20 of the 678 complaints about the 2018 Subaru Forester are about the driver-assist systems — 3% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 3,000 miles.
20
Complaints
4
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
Blind Spot Detection goes on an off. Safety is impacted by the system going on and off. Took care to Subaru dealership
NHTSA complaint #11627979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Starting up the car in the morning after a long day stuck in traffic (over 100 degree F weather), moved about 5 feet then the eyesight system stopped working, rear braking stopped, and power steering gave out - the car started and the engine ran normally. The car was abandoned as unsafe until diagnostics could be performed and a different car was used to get around . That evening the car started up fine, also the next morning to reproduce conditions. Tested the battery, which showed "good" (93% charge/40%healthy). I suspect that, in the morning the A/C, headlights, radio, backup lights, etc... put a large draw on the electrical system resulting in a system wide shutdown of adaptive features - However loss of power steering is insane and can easily result in death if it happens while driving especially while making a turn if the driver is not prepared/strong enough to force it. The linking of non-critical system to help the driver to an essential system is just asking for trouble.
NHTSA complaint #11599518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Component: EyeSight Camera motherboard failure due to cold weather (Code B28B3). Possibly an improper conformal coating that is susceptible to cracking or building moisture which then freezes and cracks components of the camera system. Safety Concern: It appears this is common in Subaru EyeSight systems for all models years 2017-2019. A local mechanic shop (Fairbanks, AK) has seen these systems fail repeatedly in our winter climate. I find this concerning that the system that has the ability to control steering and breaking is susceptible to what we consider normal winter climates. Subaru has been vague on the cause of this issue. Reproduced: Yes, this is known and not uncommon per the Subaru Dealer Service Center and an independent local shop. Inspected: Yes the vehicle has been inspected by Kendall Subaru of Fairbanks AK. Warning Lights: No warning before failure. Currently the display shows "EyeSight" in bold indicating the EyeSight system is non functional.
NHTSA complaint #11581380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Component: EyeSight Camera motherboard failure due to cold weather (Code B28B3). Possibly an improper conformal coating that is susceptible to cracking or building moisture which then freezes and cracks components of the camera system. Safety Concern: It appears this is common in Subaru EyeSight systems for all models years 2017-2019. A local mechanic shop (Fairbanks, AK) has seen these systems fail repeatedly in our winter climate. I find this concerning that the system that has the ability to control steering and breaking is susceptible to what we consider normal winter climates. Subaru has been vague on the cause of this issue. Reproduced: Yes, this is known and not uncommon per the Subaru Dealer Service Center and an independent local shop. Inspected: Yes the vehicle has been inspected by Kendall Subaru of Fairbanks AK. Warning Lights: No warning before failure. Currently the display shows "EyeSight" in bold indicating the EyeSight system is non functional.
NHTSA complaint #11581380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Component: EyeSight Camera motherboard failure due to cold weather (Code B28B3). Possibly an improper conformal coating that is susceptible to cracking or building moisture which then freezes and cracks components of the camera system. Safety Concern: It appears this is common in Subaru EyeSight systems for all models years 2017-2019. A local mechanic shop (Fairbanks, AK) has seen these systems fail repeatedly in our winter climate. I find this concerning that the system that has the ability to control steering and breaking is susceptible to what we consider normal winter climates. Subaru has been vague on the cause of this issue. Reproduced: Yes, this is known and not uncommon per the Subaru Dealer Service Center and an independent local shop. Inspected: Yes the vehicle has been inspected by Kendall Subaru of Fairbanks AK. Warning Lights: No warning before failure. Currently the display shows "EyeSight" in bold indicating the EyeSight system is non functional.
NHTSA complaint #11581380 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
After ice storm and after car was cleaned of any ice, The emergency braking appeared to be confused by the ice on the road. I decided to not go forward once I was on the street as it seemed to slick and tried to back up to my house to get into my driveway which is on a slope. In reverse, the brakes kept slamming on after a foot or two and I would lose momentum and slide forward. I ended up having to drive forward around the block forward to get back to my house. The eyesight system seems to get confused very easily when there are icy reflections or snow on the road.
NHTSA complaint #11578805 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Steering wheel locking intermittently, without warning. white car symbol appears between lanes, followed by green car symbol as the wheel locks. Took the car to Liberty Subaru, my dealer, Emerson, NJ. First two times garage unable to replicate the problem, no repairs done. Third time this happened to me, the car started rocking from side to side on the road as the wheel remained locked, terrifying. I called the dealer, they told me to turn off the safety system (lane assist) which I did. Back to the same garage, same outcome. Could not replicate the problem. 4th time this happened to me, I had not reset the lane assist and the same warning symbols appeared as the wheel locked. Back to garage, told me they were not going to give me a loaner car as they cannot replicate the problem. Reported to Subaru of America, no response to first email. Second email acknowledged receipt and gave me a case number: Case# 230306-0200125. Car remains at Liberty Subaru, it is dangerous to drive. I will end up in an accident as I cannot control the car when the wheel is locked, and I will endanger others on the road at the same time. Dates are approx, occurred 4 different days over two weeks approx. Speed ranged from 41 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour when it occurred,
NHTSA complaint #11510900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
I took our 2018 Subaru Forester through a car wash. The usual washing procedure went just fine with me in the car idling in neutral as it went through. When it came to the end of the wash cycle, I coasted out and then shifted into drive. Instantly the car surged forward at an alarming speed and I could not stop it. The car crossed a busy street. I fortunately did not collide with cars. The car continued into a field next to a Ford dealer’s lot at a high speed and I was unable to stop it. I managed to swerve right to avoid crashing into the cars parked on the Ford lot. This sent the car back toward the road. Fortunately I hit a lone fire hydrant along the road, shearing the hydrant completely off. The hydrant was dragged along under the front left tire until it hit the curb stopping the car. The air bag did not deploy and I was not injured. This all occurred in a matter of seconds.
