2018 Subaru Forester power train problems
23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Subaru Forester — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Oct 22, 2025
“The lower right control arm bushings failed on the vehicle and the transmission is leaking. The vehicle has been owned by only two individuals, and was purchased by me in 2021 as a certified pre-owned vehicle from a local dealer. In three years we have put about 12,000 miles total on the vehicle…”
filed Dec 11, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
SubaruNet Announcement (R · Other · issued May 4, 2026This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
03-97-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 24, 2026
Power Train problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 4 | 5% |
| 2023 Forester | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 Forester | 4 | 4% |
| 2021 Forester | 14 | 7% |
| 2020 Forester | 30 | 5% |
| 2019 Forester | 38 | 5% |
| 2017 Forester | 44 | 8% |
| 2016 Forester | 49 | 12% |
| 2015 Forester | 95 | 15% |
| 2014 Forester | 41 | 10% |
| 2013 Forester | 6 | 8% |
| 2012 Forester | 5 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.