What is the 2017-2020 Subaru Forester Denso Low-Pressure In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure Causing Sudden Stalling?

Foresters equipped with a Denso low-pressure fuel pump (part-number prefix 42022-) built before mid-2019 use a low-density plastic impeller that absorbs fuel, swells and deforms inside the pump housing. The deformed impeller binds against the housing and abruptly cuts fuel delive… Repairs typically run $0-$1,300. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2020 Subaru Forester A/C Compressor Failure and Clutch Noise?

Foresters with the 2.5L FB25 engine experience premature A/C compressor failures, often with a noisy clutch or complete seizure. The compressor clutch bearing fails first, creating a grinding or squealing noise when the A/C is engaged. If not addressed, the compressor can seize a… Repairs typically run $600-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Premature Front and Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Failure (Faulty Backing Plate Design)?

Forester wheel bearings (both front and rear hub assemblies) fail prematurely, often well before 100,000 miles. The most consistent symptom is a low-pitched grinding, humming or 'airplane' droning noise from the affected corner that grows louder with speed; rear bearing wear is o… Repairs typically run $250-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2022 Subaru Forester Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfire and Hard Cold-Weather Starting?

Coil-on-plug ignition coils on the Forester are a common failure point. As the coil's internal epoxy/resin cracks with heat and age, the coil produces erratic or insufficient spark, causing single-cylinder misfires, rough idle, hesitation on acceleration, reduced fuel economy and… Repairs typically run $60-$350. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2021 Subaru Forester Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420) — Often Triggered by Oil-Burning Contamination?

Foresters commonly throw a P0420 'Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)' code and an illuminated check-engine light. While the converter itself is the part that degrades, the underlying root cause on FB25 Foresters is frequently the well-documented excessive-oil-con… Repairs typically run $200-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2024 Subaru Forester Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfires (FB25)?

The boxer engine's two valve covers face outward and sit low on each side, exposing the cork/rubber valve cover gaskets and the spark plug tube seals to heat cycling and the path of any leaking oil. As these seals harden and shrink, oil seeps out and visibly drips onto the exhaus… Repairs typically run $250-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Front Lower Control Arm Forward Bushing Premature Wear — Steering Wobble (TSB 05-63-18)?

The forward (front) bushing in the front lower control arms wears out prematurely on 4th-gen (SJ) Foresters, often by 40,000-70,000 miles on normally-driven, paved-road vehicles. As the bushing degrades it allows the control arm to shift, producing a rattle/clunk, a vibration or… Repairs typically run $400-$1,400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Electric Power Steering Gearbox Corrosion / Cracking in Salt Belt (TSB 04-21-18 + Warranty Extension)?

In regions with heavy road-salt exposure, the steering rack/pinion (EPS) gearbox housing on 4th-gen Foresters can corrode to the point a crack forms in the gearbox body. This produces uneven or notchy steering effort and, in advanced cases, a knock or play in the rack. Subaru doc… Repairs typically run $0-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2021 Subaru Forester Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping / Brake Judder — Steering-Wheel Shudder When Braking?

Foresters are prone to early front brake rotor distortion (thickness variation) that produces a pronounced pulsation/judder felt through the steering wheel and brake pedal when braking, often appearing at relatively low mileage. Owners across multiple generations report warped/ju… Repairs typically run $300-$700. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2019 Subaru Forester Front CV Axle Boot Tearing and Grease Leak Causing Clicking on Turns?

The front CV (constant-velocity) axle boots on Foresters crack and tear with age and from suspension flex and road debris. Once the boot splits, grease slings out and dirt/water get in, so the now-dry CV joint wears and produces a clicking or popping that is loudest during tight,… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2011-2018 Subaru Forester FB25 Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle?

The FB25's hydraulic timing-chain tensioners can bleed down overnight, so on a cold start the chain is momentarily slack and slaps the chain cover/guides, producing a metallic rattle for the first few seconds until oil pressure builds. A brief rattle is common; a rattle that pers… Repairs typically run $800-$2,200. Severity: medium.

What is the 2017-2018 Subaru Forester A/C Condenser Internal Corrosion and Refrigerant Leak (Service Program WRB-21)?

Certain 2017-2018 Forester A/C condensers corrode internally within the tube walls (distinct from the more common external road-debris puncture). The corrosion perforates the condenser, refrigerant and oil leak out, and the A/C blows warm. Subaru opened service program WRB-21 to… Repairs typically run $400-$900. Severity: medium.

What is the 2014-2022 Subaru Forester Sunroof/Moonroof Water Leak From Clogged or Detached Drain Tubes?

Forester moonroofs drain rainwater through small tubes routed down the A/B pillars to discharge under the car. The corner drains clog with pollen, dirt and tree debris, or a tube pops off its nipple at the sunroof gutter. Water then backs up and overflows into the headliner and c… Repairs typically run $0-$350. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Suspension Bushing Clunk Over Bumps?

Foresters from 2009-2018 develop a persistent clunking or knocking noise from the rear suspension when going over bumps, rough roads, or speed bumps. The cause is worn rear lateral link bushings and rear stabilizer bar end links. The rubber bushings dry out and crack, allowing me… Repairs typically run $300-$800. Severity: low.

