2018 SUBARU FORESTER Unknown Or Other Problems
77 complaints about Unknown Or Other
High Severity Issue
This component has been associated with crashes, fires, or deaths.
This Problem Across All Years
All Unknown Or Other Complaints (77)
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)
Air bag warning light comes on intermittently so passenger air bag system is off.
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.
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.
I bought the car certified used from a Grand Prix Subaru in Hicksville, NY. They did not mention this issue. I’ve had the car for 2 years, drive it 1-2x a week, have it serviced regularly, etc. all of a sudden in the past week it’s needed a jump 2x, maybe a few days apart. My lights are on auto, always, & shut off when the car turns off after a few seconds. My interior lights are all set to off, after the first jump. Doors & cargo door are all closed well. Battery has been tested & they say it’s not bad & doesn’t need replacing. So what is draining the battery then? When the battery is dead, it’s completely dead. No turnover at all & the cargo door won’t open until it’s running & charged enough again. I’m shocked the cargo door can’t open without the battery!
LCA lower control arm front bushing on Right and Left front for 2018 Subaru Forester is a known issue with EVERY Forester. Mine had only 55K miles when the Right Front started shaking and now the left is doing so and I am only at 60K miles!!
2018 Subaru Forester has another cracked windshield. I do not drive this car a lot and all of a sudden there is a crack. It happened in 2021 too, it is exactly in the same spot this time. Subaru refused to fix it the last time, so I am not expecting them to fix it this time. This is not safe to drive when there is a crack like that. It is a matter of time before someone gets hurt or even worse because of the faulty windshield.
The air conditioning stops working in warm weather posing a health hazard.
The battery completely drains after not being started for 2-3 days. I’ve had the battery checked by autozone and it was found to be in good standing. This issue has happened twice in the last two months. Also, on occasion when driving an icy road message pops up from the eyesight, however it’s a clear sunny day. Although this hasn’t engaged any other safety features, it’s concerning that at any time it could initiate an eyesight safety feature to engage which could pose a safety issue for occupants.
The ignition key gets stuck from time to time and will not turn all the way to off, which means it cannot be pulled out. When this happens, I have to turn the car back on and off, move the gear away from park and then back to park, and then try again to remove the ignition key. Sometimes, it takes multiple tries before the key can be removed! This has been happening for several years now.
Engine started to race when applying the brake and vehicle was being placed into gear (either forward or reverse the first time it happened and reverse the second time it happened). I could not verify my foot was not on the accelerator the first time, but I was able to verify I was on the brake and only the brake to second time.
While driving steering wheel freezes and driver is not able to control steering.Engine quits .
I was making a 90 degree left turn, at a very slow rate of speed, onto a tarred parking bay located in front of a hedge approximately 4 feet high. (This is a parking spot I was very familiar with, and moving extremely carefully which is necessary, because the small cat colony I was there to feed were milling around on the parking bay as they always do.) When I depressed my brake to bring the car to a complete stop, my vehicle surged forward through the hedge and landed up against a wall on the other side of the hedge. The movement was wholly unexpected, and directly contradictory to my braking to bring the vehicle to a stop. It felt as if I, the driver, was not actually in control of the vehicle for those few seconds. After the tow truck pulled it back onto the parking bay, although my Subaru was still mechanically drive-able, I had the vehicle towed to the closest Subaru dealer as it would have been irresponsible for anyone to drive the vehicle given the unexplained spontaneous acceleration issue that had just occurred. I immediately reported the accident to AAA Insurance and made the Claims Representative at the time, and subsequently the Insurance Adjuster, aware of the safety issue experienced. • The mechanical root cause is unknown • Immediately following the body shop repairs I sold the vehicle back to Subaru and made them aware of the safety issue. • I could have been injured. Fortunately, I was alone, and although in shock for several days, not physically hurt. • When I asked Subaru about the feasibility of getting data from the Event Data Recorder, to substantiate what happened, they advised that was not possible without a court order. • Yes, the vehicle was inspected by a Third Party Insurance Assessor but am unsure if they were made aware of the safety event that precipitated the vehicle's damage • There were no prior warning signs which made the occurrence extremely surreal and shocking.
AC compressor went out at 110k miles. This is a common issue with Subaru compressors.
Control arms failed within 55,000 miles, shaking and dangerous conditions for a vehicle less than 5 years of age. Leaking air condition and numerous electrical issues started ironically just after the standard 35,000 bumper to bumper warranty extended. Now my car smells like coolant and worried it’s going to overheat. All my tire sensor pressure gages burn out before 50,00 0 miles and needed replacing. Violent shaking of suspension at highway speeds and not one safety alarm goes off.
We purchased 2018 Subaru Forester. Paid top dollar. When we got home we noticed rust and paint bubbles across the windshield. Subaru says they won't do anything car is 5 yrs old. collision shop wants $1700 to repair. Says it is more than stone chips as rest of car body is in perfect condition. It will become safety issue and compromise safety of windshield. They cannot guarantee the work. We went back to used car dealer where we purchased it, they say just touch it up, would not do anything. It is much more tha a touch up. On line many 2018 Subaru owners are complaning of same issue.
The Condenser for the A/C went at 70,700 miles. This is a known problem with 2017-2018 Foresters.
