Oil consumption — engine burns oil between changes
medium- Typically appears
- 60k–120k mi
- Estimated repair
- $0 – $200
2018 Subaru
ForesterSUV
SUV
The 2018 Subaru Forester is the fourth-generation version of Subaru's compact SUV, built on the same platform since 2013 and refined through this final model year before a complete redesign arrived for 2019. It pairs Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder, making it a genuinely capable all-weather vehicle without the complexity of a turbocharged powertrain. Cargo space and headroom are class-leading for the segment, and visibility out of the large greenhouse is excellent. The 2018 model year benefits from several years of production refinement. It carries over the CVT transmission that has been in use since 2014, EyeSight driver-assist technology on upper trims, and a reputation for handling Wisconsin winters with minimal drama. The ride is comfortable, if not sporty, and interior quality is functional rather than premium. Owners generally report high satisfaction, particularly for reliability and all-weather confidence. The main long-term concerns are oil consumption on higher-mileage examples, CVT longevity if not properly serviced, and head gasket vigilance — a legacy concern in Subaru's 2.5L lineup that, while largely addressed in this generation, still warrants monitoring.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Forester AWD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
22 city / 28 hwy / 24 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2018 Subaru Forester is the fourth-generation version of Subaru's compact SUV, built on the same platform since 2013 and refined through this final model year before a complete redesign arrived for 2019. It pairs Subaru's standard Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive with a 2.5L naturally aspirated boxer four-cylinder, making it a genuinely capable all-weather vehicle without the complexity of a turbocharged powertrain. Cargo space and headroom are class-leading for the segment, and visibility out of the large greenhouse is excellent. The 2018 model year benefits from several years of production refinement. It carries over the CVT transmission that has been in use since 2014, EyeSight driver-assist technology on upper trims, and a reputation for handling Wisconsin winters with minimal drama. The ride is comfortable, if not sporty, and interior quality is functional rather than premium. Owners generally report high satisfaction, particularly for reliability and all-weather confidence. The main long-term concerns are oil consumption on higher-mileage examples, CVT longevity if not properly serviced, and head gasket vigilance — a legacy concern in Subaru's 2.5L lineup that, while largely addressed in this generation, still warrants monitoring.
Known for
- Standard Symmetrical AWD on every trim
- Best-in-class headroom and outward visibility
- EyeSight collision avoidance (upper trims)
- Strong all-weather and light off-road capability
- Long ownership lifecycle with proper maintenance
Best for
- Wisconsin winters and rural road conditions
- Families needing cargo room in a compact footprint
- Commuters who want AWD without SUV fuel costs
- Outdoor and active lifestyle use
- First-time SUV buyers prioritizing safety ratings
Watch for
- Oil consumption on higher-mileage engines — check the dipstick regularly
- CVT fluid neglect leads to expensive transmission failure
- Head gasket history on the 2.5L — confirm no coolant mixing on used examples
- Timing chain tensioner wear on high-mileage engines
- Windshield replacements are costly due to EyeSight camera recalibration requirement
Common issues by mileage
6 knownCVT hesitation / shudder — fluid degradation or wear
medium- Typically appears
- 80k–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $3,800
VVT / camshaft timing system — oil sludge causing timing codes
medium- Typically appears
- 70k–130k mi
- Estimated repair
- $200 – $900
VVT solenoid circuit faults — intake/exhaust valve control
low- Typically appears
- 80k–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $450
Oxygen / A/F sensor heater circuit failure
low- Typically appears
- 90k–160k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $400
Windshield / EyeSight camera — stone chips and calibration costs
high- Typically appears
- Any mileage
- Estimated repair
- $900 – $1,800
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 6 months or 6,000 miles, whichever comes first Engine oil and filter change — use full synthetic 0W-20
The boxer engine's horizontal cylinder orientation makes it sensitive to oil breakdown. Synthetic 0W-20 flows quickly on cold Wisconsin starts and reduces the oil consumption tendency. Don't stretch to Subaru's 7,500-mile interval on a used vehicle.
- 2 Every 30,000–40,000 miles CVT fluid change
Subaru lists CVT fluid as 'lifetime' but independent shops and owners consistently see shudder and hesitation when fluid is neglected past 60k miles. This is the single highest-impact preventive maintenance item on this vehicle.
- 3 Every oil change Coolant system inspection — check for milky oil or sweet smell
While head gasket failures are uncommon on this generation, catching early coolant intrusion at an oil change prevents a $2,000–$3,500 repair from becoming a $6,000+ engine failure.
