2018 SUBARU FORESTER Complaints

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.

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)

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.

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.

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)

- 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.

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.

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.).

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.