In June 2022 I purchased a 2018 Subaru Forester Turbo Touring at Carmax. Soon after purchase the car hesitated a few times when I was turning. I was turning in front of oncoming traffic and it scared the ___ out of me. So I returned the car to CarMax and bought a similar replacement which is the VIN reported to you in this report. After a couple of months, this car is now doing the same thing , generally when turning but sometimes when merging into traffic. I press the gas, the car moves a bit, then it just dies - there's nothing there, simply no response. It does not turn off, it is just powerless. Then a few seconds later it gets gas and we squeal to safety. However I am just dead in the water, usually in front of oncoming traffic, until it decides to move. Pumping the gas does not help. I took the first Subaru to CarMax for a check up but they found nothing wrong so I just returned it. I am taking the second one in in January. Because the problem is intermittent, it is hard to diagnose but there's definitely a terrifying problem. I thought I was going to die when I had that first one and now this one is developing the same problem. There are a few posts on Google about the same problem. Is there a recall? Have others reported the same problem? I would appreciate any feedback you might be able to provide.
Fuel gauge system became inaccurate in February 2022, showing 100 extra miles available upon filling tank, 450 instead of 350, also gallons left on fuel gauge was inaccurate, off by 4 gallons. Went to Subaru dealership/Service Dept. & was told that I would have to replace gauges & fuel tank, due to warranty past 3 years. I decided to not replace, just keep track. They said they'd never heard of this problem before. It lasted approximately 3 months & went back to normal, then beeped & became inaccurate again while I was starting engine 4 months later, & re-adjusted back to normal after a couple weeks.
Environmental and safety issue. The AC System has failed three times now. SUBARU dealer checked the system for leaks at in November 2021 (mileage about 22,000 miles) and could not locate any leak but added freon. AC System stopped working again in August 2022 at 24,000 miles. Mechanic checked system, found a loose connector and tightened it, then recharged Freon in system. After 4 days, system again is not cooling the car. Compressor and blower work but no cold air and return line from compressor is not cool. This problem is widespread across Subaru Forrester models 2017 & 2018. Checking for leaks and adding freon costs $200. Most likely a repair of the system will cost at around $1,500 - 3,000. For a less than 4-year-old, very well-maintained, garaged and little driven car, components should not be failing. Having no working AC is a safety hazard to be in while driving in 100+ degree weather and also the windshield will fog over because moisture is not being taken out of the air now. Environmental issue due to loss of Freon to atmosphere.
Windshield cracked over night, and is getting bigger. There was no accident, nothing hit the windshield. It is in the drivers view point
On June 8 after waiting for my garage door to rise, my 2018 Subaru Forester suddenly shot through the door, across the garage, through a 7 ft high wooden cupboard, through the back wall, across the basement steps, into the wall that backs up to the kitchen, shoving my stove one and a half feet into the kitchen. I was able to back out because I believe the right front tire ran on the top basement step, stopping me from falling into the basement. The insurance company has assessed the damage to both the car and the house. The car is in the body shop. The repairs do not address the reason it accelerated without me stepping on the gas. I had no previous warning that anything was wrong. Before driving up to the garage door I had just filled the car with gas from our gas tank located on the other side of the house. I had been driving very slowly around our circular driveway and had pushed the remote for the garage door. I wasn’t in a hurry. Now I am afraid to drive the car when it is returned to me.
My windshield has cracked twice in the last year while driving
Windshield spontaneously cracked.
The radio/touch screen unit has lost its contrast. In bright sunlight I can see an underlying circuit pattern on the screen that makes it hard or sometimes impossible to see the back up camera. Instead of seeing the image from the backup camera all I see are lines. I can no longer rely on the camera for safety support.
This is the latest time in a series of incidents where the SUV would not start due to a problem with the main battery. New batteries drain very quickly after a series of electrical problems. So far, we have noticed keyless entry FOB says battery in the FOB is low and stops connecting (but then connects if we remove the key from it without us holding it to the button that turns the car on and off), we replace this battery but continue to have the same issues, front passenger side window is not able to be rolled down or up from driver side, as the battery continues to drain, gas gauges stop correctly registering amount of gas in the car, different warning lights light up on control panel without any sense of rhyme or reason, and overhead lighting gets dim. For a few weeks, the SUV blames the problems on the battery in the key FOB being low, even though it was replaced on December 15, 2021. When replacing the FOB battery did not work, we learned it was the actual main SUV battery that had been drained. It is now March 19, 2022, and we are having the same issues despite having only a moderate amount of miles put on the SUV and only 3 months of time passing since we purchased and installed a brand new car battery. We will have to spend money on batteries again.
There is a parasitic drain on the electrical system, including when the vehicle is turned off and nothing is left running. As a result the vehicle will not start. aI replaced the battery and experienced the same problem with a month. This is most problematic when the vehicle has not been used for at least 2 days or it's very cold outside. It's happened at least 10 times in the last 2 years. The most recent incident was yesterday. When I called dealership they denied any electric so issues with the 2018 Forester and want to charge me $75:to check the electrical system even though there's a lawsuit in Canada due to this same exact issue. Everytime this happens aI and my passenger s are put at a safety risk by stranding us because until help arrives.
Windshield crack.
WINDOWSHIELD GLASS (FRONT) HAS A CRACK (ABOUT A FOOT LONG) JUST BY ITSELF.
