed from its database daily.