2018 Subaru Forester

I brought my vehicle to an authorized Subaru dealership (Byers Imports, LLC in Columbus, Ohio) to diagnose the reason for the airbag warning lamp illuminating. The dealer had the manufacturer's WUM-98 Safety Recall (NHTSA Campaign Number 19V701000) performed to remedy a defective Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor harness.Despite the recall remedy being completed, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag warning light re-illuminated on the dashboard, completely disabling the front passenger-side airbag.The dealership confirmed that the passenger-side airbag remains completely disabled and inoperable due to a hardware failure of the internal occupant detection sensor mat. Because the initial WUM-98 recall was previously marked as "closed" in Subaru's automated system, the manufacturer refused to cover the repair under the recall. I was forced to pay $1,258.34 out of pocket up front to order a replacement front passenger seat cushion assembly (Part #64139SG061LL) to restore basic airbag safety to the vehicle.The initial federal safety recall remedy failed to permanently correct the underlying safety hazard. The vehicle continues to exhibit the exact same life-threatening defect (disabled passenger airbag) targeted by the original recall, and the manufacturer is shifting the financial burden of this failed remedy onto the consumer.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am filing a formal complaint against Subaru of America for refusing to remedy an active federal safety recall (NHTSA Campaign 19V701000 / Subaru Recall WUM98). My passenger airbag is currently disabled (DTC B1760). SRS light goes on and off and visit to the Sheehy Fredericksburg Subaru location confirmed that the occupant detection system is failing and I need a cushion assembly replacement. Subaru Customer Advocacy Department claims they already performed the initial wire harness replacement for this recall back in March 2020, but unable to provide me with the invoice or documentation of where this repair was done, and they are using this as their sole justification to refuse proceeding with Step 6 on Page 8 of the official recall bulletin—which explicitly mandates the replacement of the complete seat cushion assembly if the condition persists. When I referenced federal law (49 U.S.C. § 30120(g)(1)) regarding the 15-year statutory limit for free recall remedies, the representative denied coverage claiming 'it has been 6 years.' Subaru is actively denying a mandated safety remedy, ignoring its own technical guidelines, and endangering passenger safety.

Reported

Jul 2026

Incident date

Jul 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

B1760 code for ODS AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON AND THE LIGHT FOR PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF is On. There is a recall open for many other Subarus, same make, model & year. Safety concern for my daughter as she rides passenger. I had the problem diagnosed and documented receipt from ACS in Roseville California. I contacted Maita Subaru of Sacramento and they said there is not and wasn’t a recall for my Subaru. Very concerning, please help.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I had a recall for my ODS sensor which controls the passenger airbag. I went and had it "taken care" of due to a recall. They did not fix it. My passenger airbag will still randomly shut off while I am driving down the road. I tried talking tk the dealership and they only say "we fixed the part we needed to replace". This is a huge safety issue. If I were tk wreck and my passenger airbag was turned off, someone would die.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Apr 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated the passenger’s side air bag warning light remained illuminated while his wife was seated in the passenger’s seat. The message that the passenger’s side air bag was disabled was displayed. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru AC component cascading failures, starting 25,000 miles, light driving. July 2023 AC blowing hot. Recharged with dye. Subaru Dealer said no leak found. July 2024 AC expansion valve leaking and was replaced $500. (This failure would have directly effected the evaporator.) July 2025 AC system needed to be recharged. December 2025 evaporator replaced $1,680. March 2026 Compressor replaced $1,750. June 2026 Evaporator Sensor needs replacing $1,200.

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jul 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Passenger airbag system doesn’t detect occupancy in seat

Reported

Jun 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

June 2025: I proactively replaced the battery October 2025: Left the car parked for 17 days. Dead battery. Got a jump, drove for 2 hours. May 2026: Left the car parked for 10 days. Dead battery. Got a jump, drove to mechanic who replaced it under warranty. Saw article about Subaru class action lawsuit about this issue, so I'm reporting it. I will visit the Subaru dealer where I purchased to car and ask them about it and Subaru's plans for permanent repair.