When putting the car in park and attempting to turn the car off and take the key out of the ignition, the key is stuck. I typically have to shift back into R or N and then back in park a few times before the key is able to be released. This has been happening off and on for about 6 months and seems to get worse in the heat.
WENT INTO THE DOCTORS OFFICE YESTERDAY AND WHEN I CAME OUT THE REAR HACH WAS OPEN. THE CAR WAS LOCKED AND SECURE WHEN WE WENT IN.
The AC System has failed, most likely the compressor at 76,000 miles. This problem is widespread across Subaru models 2017 & 2018 and repairs cost at around $1,500.00. For a less than 3 year old, very maintained car components should not be failing this soon. Having no working AC is a safety hazard to be in while driving in 100+ degree weather and also the windshield will fog over because moisture is not being taken out of the air now.
The key would not pull from the ignition. We took the car to a Subaru Dealership and they had to replace the shifter assembly. This would have cost $650 had it not been covered by our 30 day limited warantee. We had just bought the car a week prior. There was no recall on the required notice we got when we bought the car because Subaru had not issued at that time. I discovered this when visiting forums of others with a similar experience. The owners know their experience, but that knowledge has not risen to the level of public acknowledgement by Subaru. The windshield cracked in 3 places for no discernable reason. We had it looked at, and they are not deep enough for service, at this time. However, we anticipate having to get a replacement windshield with estimated costs of $1000 or more. Another discovery found in the forums, but not from Subaru directly. The general public relies on the credibility of manufacturers and dealerships when making this long term investments. Subaru concealing information this information is quite concerning. If they do not disclose then neither do the dealerships selling them. In the end, the consumer ends up with the expense.
The windshield has several small cracks in it and it was not hit by rocks or any other debris.
There is a crack in the glass of my moon roof and the moon roof is not properly sealed so water leaks in to the car. I purchased the vehicle on 6/18/21 and noticed the crack today (6/25/21) as I was examining the car when I was showing it to a friend of mine. I noticed the water leaking in to the car on 6/19/21 and 6/24/21 when I took the vehicle to get washed.
The windshield, after being in a garage for A whole weekend cracked. There was no impact, it just split up the middle. This issue has had a class action lawsuit brought up against Subaru, and is something that sadly happened to me to. I am now stuck with an almost 1000 bill. There were no warnings or causes. It happened with no indication this would occur.
I HAVE AC PROBLEMS, REFRIGERANT LEAK, ACTUATOR PROBLEMS, BAD COMPRESSOR. I HAVE SERIOUS CVT SURGING AND SUSPENSION PROBLEMS THAT MAKE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CAR LITERALLY BEGINS TO HOP LIKE YOU ARE STOMPING THE GAS AND BREAKS BACK AND FORTH AND CAN EASILY MAKE YOU LOSE CONTROL. IT SOMETIMES DOES NOTHING WHEN PRESSING ACCELERATOR FOR WAY TOO LONG MAKING IT DANGEROUS PULLING INTO TRAFFIC. WINDOWS ROLL DOWN WITHOUT PRESSING BUTTON AND WON'T ROLL BACK UP UNLESS YOU ROLL THEM ALL THE WAY DOWN FIRST AND USUALLY IT JUST ROLLS RIGHT BACK DOWN AGAIN. AWEFUL TRYING TO DRIVE WHILE FIGHTING WITH WINDOWS THAT WON'T STAY UP. SUSPENSION IS SO DESTROYED FROM THE SURGING AND HOPPING THAT IT CANNOT BE ALIGNED. THE VEHICLE DESTROYS TIRES RAPIDLY AND UNEVENLY. GAS MPG IS TERRIBLE, ESPECIALLY IF YOU RUN AC. STEERING ASSIST IS DANGEROUS AND WILL SOMETIMES JERK WHEEL AWAY FOR NO REASON CAUSING YOU TO SCRAPE CURBS AND NEARLY HIT A POLE ONCE.. BREAKING ASSIST IS ALSO DANGEROUS AS IT WILL SLAM BREAKS FOR NO REASON. LANE DEPARTURE BEEPS A LOT FOR NO REASON. WIPERS ARE GARBAGE. WINDSHIELD GLASS IS TOO SOFT AND ALL DUST SCRATCHES IT MAKING VISIBILITY POOR THE TRUNK OFTEN WILL NOT OPEN NO MATTER IF YOU PUSH BUTTON ON KEY, INSIDE CAR OR ON TRUNK. THE DOOR SEALS FELL OFF, CHEAP CLIPS FALL OFF THAT ARE SUPPOSED TO HOLD IMPORTANT THINGS IN PLACE, GLOVE BOX SHOCK BROKE. I'M SURE THERE ARE OTHER ISSUES TOO. SUSPENSION IS A BIG ISSUE HOWEVER, COMPLETELY SHOT FROM SURGING. FAR TOO EXPENSIVE TO GET WHOLE NEW SUSPENSION. DEALERSHIP IGNORED ALL COMPLAINTS AND PURGED ALL RECORDS OF VISITS SO I COULDN'T FILE LEMON LAW. SUBARU IS VERY DISHONEST. SO MANY THINGS NEED RECALL THAT IT IS A LEMON PURE AND SIMPLE.
