How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Subaru Forester?

NHTSA lists 25 steering complaints for the 2018 Forester, which is about 5% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Subaru Forester?

No related recalls are listed in the data for steering on the 2018 Forester.

Have steering problems caused any crashes in the 2018 Forester?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes associated with steering complaints for the 2018 Forester, with no fires or injuries reported.

At what mileage do steering problems typically appear?

The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Forester is 7,900 miles, meaning issues often surface early in ownership.

How does the 2018 Forester compare to other years for steering complaints?

The 2018 Forester's 25 steering complaints and 5% share are the highest counts among the model years listed, tied with 2017 for complaint count but with a higher share percentage.

2018 Subaru Forester Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 25 steering complaints for the 2018 Subaru Forester, about 5% of all 495 complaints filed for the year. Two crashes are linked to steering issues, with a median failure mileage of 7,900 miles. No related recalls are on file.

Steering complaints: 25; 5% of 495
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 7,900 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical steering symptoms owners report

Owners describe the vehicle drifting or pulling to the right on straight, level roads, requiring constant left correction even though the steering wheel stays centered.
Some report a sudden jerk to the right on the highway, in one case traced to a loose steering shaft bolt that had to be retorqued.
Several describe the steering locking up or freezing completely, sometimes displaying a warning icon, and needing the car to be turned off and on multiple times before steering returns.
A few owners report the steering becoming extremely difficult to turn for several seconds right after startup, even at very low mileage.
One owner reported total loss of power steering assist while driving, along with unrelated electrical issues in the same vehicle.
Some describe a sense that the car feels unbalanced or hard to control at highway speeds between 65 and 70 mph.

When 2018 Subaru Forester steering complaints were filed

First complaint May 22, 2018, latest Sep 17, 2026.

25 complaints filed with NHTSA from May 2018 to Sep 2026; peak May 2019 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Steering complaints by Forester model year

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

20105 (2%)
20111 (1%)
20121 (1%)
20130 (0%)
201416 (4%)
201519 (3%)
201619 (5%)
201725 (4%)
201825 (5%)
201914 (2%)
202011 (2%)
20213 (1%)
20222 (2%)
20231 (1%)
20241 (3%)
20251 (1%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Subaru Forester?: NHTSA lists 25 steering complaints for the 2018 Forester, which is about 5% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Subaru Forester?: No related recalls are listed in the data for steering on the 2018 Forester.
Have steering problems caused any crashes in the 2018 Forester?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes associated with steering complaints for the 2018 Forester, with no fires or injuries reported.
At what mileage do steering problems typically appear?: The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2018 Forester is 7,900 miles, meaning issues often surface early in ownership.
How does the 2018 Forester compare to other years for steering complaints?: The 2018 Forester's 25 steering complaints and 5% share are the highest counts among the model years listed, tied with 2017 for complaint count but with a higher share percentage.