Reported

May 2026

Incident date

May 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The air conditioning system of my 2017 Subaru Forrester suddenly went out without warning. I noticed a defect when the A/C started buzzing with a high pitched sound and blowing semi-warm air instead of cool. I took my auto to a car repair shop. He provided this diagnostic analysis: Normal coolant level in the system. Performed Leak Detection Test- no detectable leak found at this time. A/C system pressures are too high on both pressure ports. A/C compressor has an internal noise. System is clogged. Ventilation interior cabin filter inspected and given a check at 24, 027 miles. Inspected , removed and replaced engine and cabin air filters at 41,600 miles. Inspected and removed and replaced engine and cabin air filters at 56,375. There are no other A/C related inspection or maintenance requirements to be accomplished (reference Subaru Forrester Maintenance/ Automation Subaru Arapahoe.My vehicle currently has 64,695 miles. My mechanic is currently working up an estimate for the A/C condenser, clutch, pump replacement... essentially the entire system. I consider this a latent defect and wish to be compensated for the repairs. Due to the weather, I wish to have the repairs accomplished and then be reimbursed. I have read articles on line stating this defect has become commonplace for 2017 and 2018 Subaru Forresters. This should be a recall item.

Reported

Apr 2026

Incident date

Apr 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Cascading air conditioning system failures in my 2018 Subaru Forester. The failures occurred in the following sequence: 1. Expansion Valve Failure – The AC expansion valve failed, requiring repair. 2. Evaporator Core Failure – Shortly thereafter, the evaporator core failed, causing complete loss of air conditioning and requiring a second very costly repair. 3. AC Compressor Failure – Then the compressor started failing as well, resulting in a third major costly repair. Based on my research, a significant number of 2018 Subaru Forester owners have reported the same pattern of cascading AC component failures, suggesting a systemic design or manufacturing defect in the AC system. Subaru of America, to my knowledge, has not issued a recall.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Apr 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The A/c compressor seized up causing the belt to break. Looked up online and it seems it's a common occurrence with this year and model.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My drivers side seatbelt broke in a minor fender bender and was replaced.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

Crash

Airbag light comes on due to some failure in the passenger seat. This vehicle year has had a recall on the same issue but this VIN number was not included for some reason. Another consumer posted his assessment which I have attached. My vehicle falls under his category. He has sold his since his was never resolved.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Passenger front seat. Airbag light is on when someone is sitting in the seat and seatbelt indicator dings when nothing is in the seat.

Reported

Mar 2026

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The CVT parking brake switch has failed. The failure leads to the inability to remove the key from the ignition switch when the vehicle is in park. This happens repeatedly, with the only temporary solution being to restart the car, and force the shift lever from "park" to "drive" and back again rather violently. Yes, the problem was confirmed by the dealer and by Subaru of America; the latter issued a limited 1-year warranty extension for the issue a couple of years ago, but it has expired without any further extension (before the problem first presented on my car). The vehicle was inspected by a dealer that confirmed the problem and wanted to charge me to repair it. There were no prior messages, warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the problem first happening.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Feb 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the battery and resulting in a no-start safety risk for drivers but in order to replace the DCM to the 4G it will cost upwards of $2000.

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The AC compressor/condesor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester. My kids and I were on a road trip in August 2025 when it stopped working. It was extremley hot even with the windows down and heat stroke became very real while we were sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. There was already a recall on this but now with the new part the AC stopped working and sounds very bad under the hood while the car is turned on. AC is very much needed during hot summer day.s

Reported

Feb 2026

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

3 injuries

The AC compressor needs replaced and I see a lot of complaints on-line about this specific model- 2018 Forester so I am reporting in case it may help with a recall. Cost to repair is $2,000+. Right now it may only be covered under warranty or through a TSB goodwill. I will need to pursue with Subaru but wanted to report this in case it's helpful as there seems to be a lot of reports on this specific issue.

Reported

Jan 2026

Incident date

Jan 2026

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Unknown

Reported

Dec 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I was driving on the interstate when car started vibrating and making a terrible sound. Dealership advised both front lower control arm bushings were worn and had play. Had them replaced but because they are rubber technician advised this will most likely happen again. My car has only 46k. I bought it new in 2017.

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Oct 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, draining the battery and resulting in a no-start safety risk for drivers. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Nov 2025

Incident date

Nov 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The passenger airbag light in my 2018 Subaru Forester intermittently turns off and on, even when the seat is occupied. The vehicle has never been in a crash, and the airbags have not deployed. This issue raises serious safety concerns, especially since it may prevent the airbag from deploying in an accident while a passenger is in the seat. I raised this concern to a local Subaru Dealer, and they shared Subaru has not issued a recall on this make/model and the dealership has not provided a lasting fix. I believe this may be a defect in the occupant detection system or seat wiring.

