Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Subaru Forester
The 2018 Subaru Forester has some issues to consider, including a fuel pump recall and many complaints about visibility/wipers and airbags. While there are only three recall campaigns, the high number of visibility complaints suggests checking this area closely. With 498 owner complaints, detailed inspection is wise, though evidence of significant problems is limited.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Subaru Forester has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 498 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V587000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V701000 Occupant Detection System May Deactivate Airbag NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V455000 Incorrect Tire Information on Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 135 complaints
- Air Bags 99 complaints
- Unknown or Other 84 complaints
- Electrical System 71 complaints
- Engine 32 complaints
- Seats 30 complaints
Of the 498 complaints on file, 26 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 498 complaints, owners report 9 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Passenger airbag sensor fault
How to check: Inspect the Occupant Detection System for proper function.
Fuel pump failure risk
How to check: Verify recall completed for fuel pump replacement.
Incorrect tire information label
How to check: Check tire label for correct size and pressure details.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noise or rough idle.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for warning lights on dashboard.
Red flag: Illuminated check engine light
- 03
First use of brakes
What to check: Feel for vibrations or unusual sounds.
Red flag: Grinding noise or pedal pulsation
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test windshield wipers for proper function.
Red flag: Wipers fail to clear windshield
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Ensure smooth acceleration without hesitation.
Red flag: Stuttering or loss of power
- 06
Steering check
What to check: Feel for steering wheel vibrations or pulls.
Red flag: Vehicle drifts without steering input
- 07
Parking maneuvers
What to check: Listen for any creaks or knocks while turning.
Red flag: Loud clunking noises
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump recall been completed?
- Are there any issues with the airbag sensor?
- Can you confirm correct tire label details?
- Have there been any electrical repairs?
- Any problems with the windshield wipers?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Proof of completed recalls
- Service history records
- Title and registration
- Vehicle inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Subaru Forester at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Subaru Forester? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.