2018 Subaru Outback: problems, recalls and reliability
3 recalls and 807 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (33% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 6 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jul 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 807 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“2018 Subaru Outback Infotainment center glass delamination causing the system to come on by itself start malfunctioning switching between channels or apps and potentially startle / distract the driver. Incident has been ongoing for over 8 months..”Owner report · Electrical System · Jul 2026
“Engine cam carrier seals are leaking. Repair cost is $5,700 plus tax. Vehicle is well cared for and well maintained with only 96,000 miles The Subaru Manufacturer was contacted and will do nothing to fix and does not admit engineer defect nor manufacturing defect. Basically, 96,000 and needs a new engine. Please put out a national recall.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2026
“The car screens are delaminating and bubbling due to fault of the manufacturer. This is a widespread issue and causes safety issues due to the screen moving erratically while driving, messing with volume and function controls.”Owner report · Electrical System · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“This is my fourth Subaru Outback windshield. The car has 80K. I had it replaced in 2019 when a rock hit the screen by safelight. I had another crack (no rock) fixed in July 2021 and another crack (unclear source) fixed in August 2025, both by Subaru. This weekend I got my fourth crack in the windshield, no rock. The last two times, the crack extended across the screen. This time the crack is so bad, it is hard to drive. Each time Subaru fixes my windshield, it is $1100. I don't know anyone who has broken a windshield, never mind four of them. There was a lawsuit but for some reason it did not include cars older than 2020.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Subaru Outback. The owner located a torn receipt with the discrepancy located in the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 91,000 and at the time of it being discovered the mileage was 148,234. A Carfax report was received. The Sherriff was notified about the matter in Oregon.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2026
“The 2018 Subaru Outback 8" Starlink infotainment system is beeping, switching between the screens, try to disconnect my phone, changes radio stations doesn't recognize when I touch a button on the screen. That it is a distraction while driving as it is one annoying, two I try to get it to stop eventually just have to turn it all off so then I drive with no navigation screen or radio. I am well aware this is a widespread known issue affecting 2018-2019 Outbacks and Legacies, This has been an ongoing issue for the last 6 months in my vehicle.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2026
“Our Subaru backup camera screen is suffering from a factory defect delamination issue which has caused the screen to become hazy and difficult to see. In daylight, the screen is often completely obscured by the defect. Subaru issued a warranty extension from 2020 to 2023 due to class action litigation regarding this issue, but we were never made aware of the extension. Subaru has refused to repair this factory safety defect simply claiming it is out of warranty.”Owner report · Back Over Prevention · Apr 2026
“Our sunroof exploded and shattered. It could have caused a bad accident as the speed limit is 65-70 full of cars and trucks on I-95 north. There was no warning, just a large explosion and shattered glass. Luckily our sunshade was closed so the glass was contained. It was raining and about 50 degrees.”Owner report · Structure · Mar 2026
“Hood flew open at 70 mph on smooth highway. Visibility was restricted to narrow field below open hood and front windshield was cracked through force of impact of hood on front windshield.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Mar 2026
“While driving my 2018 Subaru Outback on the freeway, the sunroof spontaneously shattered without warning. At the time of the incident, there were no nearby vehicles, road debris, or external factors that could explain the failure. This appears to be a dangerous and unexpected defect.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Dec 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 27 of these complaints and injuries in 19 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 3 campaigns
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2018 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Outback by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?
NHTSA has 807 owner complaints and 3 recall campaigns on record for the 2018 Subaru Outback. The most complained-about area is electrical system (33% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Outback problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 18,199 miles or less.
Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have open recalls?
3 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.