2018 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 811 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2018 reports, 27 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 19 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJul 29, 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.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V587000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, rearview mirrors/devicesDec 31, 2018
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."
Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
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.
Campaign 18V935000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareNov 1, 2018
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.
The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18V773000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
160 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2024
My 2018 Subaru Outback has an infotainment display that has a Delaminating Screen issue, where the screen that controls so many aspects of the car's functionality (to include safety) is now becoming increasingly harder to see.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Sep 26, 2024
The head unit on my 2018 Subaru Outback is pressing random buttons all over the screen by itself. It would constantly make the button noise as I drive leading me to lose track of the directions that was being provided from my Apple Maps. It would also disconnect me from CarPlay leaving me with no sense of direction as to where I should be going. I have gotten this fixed before at a Subaru dealership and they ended up replacing the head unit for me, however this is the second time it’s happening and there is obviously a serious problem with the all the units.
Other or unspecified, Sep 11, 2024
The infotainment system screen has delaminated causing the screen to jump between sources, the backup camera to randomly not display . The problem started last month and is worsening
Other or unspecified, Sep 6, 2024
The head unit of the stereo/info system is malfunctioning. The screen is delaminating from the face of the LED touchscreen panel, which causes the unit to experience "phantom touches." These cause the screen to constantly change displays, zoom in/out of navigation software, and change audio settings & inputs, and disconnects phone calls or switches them from my speaker to my phone (forcing me to pick up the phone to correct the problem). It has rendered my hands-free interface with the entire vehicle essentially useless, which is a safety concern as now my attention is pulled away from driving to attempt to correct the problem. Additionally, the screen is constantly shifting & changing displays which is quite a visual distraction. This is a known problem & has been reported numerous times to Subaru. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer for them to inspect. Their suggestion was that I replace the unit for a cost of $2,526.16. At this point, it is very difficult to operate the vehicle safely, without near constant distractions from the problem with the unit.
Other or unspecified, Aug 30, 2024
The car's display panel which I use to carplay to navigate google map randomly calling people on my contact list and randomly make commends such as play media or search maps as if I touched the panel screen to commend. The incidents happened while I was driving which caused me lost google map and almost lost control of the car since I tried to cancel the phone calls I didn't make. This is safety concern, please require Subaru to fix the panel. thanks
Other or unspecified, Jul 25, 2024
Touchscreen on radio system is delamination causing the system to cycle through sources, ie: fm, am, sxm, and Bluetooth. This causes distractions while driving. Dealership is aware of issue and stated it was common. No warnings before malfunction. Malfunctions started a few months ago.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Jul 19, 2024
2018 Subaru Outback headunit is "delaminated" causing phantom touches on the headunit's touch screen. While driving, the headunit will act as if something is pressing random buttons, changing radio stations, opening/closing maps, going through settings panel and changing car settings, ultimately distracting the driver usually at highway speeds. Many other Subaru owners are reporting the same issue on the forums: [XXX] [XXX] Subaru is reporting the fault as "regular wear and tear" and charging customers $1200+ to replace the headunits. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 19, 2024
Sterio and Navigation screen has formed bubbles and what appears to be a film under the screen and has also started delaminating. The screen is now rarely usable as it appears to have a mind and hands of its own as it makes its own selections on the screen and no longer allows me to control it. This is very dangerous as the Subaru touch screen offers setting adjustments that are being changed while on the road, without my control. It is my understanding that Subaru will not replace this unless you pay $2k+ out of pocket even though SEVERAL incidents are reported. Unfortunately, I am not in good standing to purchase another car right now so I will have to continue driving this car and praying that whatever settings that car adjusts during that drive won't have a negative impact.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2024
I purchased my car used from dealership in Temecula,CA [XXX]. My first windshield cracked and was replaced [XXX] at dealership after a small rock hit my car on the freeway, I paid for this replacement. My 2nd windshield cracked for no reason and was replaced [XXX] at dealership Subaru paid for only 1/2 the price to replace. Had contacted the advocacy department and Subaru and filed a case. Now the 3rd windshield has cracked 5/2024 for no apparent reason (meaning no point of impact) and I have filed another case with Subaru. I have an advocate and case number. Logan at Subaru of America case #[XXX]. Something is wrong with these windshields. This is my first time owning a Subaru and I never had these problems with any of my other cars owned. I think there’s something wrong with these windshields. They are cracking to easily and I feel like it’s a huge safety issue as well as expense to replace. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Apr 24, 2024
The display screen has spots and fog like symptoms on the screen. Certain angles when the sun hits the screen it is not visible to see what is on the screen like the map or other settings.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 22, 2024
Audio system does not work which does not allow - hands-free use of phone - sound alert when nearing railroad crossing - voiced directions when using Waze
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2024, crash
Two incidents of unprovoked acceleration 1st incident: approximately March 2021 Slowly backing up at a gas station and experienced sudden acceleration causing the car to hit a metal guard at the fuel pump. This resulted in damage to the vehicle requiring repair. 2nd incident: 12/2023 Slowly entering a parking space when there was sudden acceleration causing the vehicle to to go over a concrete curb across a grassy median to hit an unoccupied car parked directly across. This resulted in damage to the bumper and damage to the car it hit. Police were called but they were busy and this happened in a parking lot so an incident number was obtained and insurance information was exchanged between driver and other vehicle owner.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2024
Touchscreen is sticking or not working, I understand this is a standard problem with Subaru. I also wanted to report issues with Touchscreen on my 2018 Subaru Outback.
Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2024
MMy wife got into the car and as she was removing the sun shield, she lightly bumped the rear view mirror. It imploded covering her and the passenger seat with small sharp glass shards. I was just opening the passenger door to get inside and did not get covered with the glass shards. The windshield shattered in August, 2023. At that time, we checked and there were many other similar instances recorded on line. The inner glass broke and the mirror fell down, however the outter glass did not shatter or crack. I filed a complaint with [XXX] on December 8th, as well. They suggested that I report it to SaferCar.gov Thank you Sincerely [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jan 8, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? After about 1 year of procuring vehicle, the car battery would die about every 4-8 weeks. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? I travel often and could *never* rely on my car to start up properly. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, and also is in a civil law suit because of it. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, although still not even remotely confident that they have truly identified the issue. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warnings whatsoever. The battery would be fully charged one day and dead as DEAD can be the next. As noted above, it first started after about a year of having the vehicle, then started trouble shooting w/ the dealer for about the next 2 years over about 6 appointments.
Other or unspecified, Dec 29, 2023
My sunroof spontaneously combusted while driving, without anything hitting the vehicle or any pre-existing damage. The glass shattered everywhere while going down the highway.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2023
My vehicle just dies and leaves me stranded after turning off the car and leaving it overnight. This has happened many times, and I worry everytime I go camping or to some remote place where I may not have cell signal to get a tow truck to jump me. If I don't carry water and food, medicine, at all times, I fear what will happen to me if I am stranded and cannot get help on time. My car is 5 years old, I am on my 3rd battery. In every case, the battery should have been very well charged because it happens after highway driving for several hours. Suburu and the dealers try to deny that anything is wrong; but one of the rescue mechanics told me that the alternator seems to overcharge. Yes , I took the vehicle in for all inspection while it was under warranty. I reported these events to no avail. NO WARNING LIGHTS COME ON. I need to be able to get this fixed. How do I do that?
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 29, 2023, crash
Driver experienced an unexpected uncommanded sudden acceleration upon application of the braking system in the driveway, which caused a collision with the garage/house. The safety of the driver and other were put at risk. Significant damage to the house/garage occurred. This is a first time occurrence. Owner has not yet had the opportunity to have the vehicle inspected by dealer, independent service center, manufacturer, police or insurance rep due to timing of the accident. No warning lights message were displayed. Driver slowed the vehicle in anticipation of putting the vehicle in park when uncommanded brake release occurred, vehicle accelerated and struck the house. Reason for incident is unknown. Vehicle remains parked pending further inspection.
Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2023
The navigation/radio/app/rear back-up camera/control center malfunctioned Sept. 2022; replacement unit took over two months to arrive. That unit failed in March 2023. We are still (6/23) awaiting a replacement. See attachment for more detailed narrative.
Other or unspecified, May 3, 2023
This vehicle has a malfunctioning Infotainment system that causes it to continuously select menu options while driving. It is a safety issue as it is very distracting, and the entire unit is unable to be used even when parked. The Subaru dealership in Huntington Beach and Santa Ana CA informed me that it is a manufacturing issue, an I am on a waitlist for the part. It is worth flagging here because of the safety issue.
Other or unspecified, Apr 17, 2023
Starlink Infotainment system, moves between sound system functions on its own, like you have touched the touchscreen repeatedly. Sirius Radio will no longer stay attached to a station and play. Reset failed to correct.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 15, 2023
The touchscreen on the Starlink head unit is delaminated and there is a “ghost touch” whenever the screen is on. You can visibly see bubbles under the screen. While I was driving my kids to daycare the other day, the navigation system activated and said that “you cannot change the volume at this time” repeatedly for no reason. It also changes driving directions mid-trip. It’s very distracting while driving and makes the car information system and radio unusable. My dealer said that this is a known problem and that they would fix it; however, the part is back for months. They said they could not turn the screen off without disabling other safety features such as the back-up camera.
Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2023
The head unit touch screen is delaminating making it difficult to see the backup camera view while backing the vehicle up. The unit is also constantly switching through radio stations and makes phone calls when I have my phone hooked up to the vehicle to charge it. I cannot turn the unit off. This is vary distracting while I drive. It is unsafe to drive while while the unit in use, due to the constant radio and screen switching as well as the delaminated screen causing visibility issues while trying to use the backup camera.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 27, 2022
The battery has drained twice in the time that I have owned this vehicle. Once I was able to recharge the battery by jumpstarting and letting it run. The second time it required a battery replacement. This was approximately 12 months after the first incident. The electrical system also has unpredictable quirks related to the window functions and lighting. I am uncertain to other resulting irregularities that may be occurring under the hood. Currently, my car is being serviced for a radiator fan and motor replacement for the cooling system. The estimate for repair is $1747 + tax. This is potentially related to the electrical quirks related to the battery irregularities.
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Aug 30, 2022, crash
Car jerked back and suddenly accelerated without warning as driver had foot on brake and was slowly pulling into parking spot. Car hit wall of parking garage causing front end damage. Parking collision warning did not sound at any point. Car was going 1-2 MPH and was 5 feet from end of parking spot when incident occurred. Sudden acceleration when driver has foot on brake can cause injury to driver, passengers or others in the path of the car. No hazards in parking garage were present that could have caused accident, which was witnessed by driver's work colleague. No police report filed. Incident was reported to Subaru, which ran diagnostic and could not replicate issue. No warning messages were present prior to the incident. It appears there are 2 current class action lawsuits filed against Subaru reporting similar issues with 2018 Outback. I am unsure what component failed to cause this issue; car is available for inspection on request.