How common are electrical problems in the 2018 Subaru Forester?

NHTSA lists 73 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Forester, which is 15% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2018 Subaru Forester electrical issues?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2018 Forester.

At what mileage do 2018 Forester electrical problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 9,417 miles.

What kinds of electrical failures do 2018 Forester owners report?

Owners report sudden loss of engine power while driving, dead batteries after the car sits parked, door locks and windows malfunctioning, and the ignition key getting stuck in place.

Did any 2018 Forester electrical complaints involve a crash or injury?

NHTSA data tied to this component for the 2018 Forester shows 1 crash and 1 injury among the complaints, with 0 fires.

2018 Subaru Forester Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 73 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Subaru Forester, 15% of that year's 495 total complaints. Owners reported issues including sudden power loss, dead batteries, and locking/window glitches, with a median failure mileage of 9,417. No related recalls are listed.

Electrical System complaints: 73; 15% of 495
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 9,418 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

Owners report the vehicle suddenly losing engine power while driving at highway speed, then coasting to a stop before restarting.
Some describe the battery going completely dead after the car sat parked for one to two weeks, requiring a jump start or charger.
Multiple reports describe the door locking system clicking or flashing without actually locking, or windows getting stuck and unable to be unlocked with the switch.
Owners report the ignition key becoming stuck and unable to be removed even after the car is parked and the brake is depressed.
Some owners describe losing audio control while in reverse, with sound and volume settings disabled until the car finishes backing up.
A few report gauge readings, such as tire pressure or coolant temperature, showing several degrees off from actual values.

When 2018 Subaru Forester electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 5, 2018, latest Sep 17, 2026.

73 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2018 to Sep 2026; peak May 2021 (7).

Electrical System recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Forester model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201015 (6%)
201114 (10%)
201211 (10%)
20137 (9%)
201450 (12%)
201593 (15%)
201697 (23%)
2017108 (18%)
201873 (15%)
2019135 (16%)
2020105 (17%)
202134 (16%)
202218 (18%)
202311 (15%)
20242 (7%)
202516 (17%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are electrical problems in the 2018 Subaru Forester?: NHTSA lists 73 Electrical System complaints for the 2018 Forester, which is 15% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2018 Subaru Forester electrical issues?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2018 Forester.
At what mileage do 2018 Forester electrical problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 9,417 miles.
What kinds of electrical failures do 2018 Forester owners report?: Owners report sudden loss of engine power while driving, dead batteries after the car sits parked, door locks and windows malfunctioning, and the ignition key getting stuck in place.
Did any 2018 Forester electrical complaints involve a crash or injury?: NHTSA data tied to this component for the 2018 Forester shows 1 crash and 1 injury among the complaints, with 0 fires.