2018 Subaru Forester: loss of power steering

Filed Nov 7, 2026 · WI

Approximately a half dozen times since I bought my 2018 Subaru Forester Premium new in December of 2017 it has exhibited unintended acceleration, usually after I start it or travelling slowly, as when doing parking maneuvers. When this happens the car will suddenly lurch forward and the engine will roar, even when my right foot is firmly on the brake and no foot on the gas pedal (I use my right foot only on the pedals). The only way I've found to stop this problem is to turn the car off. Upon restarting the car, it drives normally again until this problem reoccurs, which may be weeks or months later. I've examined the possible reasons that this is happening and have eliminated the possibility of the car mat or pressing the wrong pedal or both pedals at the same time. I've tried to press both pedals at the same time on purpose with the car off to check if this is possible, and am unable to press both pedals without my foot slipping between the pedals. I've also experienced the power steering warning light illuminate a few times upon starting the car, upon which the car has no power steering. Turning the car off and then back on again has solved that problem.

Filed Jul 6, 2024 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

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.

Filed Dec 15, 2022 · Airbags, Seats · 94,000 miles · WV

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side seat was extremely hot. Additionally, air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact also stated that the taillights were inoperable. While his wife was driving at an undetermined speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost power steering functionality. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the taillight bulbs were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 90,400.

Filed Feb 10, 2019 · Engine, Steering · 14,771 miles · NY

Had subra 2018 for 2 weeks oil lights come on all lights been having this oil burning for a year. Now the steering freeze up while driving it last week couldn't move car at all on the highway turning. It wouldn't move good thing we weren't going fast on a interstate. Sat on side of road with it. Read book trying to see what was going on no steering that car at all. I didn't buy a brand new car with problems like that. The oil issue been going on since I got car in 2017. Been back a forth to deal ship nothing done what so ever

Filed Dec 21, 2017 · Driver assistance · 160 miles · NC

Brand new vehicle. Driving on an interstate at 55mph and made a slight left turn at a bend in the road, well within the clearly painted lane markers. Clear weather, temp about 50 degrees f. Heard one beep and lost control of the steering for a second while the car steered itself slightly left. My hands were on the steering wheel and I was active operating the vehicle. Startling! Happened two more times. Took it to a dealer and he explained that I might not be used to electronic steering. The same day, on a two lane road at 35 MPH, at a slight left bend in the road, one beep and lost steering for about a second but enough to take the vehicle to the edge of the shoulder. I was startled again and turned sharp left, crossing the double yellow line into the oncoming lane. Fortunately, there were no vehicles in the lane. The culprit seems to be the "lane keep assist" feature of the eyesight system where the vehicle's computer takes over control if it detects a lane departure under certain conditions. Obviously, it is not functioning correctly and could have caused an accident or worse. Turned lka off.