This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Subaru Forester electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Subaru Forester have filed 67 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 11,735 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
67
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Forester | 35 |
| 2015 Forester | 74 |
| 2016 Forester | 81 |
| 2017 Forester | 92 |
| 2018 Forester (this page) | 67 |
| 2019 Forester | 117 |
| 2020 Forester | 95 |
| 2021 Forester | 30 |
| 2022 Forester | 8 |
What stands out
Owners have filed 67 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 3 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Battery drain is the dominant complaint. Owners describe batteries dying after 2–14 days of non-use, with jump-starts required repeatedly and new batteries draining just as fast. Multiple owners have replaced batteries two to three times within months; some needed batteries replaced in the first 4 months of ownership. Dealers claim the issue is normal for infrequent driving or suggest owners purchase trickle chargers, but several owners cite class-action litigation in Canada and the US over the same defect. One diagnosis points to the data communications module (DCM) continuously attempting connection to defunct 3G networks even when the car is off, costing $2,000+ to replace with a 4G unit.
Passenger airbag sensor malfunctions rank second. The warning light cycles on and off intermittently during the same trip despite consistent passenger weight, yet many affected VINs fall outside NHTSA recall 19V701000 even though the symptoms are identical to recalled vehicles. Repairs cost $1,200–$1,500. A related issue: the occupant detection system disarms the airbag when light objects like a 3-lb smartphone are placed on the seat, creating safety risks for actual passengers.
AC systems fail repeatedly; freon leaks within days of service despite mechanic repairs. USB charging ports lack current-limiting protection and have burned phone cables. Window controls lock up and become inoperable. Ignition keys stick in Park and require 10+ minutes of shifting to extract. The infotainment screen becomes unreadable in sunlight, and backup-camera function is lost. One rodent damage complaint noted wiring harness made of soy-based material.
Same Subaru Forester electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger seat occupant detection sensor (ODS) malfunction
Intermittent on/off passenger airbag warning light in vehicles with heated seats. Light cycles between on and off during same trip despite passenger weight. Some vehicles show constant 'OFF' display even with occupant present. Dealership diagnostics often inconclusive; some shops cite minimum weight thresholds (75–100 lbs) as explanation, but this does not account for intermittent behavior on same trip. Replacement sensor mat costs $1,200–$1,500. Many affected VINs fall outside NHTSA recall 19V701000 despite having identical malfunction.
When: Intermittent; complaints span 2021–2023. Some owners report issue persisting for several years.
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent passenger airbag warning light on/off during single trip; Constant 'OFF' airbag light display despite passenger seated; Light cycles even when passenger weight consistent
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor mat replacement $1,216–$1,500. Dealership diagnostics often fail to reproduce. Recall 19V701000 covers some 2015–2018 heated-seat Foresters, but many affected VINs excluded.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 19V701000 (Feb 2020): inspect and replace ODS sensor mat harness free of charge. Subaru number WUM-98. Many owners report their VINs not included despite identical symptoms.
Parasitic battery drain
Battery dies after 2–14 days of inactivity or light use, despite new or replacement batteries. Issue persists across multiple battery replacements and dealer visits. Owners report jump-starts required 5–6+ times within months; some cite being stranded repeatedly. Dealers unable to diagnose parasitic draw despite inspection. Some customers note class-action litigation exists. Owners report remote start fails after 2–3 uses, and dealerships recommend daily driving or trickle chargers as workaround.
When: Can occur within days to 1–2 weeks of parking. First reported within weeks to months of purchase; repeats throughout ownership. High failure rate in first 12 months.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead after 2–14 days of non-use; Requires jump-start to partially charge before car can start; New/replacement batteries drain quickly despite proper shutdown of all lights; No warning lights prior to failure; EyeSight features disabled until battery recharged; Remote start functions only 2–3 times before requiring manual start
Codes mentioned: JRGKF50-328J0D1
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacements $150–$250+ per replacement. Some owners installed aftermarket AGM batteries; issue persisted. Dealers recommend trickle chargers (cost varies) or driving every 2 days. Roadside assists required; tow costs $200+. One owner spent $142 for diagnostics with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim issue is normal for vehicles not driven frequently or suggest batteries are defective. Some dealers deny electrical issues exist. No official recall; class-action lawsuits filed in Canada and US. DCM (data communications module) attempting 3G network connection identified in some complaints as continuous drain; replacement DCM costs $2,000+.
