2018 Subaru Outback recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback and 815 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are electrical system (267), visibility/wiper (234), unknown or other (162). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 22–28 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2018 ranks #10 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (504). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
Recalls 3
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump
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.
Visibility · rearview mirrors/devices
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.
Electrical system · software
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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…
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 ASSESSMEN…
The touchscreen has delamination and ghost touching of the apps. I spoke with my dealer and was first told it was covered by Subaru to replace, as it was a known issue, but when I took my car to the dealer, I was told I would have to pay around $1,500 to have it repaired/replaced. The ghost touching of the screen is so bad and consistent that it is very distracting while driv…
Safety ratings
2018 Subaru Outback SW AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2018 Subaru Outback.
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S6) · 6 cyl · 3.6 L
Regular
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S7) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback, most recently for fuel system, gasoline · delivery · fuel pump (07/29/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Based on 815 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are electrical system (267), visibility/wiper (234), unknown or other (162).
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback safe?
The 2018 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2018 a good year for the Subaru Outback?
The 2018 ranks #10 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (504). It has 3 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings for the 2018 Subaru Outback range from 22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2018 Subaru Outback in South Carolina?
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Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OUTBACK, Outback.