2018 Subaru Forester - Maintenance & Specs
The 2018 Subaru Forester belongs to a Subaru Forester lineup that Know Your Ride tracks across 19 model years, from 1998 to 2026. Engine options on record include the 2.5L, 2.0L, 2.0L I4 / 2.5L I4. It is configured as all-wheel drive with a manual 6-spd. The 2018 sits mid-run, with both earlier (1998) and later (2026) Forester model years also documented.
It takes 0W-20 full synthetic oil, 4.4 qt with a new filter meeting API SN Plus. Fluid specs on file include Super Long Life coolant, DOT 3 brake fluid, Subaru ATF HP transmission fluid. Know Your Ride lists 14 scheduled maintenance items for this vehicle, the earliest interval falling at 7,500 miles. Documented torque values include oil drain plug 33 ft-lb, lug nut 89 ft-lb, spark plug 18 ft-lb.
NHTSA complaints for this vehicle cluster around visibility/wiper (123), air bags (55), unknown or other (51). A representative report reads: "June 2025: I proactively replaced the battery October 2025: Left the car parked for 17 days. Dead battery. Got a jump, drove for 2 hours. May 2026: Left the..." There are 3 safety recalls on record; one covers: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size....
EPA fuel economy is rated at 22 city / 28 highway MPG, 24 MPG combined. Estimated annual fuel cost is about $1,800.
Quick Specs
| Oil viscosity | 0W-20 |
| Oil type | Full Synthetic |
| Oil capacity (w/ filter) | 4.4 qt |
| OEM oil spec | API SN Plus |
| Oil filter | Fram XG7317 |
| EPA combined | 24 MPG |
| Tire size | 245/60R18 |
| Coolant | Super Long Life |
| NHTSA overall | 5 / 5 stars |
| Open recalls on record | 3 |
| Technical service bulletins | 200 |
Common Trouble Codes
- P0300 - Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0420 - Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank 1)
- P0171 - System too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128 - Insufficient Coolant Temperature for Stable Operation
- P0442 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak)
- P0455 - Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (gross leak)
- P0700 - Transmission Control System Malfunction
- P0301 - Cylinder 1 Misfire Detected
- U0100 - Lost Communication With ECM/PCM A
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Part of the free Know Your Ride vehicle maintenance reference. Figures are sourced from EPA, NHTSA and manufacturer data and are for general reference - always confirm with your owner's manual.