USB charging port fire hazard
USB port fails to limit current, allowing faulty third-party charging cable with internally shorted/intermittently shorting power wires to arc and burn. Owner plugged iPhone Lightning cable into center-console USB port while idling; heard popping sound and smelled burning plastic within seconds. Cable iPhone connector end distorted with protruding wire and brown burn mark. Owner states fire was averted only by quick removal. Port lacks current-limiting protection.
When: October 2018 (date of incident reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Audible popping sound from USB port area; Burning plastic smell; Cable connector discolored and distorted; Wire protruding from cable end; Burn mark on cable connector
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented. Cable destroyed. No OEM replacement or protective measure mentioned.
AC refrigerant leak and system failures
AC system fails multiple times within short timeframe. Dealership unable to locate leak but adds freon; system stops cooling within 4 days. Mechanic finds loose connector, tightens it, recharges; system fails again within days. Compressor and blower operational but no cold air; return line not cool. Described as widespread across 2017–2018 Forester models. Environmental and safety hazard due to repeated freon loss and lack of dehumidification causing windshield fogging.
When: November 2021 (~22,000 miles); August 2022 (~24,000 miles); recurring within 4 days of service
Symptoms owners cite: AC stops producing cold air; Compressor runs but no cooling output; Return line from compressor not cold; System loses charge within 4 days of recharge; Windshield fogs due to moisture not being removed
Repairs/costs cited: Freon check and recharge: ~$200. Estimated full system repair: $1,500–$3,000. Loose connector tightened; issue recurred.
Power window control malfunction
Windows become locked and unable to be controlled from driver's side switch. Issue occurs both stationary and in motion. Dealership corrected issue but malfunction recurs. One shop provided phone reset that temporarily worked but issue is constant. Owner states feeling trapped in vehicle and unable to roll down window at gas station or toll booth.
When: Recurring issue; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Windows locked; unable to lower or raise from driver switch; Occurs stationary or while driving; Cannot roll down window at toll booths or gas stations; Recurs after dealership repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair attempted; issue recurs. Phone reset via dealership temporarily resolves but not permanent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealer corrected issue once; recurrence indicates no permanent fix.
Ignition key removal stuck in Park position
Unable to remove key from ignition when vehicle in Park. Occurs intermittently; owner reports 10+ minutes of cycling ignition and shifting between forward/reverse to free key. Issue occurs daily for extended period. Subaru technical bulletin 16-112-18R identifies contamination of Park-Range switch internal components as cause. Repair costs $500–$800 at dealer.
When: Reported 3+ weeks of daily occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Key stuck in ignition despite being in Park; Requires 10+ minutes of gear shifting and ignition cycling to extract key; Daily recurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer repair $500–$800. Subaru TSB 16-112-18R addresses issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru TSB 16-112-18R issued. No recall or extended warranty offered; owners charged full repair cost.
Door locking system failure
Car fails to lock due to wiring or sensor trip issue. Before locking, clicking sound heard and driver's side door light flashes. Electrical system acts as though attempting to close door even though door is already closed. Issue attributed to contaminated door sensor or interference between aftermarket alarm (KARR) and OEM door sensor.
When: Ongoing since vehicle purchase; attempted repairs unsuccessful
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking sound when attempting to lock vehicle; Driver's side door light flashes when stationary; Vehicle fails to lock
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple attempted repairs unsuccessful. Issue persists.
Radio/infotainment display contrast loss
Radio/touch-screen unit loses contrast in bright sunlight, making display unreadable. Underlying circuit pattern visible instead of image. Backup camera feed replaced by horizontal lines, rendering safety camera useless.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Display unreadable in sunlight; Circuit grid pattern visible on screen; Backup camera feed replaced by lines; Safety function compromised
Audio control disabled while reversing
While vehicle in reverse, audio (radio) controls disabled. Owner cannot change channel, adjust volume, or turn off audio. Safety concern if audio left at loud volume; audio initializes after reversing already in progress, creating distraction.
