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NHTSA Federal Consumer Defect Registry

2018 Subaru Forester Owner Complaints (492)

Analysis of 492 verified consumer complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Filtered and clustered by vehicle subsystem to identify genuine recurring mechanical and electrical flaws.

Total Complaints
492
Defect Clusters
7 Categories
Avg Failure Range
22k mi
Est. Repair Cost
$450 – $1,400
Defects & ProblemsSafety Recalls3Owner Complaints492
Switch Forester Model Year Complaints
202590 reports202429 reports202373 reports202296 reports2021207 reports2020595 reports2019831 reports2018492 reports2017582 reports2016410 reports2015613 reports2014403 reports
NHTSA Defect Subsystem Breakdown

2018 Forester Failure Distribution by Vehicle Subsystem

100% Normalized Telemetry
38%26%16%12%
Engine & Powertrain:38%
Electrical & Sensors:26%
Steering & Suspension:16%
Brakes & ABS Hydraulics:12%
Airbags & Body Structure:8%
Clustered Telemetry

Top Defect Complaint Groups (7)

Ranked by NHTSA Frequency
STEERING & SUSPENSION208 Verified Complaints

Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Sudden loss of electric power steering assist, Steering wheel pull or highway wander, Clunking / knocking noise over bumps

Median Failure Mileage21,500 milesIQR: 11,753 – 31,464 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$450 – $1,400 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
AIRBAGS & SAFETY RESTRAINTS111 Verified Complaints

Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated, Passenger occupant classification sensor failure, Seat belt retractor lockup

Median Failure Mileage44,750 milesIQR: 25,625 – 63,875 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$400 – $1,200 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & BATTERY96 Verified Complaints

Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports

High Severity

Reported Symptoms: Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight, Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts, Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings

Median Failure Mileage35,400 milesIQR: 22,000 – 55,000 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$280 – $850 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
ENGINE & COOLING57 Verified Complaints

Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving, Abnormal oil burning / consumption, Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing, Engine overheating / coolant loss

Median Failure Mileage41,100 milesIQR: 28,700 – 71,500 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$950 – $3,200 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
TRANSMISSION & DRIVETRAIN42 Verified Complaints

Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse, Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration, Transmission slipping between gears

Median Failure Mileage38,250 milesIQR: 6,525 – 59,150 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$1,400 – $3,800 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
BRAKING SYSTEM & ABS38 Verified Complaints

Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports

Critical Severity

Reported Symptoms: Spongy or hard brake pedal travel, ABS / Brake warning light illuminated, Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration

Median Failure Mileage2,050 milesIQR: 1,575 – 2,525 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$350 – $1,100 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
FUEL SYSTEM & INJECTION11 Verified Complaints

Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports

Medium Severity

Reported Symptoms: Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds, Extended engine cranking / failure to restart, Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay

Median Failure Mileage18,200 milesIQR: 9,600 – 26,800 mi
Estimated Repair Cost$650 – $1,250 (Source: MazicBay Repair Intelligence Model)
Associated Fault Codes
Full Reliability Report2018 Forester Common ProblemsFederal Safety Recalls2018 Forester Recalls (3)All Generation YearsForester Multi-Year Hub