Mileage: 2,000
WHILE LEAVING FOR WORK THIS MORNING, I NOTICED A CRACK ON MY WINDSHIELD ON THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE, RIGHT ABOVE THE FRONT SPEAKER. IT APPEARS THE CRACK IS ONLY ON THE INSIDE AND IS NOT CAUSED BY ANY OUTSIDE DAMAGE OR FORCE.
Mileage: 29,750
THE WINDSHIELD IS PITTED AND CRACKED I FIRST NOTICED THE PITTING IN 03/2018 AND IT IS CONTINUALLY GETTING WORSE. THE WINDSHIELD NOW NEEDS TO BE REPLACED AS IT HAS A HUGE CRACK IN IT!
VEHICLE HAS 50K MILES. WINDOW MOTOR ON DRIVER WINDOW REPLACED TWICE. KEEPS FAILING. ALSO UNEVEN TREAD WEAR ON BRAND NEW TIRES INDICATING SOMETHING WRONG WITH VEHICLE.
Mileage: 50
WHILE IN MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, OUR WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED TWICE IN UNDER 24,000 MILES. THESE WERE TWO SEPARATE WINDSHIELDS - THE ORIGINAL AND THE REPLACEMENT FROM A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. WE CAN ASSUME A TINY ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD SINCE WE WERE ON A HIGHWAY - HOWEVER, IT APPEARS THAT IT DOES NOT TAKE MUCH FOR THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. THIS SAME SCENARIO HAS HAPPENED TO OUR WINDSHIELD TWICE. OUR CAR WAS NOT FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND ANOTHER CAR OR LARGE VEHICLE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN KICKING UP DEBRIS.
Mileage: 24,000
FRONT WHEEL DRIVE BARRING'S LT SIDE, WORN OUT UNDER 19,000 MILES, REAR GATE LIFT MOTOR REPLACED TWICE-IN MOTION! LT BACK INTERIOR FRAME POPPING OUT!
Mileage: 18,000
SUBARU FORESTER BATTERY DIES REPEATEDLY AFTER SITTING FOR VERY SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. THREE TIMES WITHIN THE FIRST YEAR OF OWNING THE VEHICLE (BOUGHT IT NEW). FIRST TIME, DEALER TOLD ME IT MUST BE MY FAULT BECAUSE IT TESTED FINE, 2ND TIME THEY SAID IT WAS AN ISSUE WITH A START STOP FUSE (CAR DOESN'T HAVE THAT FEATURE) DRAINING THE BATTERY, 3RD TIME THEY SAID IT WAS STARLINK ELECTRICAL ISSUE DRAINING THE BATTERY. I CANNOT RECALL IF THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY EACH TIME, BUT I KNOW I WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS REPLACED AT LEAST TWICE. WORKED FINE FOR ANOTHER YEAR AFTER THE STARLINK SOLUTION AND HAS AGAIN BEEN ACTING UP. CAR DOESN'T WANT TO START AND LEFT ME STRANDED IN A REMOTE MOUNTAIN LOCATION IN THE DEAD OF WINTER.
Mileage: 27,000
THE WINDSHIELD WAS SO PITTED WHEN I BOUGHT IT THAT I HAD IT REPLACED WITHIN A FEW MONTHS OF PURCHASING THE VEHICLE. VISIBILITY WAS LIMITED ESPECIALLY WHEN THE SUN HIT IT.
A NUMBER OF TINY CHIPS DEVELOPED ON THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. COUNTED AT LEAST 6 SPOTS. THE CAR WAS MOSTLY PARKED ON A CITY STREET WHEN THE CHIPS SEEM TO HAVE OCCURRED. HAVE DRIVEN LESS THAN 100 MILES ON HIGHWAYS AND LESS THAN 20 MILES IN THE CITY.
I OWNED THIS NEW CAR ONLY 2 WEEKS AND IT DEVELOPED A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD THE CRACK REPAIRED AT A PRIVATE SHOP. I WAS DRIVING THE CAR ON A RESIDENTIAL STREET WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Mileage: 150
2018 SUBARU FORESTER HAS A CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD, PASSENGER SIDE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. FIRST NOTICED IN AUGUST 2018.
Mileage: 5,000
CRACKED/DENTS IN WINDSHIELD
Mileage: 30,000
ON RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE OCCASIONS THE KEY WILL NOT TURN IN THE IGNITION TO START THE VEHICLE APPARENTLY AS AN ISSUE WITH THE ANTI-THEFT MECHANISM. WHEN THIS OCCURS, NOTHING WORKS TO TRY TO RESOLVE EXCEPT TO EXIT THE VEHICLE AND WAIT FOR 10-15 MINUTES AND THE MECHANISM WILL RESET ITSELF AND THEN WORK NORMALLY. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES AND THE DEALER HAS BEEN UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE.
Mileage: 15,204
BOUGHT THE CAR NEW IN 2018, IN 2019 A SMALL PIECE OF GRAVEL HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND A HUGE CRACK APPEARED A FEW WEEKS LATER. HAD IT REPLACED. NOW 10//27/2020 THERE IS A CRACK THAT JUST APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD AGAIN. NO ROCKS HAVE HIT THE WINDSHIELD. .I DROVE THE CAR AND DID NOT SEE A CRACK. PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY FOR AN HOUR AND WENT OUTSIDE TO CLEAN THE INSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD AND THERE WAS A CRACK. THEY APPEAR WHEN THE CAR IS JUST SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY..THE FIRST CRACKED WINDSHIELD AND CLAIM WERE FROM 9/19 CLAIM 06-B531-7M4 WITH STATE FARM.
