How many engine complaints does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?

NHTSA lists 58 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Forester, making up 12% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Subaru Forester engine issue?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint pattern on the 2018 Forester.

At what mileage do 2018 Forester engine problems occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 18,000 miles.

What do owners describe happening with the engine?

Owners most often describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speed, frequently while parking, sometimes leading to crashes into structures or other vehicles.

How does the 2018 Forester compare to other years for this engine issue?

The 2018 Forester's engine complaint share is 12%, lower than 2015's 31% and 2011's 54%, among the years listed in NHTSA data for this model.

2018 Subaru Forester Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 58 engine complaints for the 2018 Subaru Forester, 12% of the year's 495 total complaints. Owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speed, often while parking, at a median mileage of 18,000. No related recalls are listed for this issue.

Engine complaints: 58; 12% of 495
Crashes reported: 15
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 18,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle suddenly accelerating on its own while pulling into or backing out of a parking space, often at speeds under 10 mph.
Several reports describe the car surging forward or backward even with the brake pedal pressed, resulting in collisions with garage walls, curbs, or parked vehicles.
One report describes a serpentine belt melting and an AC compressor sparking after a loud pulley noise while driving.
Multiple incidents describe airbags failing to deploy despite the vehicle striking a wall or structure with enough force to cause damage.
Some owners report the EyeSight safety system did not engage or warn before the unexpected acceleration occurred.

When 2018 Subaru Forester engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 16, 2018, latest Sep 17, 2026.

58 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2018 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2021 (5).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Forester model year

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

201058 (22%)
201179 (54%)
201246 (44%)
201333 (43%)
2014110 (27%)
2015191 (31%)
201691 (22%)
201776 (13%)
201858 (12%)
2019136 (16%)
2020105 (17%)
202142 (20%)
202218 (18%)
202310 (14%)
20242 (7%)
20258 (9%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?: NHTSA lists 58 engine-related complaints for the 2018 Forester, making up 12% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Subaru Forester engine issue?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine complaint pattern on the 2018 Forester.
At what mileage do 2018 Forester engine problems occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 18,000 miles.
What do owners describe happening with the engine?: Owners most often describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speed, frequently while parking, sometimes leading to crashes into structures or other vehicles.
How does the 2018 Forester compare to other years for this engine issue?: The 2018 Forester's engine complaint share is 12%, lower than 2015's 31% and 2011's 54%, among the years listed in NHTSA data for this model.