2018 Subaru Legacy recalls and problems

The 2018 Subaru Legacy has 3 safety recalls and 118 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
3
Complaints
118
Crashes / fires
7 / 1
Injuries / deaths
1 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2018 Subaru Legacy vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2018 Subaru Legacy recalls

Recall 21V-587: Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Jul 29, 2021 · 175,968 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-935: Visibility

Reported Dec 31, 2018 · 71,190 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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."

Risk: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 18V-773: Electrical System, Fuel System, Gasoline

Reported Nov 1, 2018 · 228,648 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: 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.

Fix: 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.

2018 Subaru Legacy problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Electrical System41
Unknown or Other29
Visibility/Wiper25
Engine10
Fuel/Propulsion System8
Visibility8
Structure5
Service Brakes5
Lane Departure5
Steering4
Vehicle Speed Control3
Air Bags3

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 5
  • Visibility › Windshield — 5
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 3
  • Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 3
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge — 2
  • Tires › Sidewall — 2
  • Equipment › Electrical — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 20,900 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2018 Subaru Legacy complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Structure · reported Nov 6, 2026
I own a 2018 Subaru Legacy and have experienced four separate failures of the driver's side interior door handle. Each time, the handle becomes loose, as though disconnected from the release mechanism, preventing me from opening the door from inside. The door can still be opened from outside. I have paid for three previous repairs at two different independent repair shops. Parts were replaced during these repairs, yet the same problem continues to occur. I have receipts documenting all three repairs and can provide copies upon request. This is a serious safety concern. When the engine is off…
Power Train · reported Aug 27, 2026
Following an engine-out service at an authorized dealer (Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru), a primary powertrain mounting bolt was left unthreaded by approximately 1 inch, creating an undetected 8,000-mile safety hazard that resulted in extensive drivetrain and suspension component failures. Subsequently, during a diagnostic inspection at another authorized dealer (All American Subaru), heavy rusted metal pliers and loose cowl trim panels were abandoned unsecured inside the wiper cowl tray beneath the windshield, posing a severe roadway projectile and steering/wiper obstruction hazard.
Electrical System · reported Jul 8, 2026
The vehicle on board video entertainment display has stopped working properly. It does not allow any input to the touch screen. And the only way to regain some functionality is by pressing the steering wheel source button. However it works intermittently. And this causes Driver Distraction while driving.
Electrical System · reported Jun 19, 2026
The factory Harman Kardon Starlink touchscreen infotainment system in my 2018 Subaru Legacy has experienced severe touchscreen delamination. The display has developed widespread bubbling beneath the glass and now generates repeated "ghost touches" without any driver input. The system activates buttons, changes screens, opens menus, and performs functions on its own while the vehicle is being driven. These unintended inputs create a driver distraction and make it difficult to use navigation, audio, and vehicle information functions safely. This appears to be a known and widespread issue…
Unknown or Other · reported Jun 18, 2026
The computer screen has an issue where there is bubbling in the lamination causing the screen to go nuts and become a distracting hazard that you can not shut off. It's a known Subaru Legacy issue and should be a recall. A new screen is $2000 plus, which is not feasable for the average person to pay and it's become a safety hazard, ect.

Other Subaru Legacy years

Compare all Subaru Legacy years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Legacy: 21V-587 (fuel system, gasoline), 18V-935 (visibility), 18V-773 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2018 Subaru Legacy?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (41 reports), followed by unknown or other (29). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 20,900 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.