2018 Subaru Forester engine problems
32 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Subaru Forester — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Sep 17, 2026
“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.”
filed Mar 20, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026
Engine problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 3 | 3% |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 Forester | 5 | 7% |
| 2022 Forester | 10 | 10% |
| 2021 Forester | 32 | 15% |
| 2020 Forester | 79 | 13% |
| 2019 Forester | 106 | 13% |
| 2017 Forester | 47 | 8% |
| 2016 Forester | 60 | 15% |
| 2015 Forester | 131 | 21% |
| 2014 Forester | 69 | 17% |
| 2013 Forester | 26 | 34% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Subaru Forester
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.