Mileage: 13,175
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED AS I WAS DRIVING DOWN A STREET. NOTHING HIT IT. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS NEAR ME. THE CRACK STARTED AT THE OUTER EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD.
Mileage: 43,000
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN "SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CHECKED" WARNING APPEARED ON CONSOLE. PASSENGER WAS PRESENT IN PASSENGER SEAT. VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN AND TURNED OFF. AFTER RESTARTING VEHICLE, ERROR MESSAGE APPEARED AGAIN WHEN CAR WAS STATIONARY AND IN MOTION. MESSAGE WAS PRESENT BOTH WHEN PASSENGER WAS PRESENT AND NO PASSENGER. SYMPTOM MATCHES EXISTING NHTSA CAMPAIGN 19V701000. PERFORMED INSPECTION PER HTTPS://STATIC.NHTSA.GOV/ODI/RCL/2019/RCRIT-19V701-0743.PDF, FOUND PASSENGER-SIDE FRONT AIRBAG OCCUPANT DETECTION SYSTEM (ODS) HARNESS THAT MATCHES DEFECTIVE PART DESCRIPTION PROVIDED BY SUBARU (DATE CODE IS BEFORE 18074, SUPPLIER CODE IS 6578). OWNER CONCERN IS THAT THE VEHICLE VIN DOES NOT APPEAR LISTED UNDER RECALL PROVIDED ON NHTSA OR SUBARU WEBSITE, EVEN THOUGH THE DEFECTIVE, RECALLED PART IS PRESENT IN THIS VEHICLE. OWNER BELIEVES THAT SCOPE OF RECALL IS INCORRECT AND DID NOT INCLUDE ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES.
Mileage: 13,000
WINDSHIELD HAS EASILY CRACKED MULTIPLE TIMES AND IS VERY EXPENSIVE TO FIX. *TR
Mileage: 12,345
I HEARD A LOUD POP WHEN DRIVING ON A MAJOR ROAD. JUST DRIVING. I LOOKED UP AT THE REAR VIEW AND SAW THE WINDSHIELD HAD A VERY LARGE / LONG CRACK IN IT. I CALLED SUBARU DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD ME TO CALL MY INSURANCE COMPANY. NO MENTION OF PROBLEMS WITH WINDSHIELDS. *TR
Mileage: 21,000
I PURCHASE A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER AND 5 MONTH LATER THE SIDE/BACK RADAR WARNING SYSTEMS WENT DEAD. I RETURNED IT TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD BECAUSE OF A SCRATCH ON THE BUMPER THE CAR WAS IN AN ACCIDENT AND THE PART WAS NOT WARRANTED AND WOULD COST OVER $2K TO REPAIR. THIS PART WARNS ME FROM GOING BACK OR CHANGING LANES BECAUSE OF BLIND SPOTS OR EXCESSIVE SPEED OF OTHERS DRIVERS AND PREVENTS ACCIDENTS. I BROUGHT IT TO SEVERAL REPAIR SHOPS AND HAD THE PART REPLACED AND PAID OUT OF POCKET. RECENTLY I FOUND IN MY PAPERS THAT THE DEALER HAD INCLUDED IN MY PRICE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FOR THE SAME PERIOD AS THE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTY AND CHARGED ME OVER $300 FOR IT. I RE-APPLIED TO HAVE THE REPAIR COVERED BY THE NEW WARRANTY AND AGAIN DENIED. I REPORTED THIS TO CONSUMER REPORTS IF THEY WOULD BE WILLING TO TEST THE ORIGINAL DEFECTIVE PART TO SHOW IT WAS NOT MADE DEFECTIVE BY A SCRATCH/BUMP TO THE BUMPER. BECAUSE THIS PIECE IS SUCH AN INTEGRAL SAFELY PIECE OF THE CAR, LIKE A COMPUTER OR TV ELECTRONIC PARTS DON;T GO DEFECTIVE IN SUCH SHORT PERIODS AND WITH NO REAL PHYSICAL DAMAGE. I NOTICED THE DEFECTIVE DEVICE WHEN BACKING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY AND WHEN ON THE STREETS AND VEHICLES WERE PASSING AND DEVICE NOT WARNING ME. *TR
Mileage: 4,985
EXHAUST GETTING INTO THE CAR COMING FROM THE OUTSIDE WHILE CAR IS STATIONARY OR AROUND OTHER CARS. ONLY STOPS SUCKING EXHAUST IN IF WE CHANGE THE AIR VENTILATION MODE TO INSIDE THE CAR ONLY. IT MAKES IT VERY HARD TO DRIVE AROUND BECAUSE THE CAR GETS HUMID FAST AND THE WINDOWS FOG UP AND IT IS DANGEROUS TO DRIVE WITH DECREASED VISIBILITY BECAUSE WE CANNOT CHANGE THE VENTILATION SYSTEM TO THE BUTTON THAT TAKES AIR FROM OUTSIDE.
