2018 Subaru Outback recalls and problems

The 2018 Subaru Outback has 3 safety recalls and 816 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

816

Crashes / fires

27 / 4

Injuries / deaths

19 / 0

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

2018 Subaru Outback 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 Outback problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Electrical System	269
Visibility/Wiper	234
Unknown or Other	162
Fuel/Propulsion System	43
Visibility	41
Engine	37
Steering	36
Forward Collision Avoidance	23
Vehicle Speed Control	21
Back Over Prevention	20
Service Brakes	18
Structure	15

Most reported parts

Visibility › Windshield — 36
Structure › Body — 15
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 11
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera — 9
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 7
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge — 6
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 5
Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 5

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 16,927 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 Outback complaints

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

Exterior Lighting · reported Oct 20, 2026

Was notified by the dealer upon completion of an oil change, on May 20, 2026, that the driver side front daytime LED running light was not functioning. The light was not on. I am a faithful user of either turning on my headlights in the absence of DRL or using the factory DRL on the vehicle. The failure of one DRL compromises the safety effect of using DRL by 50% and jeopardizes the safety of the driver and others compared to two (2) operating fully functional DRL. There are no dashboard of other system warning indicators on the car to indicate that the DRL is not functioning properly. The…

Unknown or Other · reported Oct 19, 2026

The multimedia device/infotainment system (Harman-Kardon) which controls the radio, navigation maps, back-up camera, etc, is again showing issues with the screen, "delamination," which causes the radio channels to change irradically, causing distraction and confusion when driving. This issue was found and RECALLED years ago, and this car's original radio was replaced in early 2023 with what seems to be the same exact style of equipment. Once again, this replacement radio is doing the same, delamination is visible on the screen, stations changing irradically, BEEP BOP BOOP BOP tones, irritation…

Suspension · reported Oct 11, 2026

SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: The vehicle exhibits severe, premature corrosion and rust perforation of the front subframe (crossmember) assembly. This structural component is deteriorating at an accelerated rate, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. This was confirmed at a Subaru dealership and as a result has failed NY annual inspection. SAFETY RISK & HAZARD ASSESSMENT: The front subframe is a critical load-bearing structural component responsible for securing the vehicle's front suspension, steering rack, and lower control arms. Severe corrosion and rot in this area create an…

Unknown or Other · reported Sep 12, 2026

Infotainment unit in my 2018 Subaru Outback has had a recurring freeze/black-screen defect since new, and it directly affects the backup camera display and interaction with EyeSight safety features, creating a rear-visibility hazard while reversing and a driver-distraction hazard while underway. Documented history: On 6/4/2018 at 6,071 miles, the dealer proactively installed a radio software update with no complaint from me, indicating Subaru was already managing known issues with this head unit. On 9/21/2018 at 13,487 miles, I reported the radio was still blacking out after that update; the…

Engine · reported Sep 11, 2026

The car started to make very loud engine noises and then the engine completely failed. The car was no longer able to accelerate and lost the ability to go in both forward and reverse. Luckily, my son had just arrived home when the car completely lost power, but it began to have acceleration issues as he was driving home. No warning lights came on until after the car had completely failed. Less than a week prior to the incident, the car had an oil change and inspection by the dealership and no issues of concern were noted. The car was towed to the dealer. The technician said that the oil…

Other Subaru Outback years

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Compare all Subaru Outback years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback: 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 Outback?

Owners report electrical system problems most often (269 reports), followed by visibility/wiper (234). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 16,927 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.