2018 Subaru Forester steering problems
25 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the steering on the 2018 Subaru Forester — 5% 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
“- 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…”
filed Sep 2, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Steering problems in other Forester years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 Forester | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 Forester | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Forester | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 Forester | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 Forester | 11 | 2% |
| 2019 Forester | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 Forester | 25 | 4% |
| 2016 Forester | 19 | 5% |
| 2015 Forester | 19 | 3% |
| 2014 Forester | 16 | 4% |
| 2012 Forester | 1 | 1% |
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.