Does 2018 Subaru Forester have problems?
Overall, the 2018 Forester is generally reliable and well-regarded for safety and practicality, but some owners report issues with the CVT, oil consumption in the 2.5L engine, and occasional infotainment/driver-assistance quirks.
Common problems reported by owners
Below are the issues most frequently mentioned by owners and reviewers, along with context on how common they are and what tends to mitigate them.
Powertrain and transmission
- CVT behavior: Some owners report shuddering, hesitation, or abrupt transitions when accelerating, particularly at certain speeds or with higher mileage. Regular CVT maintenance and fluid checks (as recommended by Subaru) can help, but replacement can be costly if problems become severe.
- Oil consumption: A subset of 2.5L engines (the FB25 family used in 2018 Foresters) has been noted to burn oil more than average, especially with high mileage. Monitoring oil level and consumption and sticking to scheduled oil changes is important.
- Other powertrain concerns: Occasional reports of rough idle or misfires are less common but can be related to ignition components or fuel delivery in aging vehicles.
Careful maintenance and a demonstrated service history can reduce the likelihood of these issues becoming costly problems.
Electrical systems and tech
- Infotainment glitches: Owners sometimes experience screen freezes, Bluetooth disconnects, or sluggish responses, usually resolved with software updates or resets.
- EyeSight and driver-assistance quirks: The pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping features can behave inconsistently in poor weather or on certain road surfaces until sensors are recalibrated or software updates are applied.
Most tech-related problems are resolved through updates or calibration, but they can be frustrating if they occur during daily driving.
Safety, recalls and reliability assessments
The 2018 Forester is widely praised for safety and practicality—features like standard all-wheel drive and strong crash-test performance contribute to its appeal. Like any aging model, it can be affected by recalls and wear-and-tear as miles accumulate. Always verify recall status and service history for any used example.
- Safety credentials: The Forester generally receives favorable safety ratings from major evaluators, with Subaru’s EyeSight suite being a popular option for many buyers.
- Recalls: There have been recalls affecting some 2018 Foresters in areas such as airbags, fuel systems, or brake components on certain VINs. Check the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall website or Subaru’s official recall notices with your VIN to confirm any open campaigns and completed repairs.
- Reliability perception: In owner surveys and industry reviews, the Forester tends to rank solidly in reliability for its class, though some years and engines show above-average maintenance needs related to the CVT and oil consumption.
- Maintenance costs: Ongoing AWD maintenance and CVT-related service can be pricier than average, so budget for potential routine or non-routine maintenance over time.
For peace of mind, always confirm there are no active recalls on a specific vehicle and review service history for signs of CVT or oil-related service early on.
Buying used: what to inspect
If you’re considering a used 2018 Forester, use this checklist to avoid common pitfalls and ensure you get a well-maintained example.
Pre-purchase checks
- Test the transmission: Take the car on a varied drive (city, highway, and gentle hills) and listen for CVT-related shudder, lag, or delay in response. Confirm smooth acceleration without surging.
- Oil consumption history: Review maintenance records for consistent oil changes and any notes about oil top-ups. Look for signs of unusual oil consumption or blue exhaust; address any concerns with a qualified mechanic.
- EyeSight and infotainment functionality: Verify that camera-based features (pre-collision braking, adaptive cruise, lane-keeping) operate as intended. Check the infotainment system for stability and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Wear and mechanical condition: Inspect tires for even wear, check brakes, suspension components, and steering for unusual noises or play; look for signs of leaks or corrosion.
- Recalls and service history: Obtain a VIN-based recall history and ensure any required repairs have been completed before purchase.
Concluding paragraph: A thorough pre-purchase inspection and complete recall/maintenance history significantly reduces the risk of owning a 2018 Forester with hidden issues.
Summary
The 2018 Subaru Forester remains a practical, safe choice within the compact SUV segment, especially for buyers who value all-wheel drive and interior practicality. It does have some commonly reported problems—most notably CVT-related performance concerns and oil consumption in some engines, plus occasional infotainment and driver-assistance glitches. With regular maintenance, careful pre-purchase checks, and due diligence on recalls, a well-maintained 2018 Forester can offer dependable service and solid value for years to come.
Are there any bad years for the Subaru Forester?
Common Issues Affecting Subaru Forester Reliability
Excessive oil consumption: This is a problem with many 2011-2014 Foresters and can lead to engine damage if ignored. Head gasket failure: This issue caused coolant leaks and overheating in some 1998-2011 models.
What years did the Subaru Forester have a bad transmission?
Yes, the Transmissions of Foresters from 2014 - 2018 are known to have problems. Subaru extended the warranty on CVT transmissions to 10 years or 100000 miles.
Is the 2018 Forester any good?
Roomy interior, good highway manners, peppy optional turbocharged engine. Lackluster base engine, underwhelming design, few standard luxury features. The Forester is a practical and capable all-wheel drive family hauler, although it's overdue for a styling update.
Are there any issues with the 2018 Subaru Forester?
The 2014-2018 Subaru Foresters' common problems include failure-prone transmission, burning oil, rear spring failure and short-lived wheel bearings.
