2018 Subaru Outback
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 276 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 651 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 296 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 807 |
| 2019 | 1032 |
| 2020 | 896 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 461 |
| 2023 | 88 |
| 2024 | 96 |
| 2025 | 75 |
| 2026 | 13 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
33% of complaints: electrical system — 267 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing fuel gauge and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
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..
NHTSA ODI report, 20260715
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER
29% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 233 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
DRIVERS SIDE VIEW MIRROR DOES NOT ADJUST FAIR ENOUGH TO SEE MY BLIND SPOT WELL. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM. I'VE READ COUNTLESS FORUMS ON POPULAR SUBARU FORUM WEBSITES. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20170820
5% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
While pulling into a parking spot with my foot on the brake and preparing to stop, the car continued to move up over the curb and then began to accelerate even after I applied both of my feet pushing down on the brakes until I hit our condo...
NHTSA ODI report, 20231106
Also filed under FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE and SERVICE BRAKES
5% of complaints: visibility — 41 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and exterior.
4% of complaints: engine — 36 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
Engine cam carrier seals are leaking. Repair cost is $5,700 plus tax.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260714
SAFETY TIMELINE
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.
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.
Campaign 18V935000 — check if this car was fixed
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles.
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.
Campaign 18V773000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21V587000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (267 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (233 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (43 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V935000 (visibility) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18V773000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V587000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.