NHTSA complaint #11456421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Unknown system that failed but vehicle equiped with EyeSight and all of Subaru safety features. Air bag did not deploy. Pulling into curbed parking space at city park. Speed <10 mph while in parking lot. Applied brake while pulling in space to park and car accelerated jumping the curb. The car was out of control and luckily heading into the woods. Tried to apply brake again but car kept accelerating. Car went approximately 10-12 feet and crashed into a tree. I suffered only stiffness and sore muscles from the seatbelt. An accident report was filed with local police department. No warning lamps, messages or other messages appeared prior to the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11453186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
Unknown system that failed but vehicle equiped with EyeSight and all of Subaru safety features. Air bag did not deploy. Pulling into curbed parking space at city park. Speed <10 mph while in parking lot. Applied brake while pulling in space to park and car accelerated jumping the curb. The car was out of control and luckily heading into the woods. Tried to apply brake again but car kept accelerating. Car went approximately 10-12 feet and crashed into a tree. I suffered only stiffness and sore muscles from the seatbelt. An accident report was filed with local police department. No warning lamps, messages or other messages appeared prior to the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11453186 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Temperature dropped to -20 and large crack randomly appeared on driver side windshield. This crack has caused the eyesight safety feature to not work meaning I don’t have lane departure warning or forward collision warning. Informed my warranty does not cover the windshield repair or required camera recalibration.
NHTSA complaint #11448105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Temperature dropped to -20 and large crack randomly appeared on driver side windshield. This crack has caused the eyesight safety feature to not work meaning I don’t have lane departure warning or forward collision warning. Informed my warranty does not cover the windshield repair or required camera recalibration.
NHTSA complaint #11448105 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
WENT TO START MY CAR AND BATTERY WAS DEAD. GOT A JUMP FROM AAA BUT SINCE NONE OF THE EYESIGHT SAFETY FEATURES WORKED, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SUBARU AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I WAS TOLD I'D NEED TO DRIVE IT EVERY DAY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. THAT'S ABSURD. TO MAKE THINGS WORSE, REMOTE START WILL ONLY WORK FOR 2 STARTS. ON THE 3RD START, IT WON'T START UNLESS YOU START THE CAR MANUALLY. WHAT'S THE POINT OF HAVING A REMOTE START IF YOU HAVE TO START THE CAR MANUALLY EVERY 3 DAYS?
NHTSA complaint #11416714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
WENT TO START MY CAR AND BATTERY WAS DEAD. GOT A JUMP FROM AAA BUT SINCE NONE OF THE EYESIGHT SAFETY FEATURES WORKED, I HAD THE CAR TOWED TO SUBARU AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I WAS TOLD I'D NEED TO DRIVE IT EVERY DAY TO KEEP THE BATTERY CHARGED. THAT'S ABSURD. TO MAKE THINGS WORSE, REMOTE START WILL ONLY WORK FOR 2 STARTS. ON THE 3RD START, IT WON'T START UNLESS YOU START THE CAR MANUALLY. WHAT'S THE POINT OF HAVING A REMOTE START IF YOU HAVE TO START THE CAR MANUALLY EVERY 3 DAYS?
NHTSA complaint #11416714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
CRACKING WINDSHIELD ONCE A YEAR SINCE LAST YEAR.
NHTSA complaint #11413527 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FOSTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARKING HER VEHICLE SHE SHIFTED INTO PARK, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A BUILDING. THE CONTACT MENTIONED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND NO STRANGE SOUND HAPPENED BEFORE THE CRASH. THE VEHICLE FAILED TO DEPLOY THE AIR BAGS. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED WHIPLASH AND NECK PAIN BUT NO MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. EMERGENCY OFFICIALS WERE CONTACTED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE 'S FRONT BUMPER AND HEADLIGHT WAS DAMAGED AND THE BUILDING DOOR WAS BROKEN. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURE WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 65,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11399285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
ENCOUNTERING 2 ISSUES: WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR AND TEAR ON FRONT TIRES
NHTSA complaint #11376993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
ENCOUNTERING 2 ISSUES: WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED AND FRONT WHEEL ALIGNMENT CAUSED UNEVEN WEAR AND TEAR ON FRONT TIRES
NHTSA complaint #11376994 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BACKUP CAMERA'S PICTURE QUALITY HAD BECOME EXTREMELY POOR AND OBJECTS BEHIND THE VEHICLE WERE NOT VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WHEELING SUBARU (1 NATIONAL RD, WHEELING, WV) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11155204 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
SUNDAY APRIL8 2018, THE 'EYESIGHT' WHICH IS A SAFETY DEVICE WAS POSSIBLY TURNED OFF REMOTELY, THUS RENDERING THIS SAFETY DEVICE INOPERABLE AND COULD CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO GET INTO AN ACCIDENT WITHOUT ANY WARNING, THE SAFETY DEVICE WARNS YOU IF YOU CROSS OVER THE CENTER OR SHOULDER TRAFFIC LINE. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IT HAPPENED AND WAS REPORTED TO FCC, SUBARU AND THEIR DEALERSHIP. I HAVE AN IDEA WHO'S BEHIND THIS DANGEROUS MANIPULATION BUT I DON'T HAVE THE TALENT OR RESOURCE TO PROVE IT.
NHTSA complaint #11085135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.