- 4 Every 60,000 miles Spark plug replacement — OEM iridium plugs
The boxer layout makes plug access more involved than a standard inline engine. Use OEM iridium plugs to maintain the full 60k interval; cheap plugs may foul sooner given the oil consumption tendency.
- 5 Every 2 years Brake fluid flush
Subaru specifies a 30-month interval. Brake fluid absorbs moisture, which lowers boiling point and accelerates internal corrosion — accelerated by Wisconsin road salt exposure.
- 6 Every 30,000 miles or 3 years Differential and transfer case fluid (front and rear)
Subaru's AWD system relies on clean gear oil in both differentials and the transfer case. Neglected fluid leads to worn center differential components — an expensive repair rarely covered under standard warranties.
- 7 Every 15,000–20,000 miles or annually Cabin and engine air filter
Wisconsin road conditions — salt, sand, and late-spring pollen — clog both filters faster than in drier climates. A clogged engine air filter will worsen the already-modest fuel economy.
- 8 At 100,000 miles or at any sign of rattle on cold start Timing chain inspection
The 2.5L boxer uses a timing chain (not a belt), but chain tensioners can wear on high-mileage examples, especially if oil changes have been infrequent. A cold-start rattle that clears within a few seconds is an early warning.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$550 – $1,100
Fuel
At 24 MPG combined and ~15,000 miles/year, expect roughly $1,500–$1,800/year at current upper-Midwest gas prices. Regular 87 octane is fine.
Insurance
Typically moderate — the Forester's strong safety ratings help keep premiums competitive. Expect $900–$1,400/year for full coverage depending on driver history and ZIP code.
The 2018 Forester is an economical vehicle to own when maintained proactively. The CVT fluid and differential services are the most commonly skipped — and the most expensive to ignore. Budget about $700–$900 in a typical year covering oil changes, filters, and inspections. Add ~$300–$400 in CVT or differential service years. The big wildcard is the windshield: one rock chip requiring full replacement with EyeSight recalibration can add $900–$1,800 to any given year.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to a dedicated winter tire set — the AWD system improves traction but does not replace winter tire compound performance on black ice or packed snow. All-season tires become dangerously stiff below 20°F.
- Use full synthetic 0W-20 year-round; it flows immediately at sub-zero temperatures and reduces cam timing issues on cold starts that can trigger P0012/P0022 codes.
- Test the battery before November — the 2.5L boxer requires a strong crank at cold temps. Replace any battery showing more than 3–4 years of age proactively.
- Top off windshield washer fluid with a -25°F or lower rated fluid. The EyeSight cameras need a clean windshield to function; a streaked or frozen washer system is both a safety and a system issue.
- Rinse the undercarriage every 10–14 days during active salting — the Forester's subframe, control arm mounting points, and brake lines are exposed to spray. Salt accelerates corrosion on the AWD drivetrain components.
- Check tire pressure monthly — a 20°F temperature drop causes roughly a 4 PSI loss. Under-inflated tires degrade fuel economy and handling, and can trigger the TPMS warning light.
Summer
- Check tire pressure after the first hot week of summer — pressure rises with heat and can exceed the door placard spec, causing uneven wear and a harsher ride.
- Inspect the A/C system before June — recharge or address any leaks early. The Forester's cabin heats up quickly due to its large glass area.
- Look for signs of heat soak on longer highway drives — if the CVT hesitates after an extended run, have the CVT fluid condition checked. Degraded fluid breaks down faster under heat.
- Clear the cabin air filter of late-spring pollen before temperatures rise — a clogged filter makes the A/C work harder and reduces airflow significantly.
- Inspect wiper blades after winter — the winter blade rubber degrades faster and should be swapped back to standard all-season blades for summer to avoid streaking on EyeSight glass.
- Check coolant level and condition in the overflow reservoir — summer heat is when early head gasket or cooling system issues will first show as overheating or sweet exhaust smell.
Comparable vehicles
2018 Toyota
RAV4
Same compact SUV segment and price point. The RAV4 has a conventional inline engine and traditional automatic transmission — simpler drivetrain, strong reliability, but less headroom and no standard AWD on base trim.
2018 Honda
CR-V
Excellent fuel economy and cargo space. The 1.5T engine is more powerful but has a documented oil dilution issue in cold climates — a real concern for Wisconsin owners. More refined interior than the Forester.
2018 Mazda
CX-5
Sharper handling and a more premium interior at a similar price. AWD available but not standard. Slightly less cargo room and rear headroom than the Forester; stronger engine options.
2018 Nissan
Rogue
Closest price competitor with standard AWD availability and good cargo space. CVT is also used here but Nissan's version has a weaker long-term track record. Less driver visibility than the Forester.