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2018 Subaru Forester maintenance schedule

The 2018 Forester is part of the SJ generation (2014-2018), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2018 Forester needs, and when

5 of these 12 items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Heavy usage dictates 3,000-mile intervals. For the 2014 model year, Subaru's 2014 Warranty and Maintenance Booklet schedules oil every 7,500 miles or 7.5 months; 6,000 miles or 6 months applies from 2015

6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Engine air filter

Replace regularly; 7,500 miles for heavy/dusty use.

30,000 mi / 30 monthsIndependent
Cabin air filter12,000 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Tire rotation

Inspect and rotate

6,000 mi / 6 monthsIndependent
Brake fluid

Flush system to prevent internal corrosion.

30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Initial change at 11 years, then every 75k miles/6 years using Subaru Super Coolant.

137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Inspect fluid; severe service dictates complete replacement sooner to prevent catastrophic failure.

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs

Required replacement for optimal emissions and preventing coil pack stress.

60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine belt

Inspect drive belt(s).

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
Differential and transfer case fluid

Inspect; replace every 25,000 miles for heavy usage (towing/hills).

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
PCV valve

Check PCV valve to prevent crankcase overpressurization.

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V battery

Test / replace.

30,000 mi / 3 yearsIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Coolant
Subaru Super Coolant
Transmission fluid
CVT Fluid

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L / 2.0L 4-cyl (FB25 / FA20F), CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2018 Subaru Forester

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 21V587000

July 2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Air bags

NHTSA 19V701000

October 2019

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.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.

Equipment

NHTSA 18V455000

July 2018

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. The Certification Label may indicate the incorrect wheel size, tire size, and air pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will install a corrected label, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTS-78.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$632

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Forester model years

SK (2019-2024)

201920202021202220232024

SJ (2014-2018)

20142015201620172018

Shopping new? The Subaru Forester guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Forester for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2018 Forester earns before you buy it.

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