Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
2018 Subaru Forester Recall
Certified technicians, only the experts.Don't Want To Service? Sell Us Your Car!
Frequently Asked Questions
8 common questions answered
What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2018 Subaru Forester?
The NHTSA lists 23 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Subaru Forester, covering air bag systems, brake light switches, turbocharger intake ducts, engine and electrical components, brakes, suspension, and more. Major issues include passenger air bag inflator risks and Occupant Detection System (ODS) seat-connection faults that can deactivate an airbag, brake light switch failures that can stop brake lights from illuminating, and a turbocharger air intake duct that may crack and cause an engine stall. All NHTSA-identified recall repairs are performed free of charge at a certified franchise dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley.
How do I check if my 2018 Subaru Forester has an open recall?
You can verify open recalls by checking your vehicle VIN on NHTSA.gov or by contacting Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley for a free VIN check. Bring your VIN to our service department or call and we will confirm open campaigns and next steps using OEM diagnostic tools and factory-trained technicians. To have us check now, schedule service online and we will run the VIN check free of charge.
How much does a 2018 Subaru Forester recall repair cost?
Recall repairs for the 2018 Subaru Forester are performed at no cost to the vehicle owner when the condition is a manufacturer recall. If a recall repair requires replacement parts or labor, Subaru covers those costs under the recall; Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley will perform the work using OEM parts and factory procedures free of charge. If you need assistance with timing or finance options, we offer service financing and can help you apply via our financing application.
Can I get my 2018 Subaru Forester recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Manufacturer recall repairs must be completed by a certified Subaru dealer to ensure OEM parts, correct technical bulletins, and warranty compliance; Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley is your local certified Subaru dealer in Greeley, CO. Independent shops cannot always access manufacturer-specific replacement parts or the official recall remedy instructions; using a franchise dealer preserves factory warranty and resale value. To book a dealer repair, schedule service with our factory-trained technicians who use Subaru diagnostic systems and OEM parts.
How long does a 2018 Subaru Forester recall repair take?
Repair times vary by campaign: many recall fixes (like replacing an inflator or brake light switch) can be completed in under a day, while some recalls that require hard-to-source parts may take longer. For example, ODS sensor harness replacement parts for certain air bag recalls were initially unavailable and required a scheduling hold — Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley will notify you as soon as parts arrive and prioritize safety repairs. Contact us to schedule service and we will give you a realistic estimate and options for arranging alternate transportation if needed.
Does an open recall affect my 2018 Subaru Forester's trade-in or resale value?
An unresolved recall can reduce buyer confidence and may lower trade-in or resale value because many buyers and dealers check NHTSA records before purchase. Getting recall work completed at Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley protects your vehicle’s value and provides documented proof of completed OEM recall repairs to prospective buyers or trade-in appraisers. To get recall repairs completed before you sell or trade, schedule service or visit our trade-in page to start an appraisal at value your trade; we also offer service financing to help with other maintenance needs.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2018 Subaru Forester recall?
Some recalls involve safety systems (brakes, airbags, lighting) that could lead to failing a state safety inspection if they affect required equipment. Because multiple recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Forester impact brake lights, brake lines, and air bag systems, leaving recalls unresolved can create inspection or registration problems in some jurisdictions. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley can check your VIN and complete necessary recall repairs free of charge; schedule service today and ask about current service specials and our service financing options.
2018 Subaru Forester Recall Summary
These recall summaries are based on NHTSA records; to protect safety and preserve value, contact Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley in Greeley, CO to schedule service—recall repairs are free and should be performed at a certified Subaru dealer.
Recall Service & Dealership Highlights
Safety Risks You Can't Ignore
The 2018 Subaru Forester has multiple NHTSA recall campaigns that present real safety risks and should be addressed promptly. These recalls include passenger air bag inflator concerns and Occupant Detection System (ODS) seat-connection faults that can either deactivate the passenger airbag or, in other campaigns, lead to inflator rupture with sharp fragments. Brake light switch defects and brake-line corrosion recalls can prevent brake lights from illuminating or cause brake fluid leaks, increasing crash risk. There is also a turbocharger air intake duct recall for certain production dates that may crack and cause an engine stall while driving. Ignoring any of these recalls can put occupants and other road users at risk, may affect insurance coverage after an incident, and could complicate state inspections or accident claims. Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley’s factory-trained technicians prioritize safety first; we use OEM diagnostic tools and genuine Subaru parts to ensure recall remedies are performed exactly to manufacturer specifications. All recall repairs are free of charge under the manufacturer's program, and our service advisors will explain the exact NHTSA campaign, the defect, and the remedy before any work begins to keep you informed and safe on the road.
Your Certified Recall Experts
Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley is the local, factory-authorized Subaru dealer serving Greeley, CO and nearby communities including Fort Collins, Windsor, Loveland, Evans and Eaton. Our service center is staffed by factory-trained technicians who follow Subaru technical service bulletins and use OEM diagnostic tools and Subaru-specified replacement parts to complete recall work correctly and safely. Because recall repairs are manufacturer-authorized safety fixes, completing them at an authorized franchise dealer preserves warranty coverage, maintains resale value, and documents the remedy in NHTSA/Manufacturer records. We perform recall repairs at no cost to the owner and we prioritize scheduling for safety-related campaigns. To make recall service convenient, we offer online appointment booking, comfortable waiting areas, and shuttle/loaner vehicle options when available. If parts are delayed for specific campaigns—like previously reported ODS harness availability for certain air bag recalls—we keep customers notified and schedule repairs as soon as parts arrive. For prompt, trusted recall service in Greeley and the surrounding area, trust Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley to handle every step with transparency and factory-level care.