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

On October 3, 2023, I purchased a used 2018 Subaru Forester (VIN: [XXX] ) from Hengxin Auto Group, 210 39th St, Brooklyn, NY 11232, for about $19,500 including tax and fees. The dealer stated the mileage was 65,800 and printed that number on the contract. However, both the official NY DMV Title Record and the Carfax report showed 86,588 miles at the time of sale. This clear discrepancy proves the dealership intentionally rolled back or misrepresented the odometer reading. Later, the title was branded “mileage unknown.” After purchase, many severe issues appeared: chassis instability, transmission jerking, loud engine noise, high oil consumption, A/C malfunction, battery failure (replaced at my own cost), and worn tires that left me stranded. The dealer had advertised the vehicle as “excellent condition, only minor scratches,” which was completely false. I repeatedly contacted the dealer, but they only made partial chassis repairs and ignored all other problems. I paid significant repair expenses and eventually had to trade in the car on April 29, 2024, at Romano Toyota for $12,530.24, while still owing $13,705.58, resulting in a direct loss of about $9,283.78, not including additional repair and transportation costs. On October 2, 2025, I sent a formal demand letter to Hengxin Auto Group requesting compensation for odometer fraud and vehicle misrepresentation. The letter was received on October 9, but no response or resolution has been offered. The dealer’s conduct involves clear odometer fraud and nondisclosure of safety-related defects. I respectfully request NHTSA to investigate this case and take appropriate action to prevent similar consumer deception and safety risks. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Oct 2025

Incident date

Oct 2023

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Air bag warning light comes on intermittently so passenger air bag system is off.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Sep 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor failed, turning off the airbag and illuminating the SRS light. This is a known safety defect covered by Subaru recall 19V701 / WUM-98 for 2015–2018 Foresters built through August 1, 2017. My vehicle, a 2018 Forester XT Touring (VIN [XXX] ), has the same defect but Subaru and NHTSA do not list it as part of the recall. I waited nearly a year for the replacement seat to arrive, and Subaru of America only offered $500 goodwill assistance. I paid about $900 out of pocket for the repair. Given that this is a critical airbag safety system, I believe this vehicle should have been included in the recall population. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

- Steering and suspension were affected. The car is available for inspection upon request. - My safety and the safety of others were affected by the fact that the car was shaking rather intensely while driving at highway speeds. I was worried a steering failure could occur. - My licensed mechanic diagnosed the problem as a right front lower control arm assembly problem with torn bushing. (Please see attached.) He replaced the assembly. Shortly thereafter, the steering wheel would feel occasionally loose and move on its own. The mechanic then did an alignment which did not help. The steering issue that came about after the control arm assembly was replaced is the subject of a complaint I filed with you yesterday: 11683647 - The problem being reported here has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representative or others. - There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. - Interestingly, the failure of the control arm assembly occurred at 51012 miles, right after the warranty ran out. My wife and I are seniors and we drive with care. Under the circumstances, this component of the car should have lasted much longer than it did. Now we worry the left side assembly may fail, especially since we have a loose steering problem that I reported yesterday.

Reported

Sep 2025

Incident date

Oct 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

While driving the vehicle I began to hear a loud grinding noise from the engine compartment when the A/C was engaged. I pulled over to look under the hood and it sounded like the noise was coming from the serpentine belt. Upon inspection by a Subaru dealership it was determined that the A/C compressor is failing. I was informed that there was a known issue with the 2018 Forester A/C compressor and the compressor has been redesigned. I was also informed that if I postponed repair then the compressor could seize up with would cause the serpentine belt to break which would then cause immediate engine failure. Such failure could be extremely dangerous if it happens when driving on a highway, etc. There was no warning light that appeared when the grinding noise started. I also listen to music when I drive so it was lucky that I heard the noise before the compressor seized. If Subaru had to redesign the compressor then it seems reasonable that a recall should be issued to prevent engine failure. All routine maintenance has been preformed on this vehicle at the dealership in a timely fashion. There is 78,000 miles on the vehicle and I am the original owner.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Aug 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

