2018 Subaru Forester Owner Complaints

The front passenger airbag of my Subaru Forester 2018 is deactivated, I brought my car to the Subaru dealer in white Plains, NY to check because I found out that there was a recall for malfunction of the airbag and I was told that I have to pay for it since the repair was already done, then, I have to pay for the repair ( see the estimated bill) I contacted the Subaru headquarters because I considered unfair, they air bag is still inactive and I am at risk of having an accident. Today I received a message from the DMV to renew my registration and I saw that my car is in a recall for the air bag (NTSA Campaign 21V587000). Please help me to contacting the manufacturer to accept to rereplace the passenger airbag.

NHTSA ID

11766036

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

On July 31, 2026, I was driving with my daughter when the a/c compressor clutch seized up and experienced a catastrophic compressor failure that also blew out the expansion valve o-rings. The failure led to a total loss of engine power and control of the vehicle. The car would not start back up because the clutch was seized and the pulleys wouldn’t turn. Luckily, I was in a residential neighborhood and cars were able to safely go around me. If this had happened on a highway or faster speed limit zone there could have been fatalities. There were tons of lights all over the dash as I attempted to restart the engine. The engine wouldn’t turn over until I gave it plenty of pedal pressure. This extra power to the engine during ignition freed the seized clutch and I was able to drive home without air conditioning. I parked outside in the driveway due to a strong odor of burning metal (probably clutch) when we arrived home. Several years earlier I had completed a Subaru recall WRB-21 for the condenser, and I believe this is directly related to the failure. Subaru of America denied my request for goodwill repair claim under claim 260810-210789 and won’t recognize this as a serious safety issue. There are hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube videos of complaints that the a/c compressor fails prematurely and SOA has only acknowledged the condenser failure. My vehicle has less than 70,000 miles and it has been verified by the dealership (North Park Subaru Dominion) as a “faulty” compressor and leaking expansion valve o-rings. I have requested the dealership to use tracer dye and ensure that metal shavings and debris are not in the closed loop system before replacing the a/c compressor and o-rings which will cause another failure of the entire system. I will also request that they save the compressor for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11764982

Incident

Jul 31, 2026

The passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS), including the occupant detection sensor system in the passenger seat, has malfunctioned. The SRS/airbag warning light is illuminated. The vehicle produced diagnostic trouble codes B1650 and B1760. The affected passenger seat and components remain installed in the vehicle and are available for inspection upon request. As the SRS light is on, none of the airbags may not deploy as intended in a crash because the occupant detection system is incorrectly classifying an adult passenger as “Empty or CRS.” With an adult seated normally and wearing the seat belt, the system continues to display “PASS AIR BAG OFF.” This could prevent or improperly control deployment of vehicle airbag during a crash, increasing the risk of injury. Yes. The problem was confirmed by a Subaru dealership. The dealership diagnosed the passenger Occupant Detection System/SRS issue and confirmed that the passenger occupant detection system is malfunctioning. The vehicle produced diagnostic trouble codes B1650 and B1760. The vehicle has been inspected/serviced previously by a Subaru dealer in connection with the passenger occupant detection system recall. The recall repair was completed before I purchased the vehicle. Subaru of America has also been contacted regarding the current SRS issue and opened a case. The SRS/airbag warning light illuminated on the instrument cluster. The passenger airbag indicator also displays “PASS AIR BAG OFF” when an adult is seated normally in the passenger seat. The SRS warning light appeared after I had purchased the vehicle. A subsequent diagnostic scan reported codes B1650 and B1760. The vehicle had previously received the applicable passenger occupant detection system recall repair before I purchased it.

NHTSA ID

11760470

Incident

Aug 28, 2026

Airbag light came on - dealership confirmed it is an occupant detection system failure - wiring harness has gone bad. No history of moisture exposure, which would leave faulty part as the problem. Similar to Subaru recall from 2020 on heated passenger seats - this vehicle was not included in that recall, but is in the same year range and has heated seats. Entire bottom piece of front seat must be replaced, including wiring harness and seat mounting bracket; otherwise air bags may not deploy in case of accident. Quick online search reveals this problem has been prevalent in other 2018 Foresters not included in the original recall.

NHTSA ID

11757637

Incident

Jun 21, 2026

Discovered (06/08/26) that the engine would not turn over without the accelerator being pushed down when warm from driving after resting 30-60 minutes. Car was taken to Capital Subaru. No codes were triggered. The throttle body was cleaned. No change. The Crankshaft Position Sensor was replaced, the ECU was reprogrammed, then the EVAP Purge Valve was replaced. A bottle of fuel injector cleaner was added to the gas tank by the dealership mechanics. No improvement. Then both CAM sensors were replaced. No improvement. All with no effect. Finally the injectors were pulled and a rail pressure test was conducted. The injectors were not holding pressure for more then 2-3 minutes. The warm start issue was fixed when the injectors were replaced on July 31, 2026.

NHTSA ID

11755742

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

- The passenger-side Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor, which is part of the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbag system, has failed. This component was previously replaced under a Subaru safety recall completed in May 2020. The SRS airbag warning light is now illuminated again, indicating a failure of the same system. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection upon request. - The failure of the ODS sensor directly impacts the functionality of the passenger airbag system. This creates a significant safety risk because the airbag may not deploy correctly—or at all—in the event of a crash. This puts both the driver and any passenger at increased risk of serious injury or death. Since this is a critical safety system, its failure compromises the overall crash protection of the vehicle. - The issue is indicated by the illuminated SRS airbag warning light and has been identified as related to the Occupant Detection System. A dealership has confirmed that the ODS sensor requires replacement. The failure is consistent with known issues related to the prior recall repair. - I contacted Subaru of America regarding this issue, but they declined to provide assistance. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives, as no accident has occurred. - The SRS airbag warning light illuminated. There were no prior symptoms before the warning light appeared. The light has remained on consistently since then, indicating a persistent fault in the airbag system. - This issue is especially concerning because the component that failed was previously replaced under a safety recall. A recall repair should resolve a safety defect, not temporarily mask it. The failure of a critical airbag system component only a few years after a recall repair suggests that the original remedy may not have been a permanent fix. This raises serious safety concerns not only for my vehicle but potentially for other vehicles that received the same recall repair.

NHTSA ID

11752602

Incident

Jul 2, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11751355

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11750402

Incident

Jul 14, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11745472

Incident

Apr 5, 2023

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.

NHTSA ID

11745467

Incident

May 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11744239

Incident

May 28, 2026

Mileage

135,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11743641

Incident

Jul 24, 2023

Passenger airbag system doesn’t detect occupancy in seat

NHTSA ID

11742880

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11737089

Incident

May 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11731154

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11726893

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

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

NHTSA ID

11725931

Incident

Jul 3, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11725910

Incident

Feb 18, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11724224

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11723419

Incident

Apr 9, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11716896

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11715384

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11715383

Incident

Jun 1, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11710521

Incident

Jan 10, 2026

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11702872

Incident

Aug 15, 2025