What is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Power Liftgate Won't Stay Open / Drops Shut (Failed Gas Struts)?

On power-liftgate Foresters the gas-charged lift struts lose pressure prematurely. The gate opens under power but then sags or falls shut under its own weight once fully open, and the problem worsens in cold weather as strut gas pressure drops. A weak or failing strut can also co… Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: low.

What is the 2009-2018 Subaru Forester Front Air/Fuel Ratio (Wideband O2) Sensor Heater Circuit Failure — P0031/P0037?

Foresters commonly throw front oxygen/air-fuel-ratio sensor heater-circuit codes (P0031 low, P0037 downstream) as the sensors age. The sensors live on the hot exhaust, so the wiring harness near them turns brittle and chafes, and the internal heater element degrades. The result i… Repairs typically run $150-$450. Severity: low.

Subaru · Known Issues

2018 Subaru Forester Problems: 21 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2018 model year · 5,680+ owner reports · Updated July 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 5,680+ owner reports, the 2018 Subaru Forester has 21 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption ($0-$4,500 repair), CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure ($0-$8,000 repair), Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States ($0-$700 repair), Front Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Mat Harness Failure — Airbag Warning Light and Deactivated Passenger Airbag ($0-$1,700 repair) and Denso Low-Pressure In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure Causing Sudden Stalling ($0-$1,300 repair). The most commonly reported issue is FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption with 3,200 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $60 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,680+ owner reports, the 2018 Subaru Forester has 21 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States. Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

The 2018 Subaru Forester has 21 known issues documented across 5,680+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption and CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure and Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States and Front Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Mat Harness Failure — Airbag Warning Light and Deactivated Passenger Airbag and Denso Low-Pressure In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure Causing Sudden Stalling. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption, typically costs $0-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2011-2018 Subaru Forester FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

The 2.5L FB25 engine in 2011-2018 Foresters is widely reported for excessive oil consumption, often burning 1 quart every 1,000-1,500 miles. The root cause is defective piston rings that fail to maintain proper oil control. Subaru acknowledged the issue with TSB 02-157-14R and ex… Repairs typically run $0-$4,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure?

The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque conve… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.

All 21 Known Issues

Other Subaru Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?

Is the Subaru Forester reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?

What is the 2011-2018 Subaru Forester FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption?

What is the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure?

2011-2018 Subaru Forester: FB25 Engine Excessive Oil Consumption#

2009-2022 Subaru Forester: Ignition Coil Failure Causing Misfire and Hard Cold-Weather Starting#

2011-2024 Subaru Forester: Valve Cover Gasket and Spark Plug Tube Seal Oil Leak Causing Misfires (FB25)#

2011-2018 Subaru Forester: FB25 Timing Chain Tensioner Cold-Start Rattle#

2014-2018 Subaru Forester: Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Rear Suspension Bushing Clunk Over Bumps#

2014-2022 Subaru Forester: Premature Rear Tire Inner-Edge Wear From Excess Factory Rear Toe#

2014-2021 Subaru Forester: CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure#

2015-2018 Subaru Forester: Front Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Mat Harness Failure — Airbag Warning Light and Deactivated Passenger Airbag#

2017-2020 Subaru Forester: Denso Low-Pressure In-Tank Fuel Pump Failure Causing Sudden Stalling#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Premature Front and Rear Wheel Bearing/Hub Failure (Faulty Backing Plate Design)#

2009-2019 Subaru Forester: Front CV Axle Boot Tearing and Grease Leak Causing Clicking on Turns#

2011-2021 Subaru Forester: Catalytic Converter Efficiency Failure (P0420) — Often Triggered by Oil-Burning Contamination#

2009-2018 Subaru Forester: Front Air/Fuel Ratio (Wideband O2) Sensor Heater Circuit Failure — P0031/P0037#

2014-2018 Subaru Forester: Front Lower Control Arm Forward Bushing Premature Wear — Steering Wobble (TSB 05-63-18)#

2014-2018 Subaru Forester: Electric Power Steering Gearbox Corrosion / Cracking in Salt Belt (TSB 04-21-18 + Warranty Extension)#

2014-2022 Subaru Forester: Sunroof/Moonroof Water Leak From Clogged or Detached Drain Tubes#

2014-2018 Subaru Forester: Power Liftgate Won't Stay Open / Drops Shut (Failed Gas Struts)#

2014-2020 Subaru Forester: A/C Compressor Failure and Clutch Noise#

2009-2021 Subaru Forester: Premature Front Brake Rotor Warping / Brake Judder — Steering-Wheel Shudder When Braking#

2017-2018 Subaru Forester: A/C Condenser Internal Corrosion and Refrigerant Leak (Service Program WRB-21)#

What is the 2014-2018 Subaru Forester Rear Coil Spring Corrosion Fracture (Recall WUT-05) — Spring Snaps in Salt-Belt States?

What is the 2015-2018 Subaru Forester Front Passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) Sensor Mat Harness Failure — Airbag Warning Light and Deactivated Passenger Airbag?