Check Your VIN Today
Unsure whether your 2018 Subaru Forester is affected by an open recall? The quickest way to confirm is to check your VIN on NHTSA.gov or let our service team run a VIN recall check for you free of charge. When you bring your vehicle to Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley we will verify NHTSA records, identify any open campaigns, and explain the recommended corrective actions and expected timelines. Typical recall repairs—such as replacing a brake light switch or installing a passenger inflator replacement—are often completed within a few hours, but some recalls that require specific parts may need additional time; we will provide an accurate estimate when you schedule service. If you are unsure about a campaign or need to coordinate service around your schedule, we can arrange flexible appointment times and inform you about available service specials. Our service advisors will also discuss service financing options if you want help handling non-recall maintenance while your recall is completed.
Protect Your Resale Value
Open recalls on a 2018 Subaru Forester can negatively affect trade-in offers and private sale values because many dealers and buyers check NHTSA recall status during appraisal and purchase decisions. Having recall work completed at a factory-authorized dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru Greeley documents that OEM repairs were performed correctly using genuine Subaru parts, which reassures buyers and can help preserve or improve resale and trade-in value. Completing recalls also reduces the risk of buyers discovering unresolved safety issues during pre-sale inspections. If you are considering trading or selling, bring your vehicle in and we will verify recall completion, perform any required safety remedies, and provide documentation you can present to potential buyers or dealerships. To start the process, you can value your trade online or schedule service to have recall work completed—our goal is to protect your vehicle’s value while ensuring it is safe and compliant for its next owner.
1 / 4
Recall Summary
23 recalls found · All repairs FREE
Air Bag
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Air Bag10
FREE10 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Consequence
If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. Parts are not currently available. Owners will be notified of the recall beginning November 29, 2019, and will receive a second notice when remedy parts are available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Brake Light3
FREE3 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Forester, 2008-2016 Impreza sedans, 2012-2016 Impreza station wagons, 2008-2014 WRX sedans (including STI), and 2013-2017 Crosstrek vehicles. Exposure to certain contaminants may cause the brake light switch to malfunction, preventing the brake lights from illuminating and also preventing keyless ignition vehicles from starting and CVT/automatic transmissions from being able to be shifted out of Park.
Consequence
Brake lights that do not illuminate properly will not alert other drivers that the vehicle is slowing or stopping, increasing the risk of crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake light switch, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 29, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUE-90.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Turbocharger Air Intake Duct1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 WRX vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 21, 2015, and Forester 2.0XT vehicles manufactured April 10, 2015, to October 20, 2015. The turbocharger air intake duct may crack and possibly result in an engine stall.
Consequence
An engine stall increases the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the turbocharger air intake duct, and replace it as necessary, free of charge, depending on the lot number found on the duct. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTA-62.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Ignition1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of t
Consequence
The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Electrical System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles, 2008-2014 Impreza vehicles and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, all equipped with turbo-charged engines. The relay that controls the secondary air injection pump may fail, causing the pump to continuously operate and overheat.
Consequence
If the air injection pump overheats, it may melt and increase the risk of a fire.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the secondary air injection pump relay, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTM-73.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2008-2011 Impreza, 2008-2014 WRX and STI, and 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, currently, or formerly, registered in Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia that were remedied under recall 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. The brake lines may
Consequence
Brake fluid may leak due to the brake line corrosion and may result in longer distances being required to slow or stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will apply an anti-corrosion wax to the four-way joint connector area of the brake line system, free of charge. The recall began on January 27, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQQ-52. Notes: This recall is specific to affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI customers who had their car remedied under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014. Subaru has determined that this remedy was inadequate due to incomplete repair instructions provided to dealers. Affected Forester, Impreza, WRX, and STI vehicles that were not repaired under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311 prior to December 23, 2014 will continue to be processed under NHTSA recall no. 14V-311. Affected vehicles not currently, or formerly, registered in the salt belt states identified in this recall are eligible for repair, at no cost to the customer, upon request.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Equipment1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru is recalling certain model year 2014 Forester vehicles manufactured from January 2013 through March 2013. The backing for the carpeted floor mats was not manufactured to specification. As a result, the floor mats may curl when exposed to heat.
Consequence
Curling of the driver side floor mat could distract the driver and/or interfere with proper operation of one or a combination of, the vehicle's clutch, brake, and accelerator pedals. Brake or accelerator pedal interference may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace each of the vehicle's four (4) carpeted floor mats with new ones. These services will be performed free of charge. Subaru will issue an interim notification by the end of April 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's recall campaign number is WQH-44.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Rear Suspension1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.
Consequence
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin May 14, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Engine2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Consequence
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
Power Steering1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL
Defect
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.
Consequence
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective Action
None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Find Out If We Can Help
Free recall check · No appointment needed