1. The car's steering could be malfunctioning . The car is available for inspection upon request. 2. The steering wheel occasionally and without warning suddenly FEELS loose and "disconnected" from its ability to steer the car -- until I turn the steering wheel about a quarter to a half an inch and the steering FEELS normal again. I worry the issue (which so far has not interfered with steering the car) may worsen and possibly become hazardous. 3. I took the car to my regular licensed mechanic who did not experience the issue when he drove it. Nevertheless, the issue reported here exists as my wife and I have each experienced it. 4. The steering has not been inspected by Subaru, the police, insurance reps or others, other than my regular mechanic who has found no issues with the steering. 5. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the issue first occurring except for the replacement of a tie rod by my regular mechanic, which may be coincidental. 6. This issue has existed since at least last February with no worsening of the condition. My regular mechanic has assured me there is no danger as he has checked the mechanical aspects of the steering (linkages, tie rods, etc.).

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Passenger seat occupancy detection sensor failure. Known recall for the issue from same year 2018, my vin not included. Delaership stated 5300 dollars to repair. Subaru of America to provide goodwill gesture of 2000 dollars. Remaining amount is 3500 to repair ODS.

Reported

Aug 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I would like to bring your attention to an issue I recently had experienced concerning my 2018 Subaru Forester that I had purchased new in June of 2018, and to date has only 48,518 miles. A steering rattle sound/vibration had developed while driving at normal speeds on paved roadways. I made an appointment with my local Subaru dealer to have the condition checked out. After a test drive and inspection by the technician, it was determined that both front transverse bushings needed to be replaced, and a wheel alignment performed following the repair. I have done some research and discovered that Subaru had changed the inferior material of the cushion portion of the front transverse bushing due to premature failure of the component (Reference: Subaru TSB 05-63-18R). It is negligent for Subaru not to inform the consumers knowing that a potential safety issue existed in the steering system of the vehicle. I believe the Subaru corporation should have initiated a recall of the effected vehicles and replace the defective components, at no cost to the consumer, in order to restore the safety and drivability of the vehicle.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Wheel studs are of inferior quality, which leads to galling. Replacement of a wheel results in snapped studs. I have replaced three so far on two occasions within a week. Swapping to a spare in an emergency with broken studs will leads to accidents. As of now, I will need to drive with one broken stud to get it fixed. This is a known issue, the lugs were not over-torqued. The softness of the threads results in galling such that the threads tear out and fuse to the lug nut. How they have not issued recall/replacement/upgrades is astounding.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Jul 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

My airbag warning light comes on intermittently. My mechanic found it is due to a recalled part but my vin number is not listed on the recall even though it meets the criteria. Subaru Safety Recall WUM-98 NHTSA Recall ID 19V 70. The person in the passenger seat's safety is at risk if the airbags don't deploy in the event of a crash.

Reported

Jul 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Yesterday 6/19/25 I was driving out the driveway when the vehicle accelerated on its own, and not slowly, but like it had been punched. I was actually coasting at the time since I didn't want to stir up dust. My foot was not on the gas pedal. And it was not the floor mat. It happened on its own, the first time in 87,000 miles. It probably cannot easily be replicated as it was completely random, although now that it's happened once, it very well could happen again if there's a faulty or aging part or sensor. Neither the local dealer nor Subaru has acknowledged the problem (I called both today) but it's a SERIOUS safety issue. No check engine light or other means of warning. It just happened out of nowhere. Glad I was in the driveway and not in town waiting while a pedestrian was crossing the street.

Reported

Jun 2025

Incident date

Jun 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru recall WUM98 was issued in 2019 to replace the ODS harness on my 2018 Subaru Forester. The part replacement was completed in in April 2020. The harness failed again in Oct 2024. It was replaced for the 2nd time. Now, my passenger air bag light is on for the 3rd time, and the dealership is indicating that the ODS mat is the culprit (not the harness). Subaru is not covering this under any open recall. Note that Subaru currently has an open recall WRA-24 for certain 2020 - 2022 Forester & Outback models to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System sensors in the front passenger seat. Since Subaru is saying that the issue in recall WRA-24 is the same as my issue, it is my belief that other models should also be included in this recall. It should also be noted that for WRA-24, they still don't have parts for many of the vehicles that need the seat assembly replaced, which may indicate supply issues. I was also told that Subaru does not have the seat assembly for my vehicle. The length of time for Subaru to get parts is unacceptable. Recall WRA-24 was issued by letter on May 21, 2024. It is my belief that they should also cover costs for rental vehicles until the issue is fixed.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Windshield cracked sitting parked matching Subaru TSB 12-192-15R except model of vehicle and Subaru stating not covered under the class action warranty extension

