2018 Subaru Forester

The 2018 Subaru Forester is a popular compact SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and good safety ratings. The 2018 model year offered two engine options: a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine producing 170 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine in the Forester XT, producing 250 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The 2.5L engine was paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission), while the 2.0L Turbo was also mated to a CVT. Owners appreciate the Forester’s reliability, practicality, and off-road capability. Common complaints include lackluster acceleration with the base engine, road noise, and the design of the infotainment system.

Engine

2.5L Naturally Aspirated Engine

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some 2018 Forester owners have reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent oil top-offs between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include low oil level warning lights, engine knocking, and blue exhaust smoke.
  • Solution: In some cases, Subaru has performed oil consumption tests and replaced the engine short block if consumption exceeds a certain threshold.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ for engine replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

2.0L Turbocharged Engine (Forester XT)

No Issues Found

Transmission

Lineartronic CVT (Both Engine Options)

• CVT Hesitation/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported hesitation or jerking during acceleration, particularly at lower speeds or when cold. This can feel like the transmission is slipping or struggling to find the right gear.
  • Solution: Some dealerships have performed CVT software updates to address the issue. In more severe cases, CVT replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 for software update, $5,000 - $8,000+ for CVT replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Premature Wear of Rear Wheel Bearings
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported premature wear and failure of the rear wheel bearings. Symptoms include a humming or grinding noise coming from the rear of the vehicle, which increases with speed.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty wheel bearings is required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$500 per wheel.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing a dead battery, particularly if the vehicle sits unused for several days. This can be due to a parasitic draw from an electrical component.
  • Solution: Diagnostic testing to identify the source of the parasitic draw and repair or replace the faulty component. Potential culprits include the infotainment system, security system, or other electronic modules.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues can range from freezing, glitching, unresponsive touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity problems, or complete system failure.
  • Solution: Attempt a system reset, update to the latest software version, or replace the head unit entirely.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 for a reset to $500-$1500+ for a new head unit.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported the windshield being prone to cracking, even from small impacts.
  • Solution: Windshield replacement
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300-$500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sunroof Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced issues with the sunroof not opening or closing properly, getting stuck, or leaking water.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the sunroof motor, tracks, or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ depending on the extent of the damage.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Subaru Forester generally has a good reputation for reliability, but some owners have reported issues that can be costly to repair. The most concerning issues are excessive oil consumption with the 2.5L engine and potential CVT problems, as these can lead to major engine or transmission repairs. Electrical issues, particularly with battery drain and the infotainment system, are also common. While not all Foresters experience these problems, potential buyers should be aware of these issues and consider getting a pre-purchase inspection to assess the vehicle’s condition. The average cost of repairs can range from a few hundred dollars for minor fixes to several thousand dollars for major engine or transmission repairs.