2018 Subaru Forester Fuel System Problems
NHTSA lists 21 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Subaru Forester, 4% of all 495 complaints filed for the year, with a median failure mileage of 14,500. A related recall (21V587000) covers a low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank that may fail.
- Fuel System complaints
- 21
- 4% of 495
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 14,500 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical fuel system symptoms owners report
- Sudden unintended acceleration or surging after shifting into drive or gear, including after a car wash or in a parking lot, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Momentary loss of throttle response followed by a strong forward lurch a few seconds later at low speed.
- Engine stalling or dropping to idle when the accelerator is pressed, including in one case at 750 miles while pulling into traffic.
- Fuel odor or fuel found mixed into engine oil, especially noticeable near the dipstick, reported by turbocharged Forester owners.
- Backfiring, sputtering, and loss of power accompanied by check engine and emissions warning lights during sustained acceleration such as hill climbing.
- Vehicle shaking abnormally at low speed followed by smoke and multiple warning lights, requiring a tow to the dealer.
When 2018 Subaru Forester fuel system complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 16, 2018, latest Aug 9, 2026.
Fuel System recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester
- NHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System175,968 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Fuel System complaints by Forester model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many fuel system complaints does the 2018 Subaru Forester have?
- NHTSA lists 21 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Forester, which is 4% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a fuel system recall for the 2018 Subaru Forester?
- Yes. Recall 21V587000, reported July 29, 2021, covers a low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank that may fail; dealers replace the pump free of charge.
- At what mileage do fuel system problems typically appear on the 2018 Forester?
- NHTSA data shows a median failure mileage of 14,500 miles for reported fuel system issues on this model year.
- Do the fuel system complaints involve crashes or fires?
- NHTSA records 3 crashes and 1 injury linked to these complaints, with 0 fires reported.