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Ticking noise on cold start up as well as reduced acceleration speed and torque. Diagnostics point me to believe the AVCS solenoids are beginning to fail prematurely. This has not been confirmed by a dealership and the issue is reproduced during any driving. There are no CEL lights active or codes stored. The vehicle currently has 74,*** miles. The issue started within the last 6 months. This is a safety concern when attempting to get up to highway and freeway onramps or getting up to merging or passing speeds.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Fuel Pump. Stalled in intersection in middle lane at expressway entrance. Car stalled 3 x before I could move out of intersection to safety. Kept pressing gas peddle but car would not move then sputtered going a few feet before stopping again. 3x Cars were going thru light and around me at 45 mph. Honking, swerving into other lane, barely avoiding hitting my car as well as other cars.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Intermittent failure of occupant detection system on front passenger seat which turns off airbag even though an adult is sitting in the seat. The occupant detection system wiring harness was recalled and replaced in 2020. I believe there is a continuing issue with this recall either not being a complete solution or being repaired with a defective part or new part that did not solve the issue. This is a critical occupant safety issue. This issue has occurred multiple times and continues to be an issue.

Reported

May 2025

Incident date

May 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I’ve experienced recurrent failures with my Subaru’s AC system, and it’s become more than just an inconvenience—it’s a real safety concern. In hot weather, the cabin can become unbearably warm, making it difficult to concentrate and increasing the risk of fatigue or even heat-related illness, especially for passengers who are older, very young, or have medical conditions. What’s even more frustrating is the poor quality of the system and Subaru’s lack of communication about what appears to be a known defect. Despite numerous complaints from other owners and repeated service visits, there’s been no clear explanation or long-term fix offered. The situation is not only uncomfortable—it’s unsafe, and the lack of transparency and accountability from Subaru has been incredibly disappointing.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

I am the second owner of this vehicle and lately my passenger airbag sometimes doesn’t turn on due to a harness connected to the occupant plate being faulty. When the issue first occurred I contacted my local Subaru service center and explained my situation and told them I had seen there was a recall for my exact issue. They informed me that the repair had already been done on my vehicle and the only solution offered was to pay a 140 diagnostic fee to see if that was the actual cause of my airbag not turning on. I took it to my local mechanic shop named Peet’s Garage and they confirmed there was an issue with the harness and my vehicle had a code for my passenger side airbag. I contacted Subaru customer advocacy since the affected part had a past recall. I was told since the repair was done in 2020 it’s no longer their responsibility and was refused further assistance . I now have a 50/50 chance of having a passenger airbag working in my car and if I want it to be repaired I’ll have to pay out of pocket. There has been multiple complaints from other consumers online being affected by this issue on the same make and model and Subaru is still refusing to take further action. This is a very serious safety issue and not a cheap repair as the only solution made available by Subaru is to replace the entire seat cushion and wiring when all they did was replace the effected harness.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2018 Subaru Forester stalling in intersection Prior there was an occasional delay in starting. After light changed I was starting to move down a hill toward expressway entrance at about 25 mph. I was in the middle lane and all cars were coming behind me at 50mph. I just entered the intersection when my car just stopped. It would not move. I was trying the gas pedal but car did not move. Suddenly it began jerky movements, moved a few feet, sputtering and stopped again. Now I’m in the middle of the intersection. I looked in my rear view mirror and saw cars speeding down hill, honking as they went around me. The car repeated jerky movements, moved a few feet and stopped again. I was still in the intersection and light was about to change. It finally repeated the jerky movements, etc until it stopped a third time. Fortunately I was out of the intersection and along the roadside. I reflected on what had just happened a few minutes. Then I made my way back home 35 minutes slowly driving on back roads allowing cars to pass just in case it would happen again. Dealer told me there was extended warranty on fuel pump but he could not repair as he could not duplicate stalling. How many times do I have to stall in City trafficI or expressway before my fuel pump will be replaced? I had a kidney transplant that saved my life. I will not let a safety recalled fuel pump put me in danger again.