WINDSHIELD CRACKED ABOUT 1130 PM ON 29 MARCH 2020 WHEN IT WAS SITTING IN THE DRIVEWAY. NOTHING WAS AROUND, NOTHING HIT IT. NO ONE OR ANIMAL WAS IN THE VEHICLE NOR ANYWHERE NEAR THE VEHICLE.
Mileage: 10,001
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITH NO REASON, DROVE TO WORK WINDSHIELD FINE. FOUND BROKE AFTER LEAVING WORK WHILE PARKED. SINCE THEN IT HAS BEEN REPLACED. DATE OF THE BREAK WAS APPROX. 6/2019
Mileage: 15,000
I'M CURRENTLY ON MY SECOND WINDSHIELD ON MY 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE FIRST WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO GOOD REASON AND THE SECOND CRACKED WITH A MINOR ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD.
Mileage: 8,000
THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL TIMES THAT THE CAR WILL NOT LOCK DUE TO A TYPE OF TRIP OR WIRING WITH THE LOCKING SYSTEM. WHILE THE CAR IS TURNED OFF AND STATIONARY, RIGHT BEFORE LOCKING THE DOOR, THERE IS A CLICKING SOUND AND THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR LIGHT FLASHES. THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR IS CLOSED, EVEN IF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM ACTS LIKE IT IS TRYING TO CLOSE THE DOOR. THIS PREVENTS THE CAR FROM LOCKING, DUE TO SOME TYPE OF TRIP IN THE DOOR SENSOR. IT MIGHT BE A TRIP BETWEEN THE KARR ALARM SYSTEM AND THE DOOR SENSOR INSTALLED IN THE CAR. I'VE ATTEMPTED TO REPAIR OR RESOLVE THIS SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT IS HAS YET TO BE REPAIRED.
WINDSHIELD------ 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. ON 2/29/2018 WHEN ENTERING THE CAR IN THE MORNING WHICH WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY I NOTICED A CRACKED WINDSHIELD ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. CRACK RAN FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD UP ABOUT 10 INCHES. WHEN LEAVING THE CAR ON THE NIGHT ON 9/28/2018 THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT CRACKED. INSPECTION SHOWED NO SIGNS OF A CHIP IN THE GLASS.WHEN DRIVING THE CAR ON THAT MORNING THE CRACK EXTENDED TOWARD THE PASSENGER ABOUT 8 INCHES.MY INSURANCE COMPANY SENT ME TO SAFELITE AUTO GLASS TO HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED. AN AFTERMARKET WINDSHIELD REPLACED THE CRACKED WINDSHIELD. SAFELITE WAS UNABLE TO ALIGN THE CAMERAS FOR THE STARLIGHT SYSTEM. THE WINDSHIELD WAS THEN REPLACED WITH A SUBARU WINDSHIELD. SAFELITE AGAIN WAS UNABLE TO ALIGN / CALIBRATE THE CAMERAS. WAS SENT TO THE SUBARU DEALER FOR THE CALIBRATION.. THEY WERE ABLE TO CALIBRATE THE CAMERAS AFTER 4.5 HOURS. I HAVE READ THAT OTHER SUBARU FORESTERS HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING FOR NO REASON AT ALL. I BELIEVE THEY WIND SHIELDS ARE DEFECTIVE. I DO NOT HAVE A PHOTO
Mileage: 20,000
I WOKE UP ONE MORNING TO FIND A CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD IN THE BOTTOM RIGHT (PASSENGER SIDE). I PARK MY CAR IN OUR DRIVEWAY, NOT IN THE STREET. I RARELY EVEN DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY AS I WORK A HALF MILE FROM MY HOUSE.
Mileage: 23,000
WHILE PARKING IN A LOT: WHEN PULLING INTO A SPACE, HIT BRAKE PEDAL AND CAR ACCELERATED RESULTING IN MINOR DAMAGE TO MY CAR AND OTHERS CARS. I BELIEVE THE CAR MALFUNCTIONED RESULTING IN THIS ACCIDENT.
Mileage: 18,000
[XXX] 05/19/2019 [XXX]- CLEAR DAY @ 10AM EST. WHILE IN MY LANE AND TRAVELING STRAIGHT AND WITHIN THE LANE LINES, TWO (2) VEHICLE SAFETY SYSTEMS ACTIVATE AT THE SAME TIME: LANE KEEP ASSIST, LANE DEPARTURE WARNING. THE LANE KEEP ASSIST WAS THE STRONGEST "PULL" I'VE EVER FELT AND PULLED/STEERED THE VEHICLE TO RIGHT CAUSING ME NEARLY CROSS INTO THE LANE ON MY RIGHT. MY HANDS WERE ALWAYS ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND WAS ABLE TO IMMEDIATELY CORRECT IT. THE DEPARTURE WARNING ALSO ACTIVATED AT THE INITIAL 'LANE KEEP ASSIST' FEATURE ACTIVATION. ATTACHED IS A PICTURE OF THE ROAD FROM THE INSIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE WINDSHIELD HAS DRIED INSECT RESIDUE BUT NOTHING I CONSIDERED VISUALLY IMPAIRING. IF MY HANDS WERE NOT ON THE STEERING WHEEL OR OTHERWISE WAS DISTRACTED, I HAVE NO DOUBT I WOULD HAVE STEERED COMPLETELY INTO THE LANE NEXT TO ME. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TT
Mileage: 11,200
WINDSHIELD CRACKED AND IS NOW HALF ACROSS FROM PASSENGER SIDE. NO KNOWN ROCK HIT SAME. GOOGLED AND NOTICED DOZENS OF WINDSHIELDS CRACKED FROM STRUCTURAL DEFECTS. SUBARU CLAIMS THIS IS WHY EYESIGHT CUTS OFF " EYESIGHT CANNOT SEE IT DON'T WORK." SO I GUESS IT DOESN'T WORK AT NIGHT?
