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

NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Forester, making up 5% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for 2018 Subaru Forester transmission problems?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this component and model year.

At what mileage do 2018 Forester transmission problems typically occur?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 4,000 miles.

Did any 2018 Forester transmission complaints involve crashes?

Yes, NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 1 injury associated with the 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.

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

The 2018 Forester's 23 complaints (5% share) is lower than peak years like 2015, which had 95 complaints and a 15% share.

2018 Subaru Forester Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Subaru Forester, 5% of its 495 total complaints for the year, with a median failure mileage of 4,000 miles. No related recall is listed for this component.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 23; 5% of 495
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 4,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while parking or pulling into a space, sometimes leading to a crash into a building or fixed object.
Some describe the vehicle hesitating or stalling briefly during acceleration from a stop, followed by a jolt or lurch forward once power returns.
Several owners describe jerking, shuddering, or violent vibration while driving at speeds around 20 to 40 mph.
One owner reported the vehicle briefly failing to move forward despite the engine revving to about 2,000 rpm after slow acceleration from a stop.
One owner reported the dashboard lighting up and the vehicle entering a hill descent-like mode with a screaming engine sound while accelerating on an incline or entering a highway, requiring the car to be restarted.

When 2018 Subaru Forester transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 30, 2018, latest Oct 22, 2025.

23 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2018 to Oct 2025; peak Jun 2021 (2).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Forester model year

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

20055 (5%)
20064 (5%)
200711 (15%)
20082 (4%)
200917 (10%)
20107 (3%)
20118 (5%)
20125 (5%)
20136 (8%)
201441 (10%)
201595 (15%)
201651 (12%)
201744 (7%)
201823 (5%)
201938 (5%)
202032 (5%)
202114 (7%)
20224 (4%)
20234 (5%)
20240 (0%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Subaru Forester?: NHTSA lists 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Forester, making up 5% of the 495 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for 2018 Subaru Forester transmission problems?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this component and model year.
At what mileage do 2018 Forester transmission problems typically occur?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this component is 4,000 miles.
Did any 2018 Forester transmission complaints involve crashes?: Yes, NHTSA data shows 4 crashes and 1 injury associated with the 23 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for this model year.
How does the 2018 Forester compare to other years for transmission complaints?: The 2018 Forester's 23 complaints (5% share) is lower than peak years like 2015, which had 95 complaints and a 15% share.