2018 Subaru Forester Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/14/2026

31Engine complaints

6.4%Of all 488 complaints

#5Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

VISIBILITY/WIPER135 · 27.7%

AIR BAGS91 · 18.6%

Unspecified / other82 · 16.8%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM66 · 13.5%

ENGINE31 · 6.4%

Share of the 488 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2018 Subaru Forester overview page.

What owners report

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LOST ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED TO AN EXIT…”NHTSA complaint 11124519 — filed 09/05/2018

“2018 SUBARU FORESTER 2.5I AUTOMATIC CVT: DEFECTIVE LOW GEAR - SAFETY ISSUE. 21 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE TOOK IT TO DURANGO COLORADO MOUNTAINS, PUT IT IN…”NHTSA complaint 11097195 — filed 05/22/2018

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Forester have engine problems?

Engine is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2018 Subaru Forester: 31 of 488 complaints on file (6.4%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2018 Subaru Forester have in total?

488 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Across all categories, 26 involved a crash, 1 involved a fire, 9 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.