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

2018 Subaru Forester Safety air bag recall I drive my grandchildren in front passenger seat. There’s a safety recall. No incident yet. What has to happen before this air bag problem is fixed?

Reported

Apr 2025

Incident date

Apr 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle was able to be restarted. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the fuel pump. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Mar 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

THE ODS is not properly determining the status of the right front seat occupant. The airbag warning light is illuminated, and the front passenger airbag is deactivated even with a person sitting in the passenger seat. The ODS is also unable to determine if someone is in the seat and triggers the seatbelt alert when anything (even a purse) is on the seat. This exact issue was part of a Subaru recall WUM-98R, for 2015-2018 Subaru Foresters produced between January 20, 2015 – August 01, 2017. Subaru is claiming my vehicle doesn't qualify as it was not part of the recall even though I having the same issues as the recall and I own a 2018 Subaru Forester. Furthermore, as listed in the recall if a vehicle is part of the recall and is brought in for inspection "The part identification label affixed to the yellow sensor mat wiring harness is the focus of this inspection. If the date code is 18074 or BEFORE AND has the supplier code 6578 (RED box in photo) on it, the harness is NG must be replaced. Proceed to Harness Replacement Procedure as outlined below." The date code on my label is before 18074 and the supplier code is 6578. I am asking for your assistance in holding Subaru accountable to add my vehicle to the recall.

Reported

Mar 2025

Incident date

Aug 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

airbag alert for front passenger seat is lit and disabling the airbag. the seat was empty and dry with nothing in it.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Feb 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Windshield cracked starting in the black area under the driver's windshield wiper. Car was idling at a drive through, wipers were on. NOTE: car had fewer than 22,500k miles at the time, was likely around 22,485+. The crack continued to climb to the top edge of the window as my car sat on the driveway.

Reported

Feb 2025

Incident date

Jan 2025

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

For the second time we were on the freeway at a hight speed and the car suddenly lost power, all the warning lights came on, and we had to get off the freeway (dangerously). We almost got hit, and other cars had to brake radically. We took it in to Subaru and they said the catalytic converter was bad. They replaced the catalytic converter, and when they took it for a test ride, they found that the SECOND catalytic converter was bad. Apparently they have two. The car must have suddenly lost power for them, too. We have 85k miles on the car, and the Subaru warranty for the catalytic converter is 80k. We're into it for thousands of dollars, but the MOST IMPORTANT reason I'm making this report is that SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED ON THE FREEWAY because of these failing catalytic converters, and it might not be people in the Subarus. The car just died at that speed in the left lane, and it was a miracle no one was killed. (I'm not sure if I have my date quite right. My calendar is not at hand). Note: Subaru is having a hard time getting the part, a delay, they say, of many days, so that makes me think that this is happening widely, and that these catalytic converters are getting replaced at an unanticipated rate.

Reported

Jan 2025

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

We were driving at 70mph on the freeway, left lane, and suddenly the car lost power as if the fuel pump went out. We had to suddenly get over to the shoulder of the freeway, almost got hit, then limped along the shoulder until we called a tow truck which towed us 40 miles to Subaru dealer. The dealer looked at the car and "couldn't find anything." Now we are afraid to drive the car.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

The lower right control arm bushings failed on the vehicle and the transmission is leaking. The vehicle has been owned by only two individuals, and was purchased by me in 2021 as a certified pre-owned vehicle from a local dealer. In three years we have put about 12,000 miles total on the vehicle (average of 4000 miles each year for three years), and the vehicle is solely driven locally on surface streets. This appears to be a known issue as noted by Subaru owners expressing frustration in public forum about premature failure of the control arm bushings.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Dec 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

With no warning. my 2018 Subaru Forrester had its transmission lock up on me in the pouring rain while I was traveling 60 miles an hour. I purchased the car new in 2018, had it regularly serviced and it only has 4700 miles on it. If I was not buckled in, I would have gone through the windshield. The car spun around, jumped the divider and moved into oncoming traffic. Luckily, the other cars were able to avoid me. My local Subaru dealership said they can take a look at my car in 40 days. Until then, the car is dead and still locked up.

Reported

Dec 2024

Incident date

Nov 2024

Mileage

Not provided

Outcome flags

None reported

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.

Risk: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: Installing incorrect tires or applying incorrect tire air pressure may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.

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.