Mileage: 6,000
THE EYESIGHT HAD BEEN MANIPULATED TO A WARNING EVEN WHEN THERE'S NO OBSTRUCTION WHILE DRIVING FORWARD, WHILE BACKING UP IT GIVES A WARNING THAT SOMEONE OR A VEHICLE IS ADJACENT TO MY CAR. THESE ARE JUST A FEW OF THE PROBLEMS I ENCOUNTER. I HAVE AN IDEA WHO'S BEHIND THIS. BUT I CANNOT PROVE IT. SOMEONE VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE IN COMPUTER SECURITY WITHIN MY VICINITY. IT COMPROMISES THE SAFETY FEATURE OF THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND EVEN BACKING UP IN MY GARAGE.
Mileage: 7,100
IGNITION STEERING LOCK IS DIFFICULT TO CLEAR. WE HAVE HAD 5 INSTANCES WHERE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO START THE CAR BECAUSE THE STEERING IS LOCKED AND THE KEY WILL NOT TURN. IT TAKES A LARGE AMOUNT OF FORCE ON THE STEERING WHEEL WHILE TURNING THE KEY TO THE EXTENT THAT IT TAKES TWO PEOPLE. ONE TWISTING THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE OTHER THE KEY. THE SUBARU DEALER SAYS THE CAR IS WORKING AS DESIGNED.
Mileage: 12,000
THE SPEEDOMETER INFORMATION IS VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE IN SUNNY DAYLIGHT. NUMBERS ARE "RED". IF "POLARIZED" OR REGULAR SUN LENSES ARE USED, (INFO. (NUMBERS) CAN NOT BE READ. 2019 MODELS, THE SPEEDOMETER IS CHANGED, WITH "WHITE" CHARACTERS. FINALLY SUBARU GOT THE MESSAGE. IT IS CRITICAL TO BE DRIVING AND YOU CAN NOT SEE THE SPEED THAT YOU ARE DRIVING !
Mileage: 15
WINDSHIELD BREAKAGE 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. OUR WINDSHIELD WAS HIT TWICE BY SMALL ROCKS IN EXACTLY THE SAME PLACE TWICE WITHIN 30 DAYS. ONE BREAK ON THE ORIGINAL WINDSHIELD AND AGAIN ON THE REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD. IT APPEARS THE DESIGN OF THE HOOD FACILITIES THE DAMAGE OR THE DESIGN OF THE GLASS IS FRAGILE. THESE BREAKS OCCURRED WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH SPEEDS OF AROUND 70 MPH. WHEN SPEAKING TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP OF OUR CONCERN THEY INFORMED US THAT SUBARU WINDSHIELDS HAD A TENDENCY TO CRACK EASILY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED OFTEN. WHEN WE ASKED THEM IF THIS SEEMED LIKE A SAFETY CONCERN THEY DID NOT SOME TO THINK IT WAS.
Mileage: 8,115
VEHICLE WAS BEING BACKED OUT OF THE GARAGE TO REPLACE THE TRASH CAN. AFTER BACKING PART WAY OUT OF THE GARAGE WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN GEAR IT SHOT FORWARD AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT HIT THE BACK GARAGE WALL. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS THEN PUT INTO REVERSE IT SHOT BACKWARDS, ALSO. I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT WAS TOTALLY OUT OF THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE SEEMED TO ACCELERATE ON ITS OWN. DAMAGE WAS DONE TO THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE, THE GARAGE WALL AND THE INSIDE UTILITY ROOM AND HALLWAY.