When: Occurs when shifting into reverse
Symptoms owners cite: Audio controls non-responsive in reverse; Cannot adjust volume or change channel; Audio initializes after reverse already in motion
Music volume fluctuation while driving
Radio volume increases and decreases on its own or when hitting bumps. Occurs both when stationary and while driving. Owner describes as disturbing and scary, especially on highway.
When: Ongoing; timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Volume fluctuates on its own; Volume changes when hitting bumps; Occurs at highway speeds
Engine wiring harness and tubing damage from rodents
Rodents ate through engine wiring harness, preventing vehicle start. Two weeks prior, rodents ate through windshield washer fluid tubing, making spray inoperable. Wiring harness and tubing made of soy-based material attractive to rodents.
When: 27,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start; Windshield washer spray inoperable; Visible rodent damage to wiring harness and tubing
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not yet repaired.
Unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerated suddenly and forcefully while owner was coasting in driveway without foot on gas pedal or floor mat interference. No warning lights illuminated. First occurrence in 87,000 miles; owner concerned about random reoccurrence.
When: 6/19/25 at 87,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden, forceful acceleration without driver input; No check engine light or warning; Completely random occurrence
Repairs/costs cited: Not yet diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Neither local dealer nor Subaru acknowledged the problem upon contact.
Engine power loss at highway speed
Vehicle lost engine power while driving at 80 mph. Engine idle dropped extremely low. Turning off and restarting restored function temporarily. Dealer replaced fuel pump and fuel pump control module but failure continued. Dealership offered trade-in instead of repair; manufacturer not contacted.
When: 4,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine power loss at 80 mph; Extremely low idle after loss; Recurs despite parts replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump and fuel pump control module replaced; issue persisted. Vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership referred to manufacturer but manufacturer not contacted. Dealership offered trade-in for 2018 Outback instead of repair.
Data Communications Module (DCM) battery drain via 3G network
DCM attempts to connect to 3G cellular networks which no longer exist in US. Connection attempts continue even after vehicle turned off, causing continuous parasitic drain and no-start conditions. Replacement of DCM to 4G module costs $2,000+.
When: Ongoing as 3G networks decommissioned
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains even when vehicle off and parked; DCM continuously attempting failed network connection; No-start safety risk
Repairs/costs cited: DCM replacement to 4G: $2,000+
Passenger airbag disabled by light objects
Airbag system disarmed when 3-lb smartphone placed on front passenger seat. Seatbelt warning light illuminated. Occurred multiple times. ODS designed to arm only when 40+ lb passenger seated but triggered by lightweight objects. Owners manual states both driver and passenger airbags may not deploy, putting occupants at risk.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag system disarmed by light objects (3-lb phone); Seatbelt warning light comes on; System overly sensitive to non-occupant items
EyeSight collision-avoidance system false warnings
EyeSight system issues false collision warnings without obstruction while driving forward. While backing, system warns of adjacent vehicle or person when none present. System manipulated and compromised, according to owner.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: False collision warning while driving forward with no obstruction; False warning of adjacent object while backing in garage; System reports obstruction when none present
Synthesized from 67 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
new battery that is only 14 months since installation (at subaru dealer) and 5,000 miles on the car is flat. I did not use my car for about 1 1/2 weeks in the garage and it is totally flat. This is not normal and my friend with an outback has similar problems so I think my issue is not unique.
Bought vehicle June 2021. Battery failed multiple times. Sometimes it will start with a jump, but on 12/2/21 it was completely dead and required tow to Michael's Subaru dealer in Bellevue, WA. Battery was replaced twice within 6 week period.
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Subaru Forester?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Subaru Forester?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 67 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 4,000 and 35,000 miles, with the median around 11,735. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,000; a quarter make it past 35,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Subaru/Forester.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.