Mileage: 2,300
ALL MY CARS FROM 2001 THRU 20176 FORDS TOYOTAS MAZDAS ETC. ALL HAD AUTOMATIC DOOR LOCKING WEATHER WHEN PUT IN GEAR OR WHEN THE CAR PROCEDED TO 10 MPH I JUST LEASED A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER IT DOES NOT DO IT! WENT TO THE DEALER THEY STATED THE CAR DOES NOT DO THAT ONLY THE LEGACY AND THE OUTBACK . THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND I WILL TAKE LEGAL MOTION AGAINST SUBARU MY CELL NUMBER IS [XXX] PLEASE CALL ME THERE IS A MODULE BOX THAT CAN BE INSTALLED AT MY OWN EXPENCE AND IM OK WITH THAT FOR 125$ I AM IN LAW ENFORCEMENT AND SAFETY IS A BIG ISSUE WITH ME PLEASE ALL ME FOR DIRECTION ME PERSONALLY THEY SHOULD RECALL AND HAVE THAT SAFETY ISSUE INSTALLED THE SALESPERSON DID NOT MENTION THAT THE CAR DIDNT COME WITH OUT THAT OPTION GEE WHIZ ITS LIKE NOT HAVING AN AIR BAG IN YOUR CAR. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
MY 2018 SUBARU FORESTER XT SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING 2 TIMES ON 7/26/18. NOTHING HAPPENED, NO WARNING LIGHTS,IT JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING. AND CAME TO A SUDDEN STOP IN A MATTER OF SECONDS -I WAS GOING 40 MPH. AFTER IT SHUT OFF THE BATTERY LIGHT CAME ONE, THE CHECK ENGINE, AND THE ESP ELECTRONIC STABILITY LIGHT CAME ON. EXTREAMLY HEART STOPPING TO HAVE YOUR VEHICLE SHUT OFF/STALL, WHATEVER, WHILE ON A ROAD, ESPECIALLY A HIGHWAY. LUCKILY I WAS ON A STREET WHERE I COULD GET TO THE SIDE BEFORE IT COMPLETELY STOPPED. BUT I HAD JUST GOTTEN OFF THE FREEWAY HOWEVER I COMMUTE TO WORK ONE A FREEWAY. IF THIS HAPPENS AGAIN TODAY, I PRAY I'M NOT ON THE FREEWAY OR ANYWHERE WHERE I CAN'T SAFELY GET OVER ON TIME BEFORE I'M HIT. IT STARTED AGAIN NO PROBLEM, THEN STALLED AGAIN IN MY DRIVEWAY 10 MINUTES LATER. MY VEHICLE IS AN AUTOMATIC CVT TRANSMISSION AND SHOULDN'T STALL WHILE DRIVING.
Mileage: 7,650
DIRECTIONAL LIGHTS ONLY TURN OFF WHEN MATING 90 TURN. TAKING EXITS OR CROSSING LANES LIGHT WON'T TURN OFF AUTOMATICALLY ELDERLY PEOPLE CANNOT HEAR THE BLINKIN. NEVER HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH OTHER CARS I HAVE OWNED
Mileage: 1,500
SUN GLARE THAT BLINDS THE DRIVER WHEN SUN REFLECTS OFF THE SOUND SYSTEM SCREEN WHILE DRIVING.
Mileage: 3,000
PAGE 9-6 FIGURE 8 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL SHOWS HOW TO PLACE THE JACK ON THE FRAME TO RAISE THE CAR TO CHANGE A TIRE. THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN YOU REEF DOWN ON EITHER LOOSENING OR TIGHTENING THE TIRE, THE CAR WILL ROCK EITHER FORWARD OF BACKWARDS AND SLIDE OFF OF THE JACK. THE CAR WILL THEN FALL FORWARDS OR BACKWARDS DROPPING THE CAR TO THE GROUND, POTENTIALLY INJURING THE PERSON CHANGING THE TIRE. THE CAR FELL TWICE WHEN I WAS TRYING TO CHANGE THE TIRE. THIS CAN BE EASILY RESOLVED BY HAVING A JACK THAT FITS SNUGLY WITH THE MOUNT POINTS ON THE CAR SO THAT THERE IS NO POSSIBILITY OF THE CAR MOVING AS THE PERSON IS TIGHTENING OR LOOSING THE LIRE LUG BOLTS. THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE HAND BRAKE SET, YET WILL STILL MOVE SLIGHTLY AS THE PERSON PRESSES HARD ON THE LUG WRENCH. THE CAR COULD FALL ONTO THE PERSON EITHER INJURING THEM OR TRAPPING THEM UNDER THE CAR. THE CAR NEEDS TO COME WITH THE CORRECT JACK, WHICH WOULD SOLVE THIS PROBLEM. PHOTO 109 SHOWS HOW THE JACK IS TOO NARROW FOR THE SLOTS ON THE FRAME, THE JACK HEAD SHOULD BE ABOUT A HALF INCH WIDER TO FIT SNUGLY WITH THE CAR FRAME. FILE 105 SHOWS HOW CLOSE THE JACK HEAD WHEN CENTERED IS NEXT TO THE FRAME SLOTS.
Mileage: 400
WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE TO MAKE A LEFT-HAND TURN THE CAR STOPPED - THE ENGINE WOULD NOT GET ABOVE IDLE, EVEN WHEN THE ACCELERATOR WAS PRESSED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR STOPPED IN ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IT DID ACCELERATE AFTER COMPLETELY REMOVING PRESSURE FROM THE PEDAL AND PUSHING IT PARTIALLY DOWN AGAIN IT BEGAN TO PICK UP SPEED.
Mileage: 750
THE SUBARU (NAV) NAVIGATION SYSTEM IS DANGEROUS AND SHOULD NOT BE USED. IT GIVES YOU NO ADVANCE WARNING OF UPCOMING HIGHWAY EXITS OR UPCOMING TURNS. THE NAV SYSTEM WILL EASILY BE THE CAUSE OF SEVER LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENTS DUE TO ITS POOR OPERATIONAL ABILITY TO SAFELY GIVE CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS IN ADVANCE OF THE ACTUAL DIRECTION. I AM AN EXPERIENCED USER OF OTHER NAV SYSTEMS AND CAN HONESTLY TELL YOU THAT THE ONE IN THE SUBARU IS WORTHLESS.I LOVE THE CAR BUT HATE THE NAV SYSTEM!
Mileage: 650