2018 Subaru Legacy Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 40about this part
- Share
- 34%of 117 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,745miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 40 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Subaru Legacy, 34% of the 117 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,745 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On the dashboard showed that the remain mileage was 70, but it stopped all the sudden due to no gas. I almost caused an accident because the car stopped on a public street with heavy traffic. After many times trying to start the car, it did not work; it was completely dead. I had to leave the car stranded to go and get gas to the nearest gas station.”
NHTSA complaint #11170153, filed 2019-01, 15,365 miles“P014a error code. Started car and was about 1/8 mile away from home driving at 40 MPH on country road, and all the lights came on the dash (check engine, eyesight off warning light, battery, oil, etc...). Immediately turned around and went home. My obdii scanner said p014a error. I reset the code. Called dealer to see if it was safe to drive and drop off (30 miles away) and they said yes. They then said if they cannot read the code they cannot do anything about it (because I reset it and it is not historically saved in the car). …”
NHTSA complaint #11360391, filed 2020-09, 29,000 miles“My Subaru starlink infotainment system has experienced 5 events of total blackout to the infotainment screen over the 9-month period since purchasing. This has resulted in loss of functionality to the phone, bluetooth, radio and backup camera capabilities. Safety was the number one reason why I chose this car (backup camera, lane departure assist, adaptive cruise control). To know that roughly 30% of all minor vehicle accidents occur due to backup-related issues, it scares me that my car is not protecting me from this potential risk. …”
NHTSA complaint #11191566, filed 2019-03, 36,200 miles“Purchased a new Subaru Legacy feb. 28, 2018. After only 70 miles the warning light for seat belts and airbag malfunction appeared on a starlink system and dash. After immediately taking it in at the local car dealer, service agents claimed that a rodent has caused the damage. After further research, we have discovered a national civil suit against Subaru. Apparently they are using biodegradable materials on the wiring of many new cars that attracts squirrels and mice. We have lived at our current residence for over 35 years with numerous cars in the driveway without this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #11076906, filed 2018-03, 69 miles“The radio/navigation screen went blank. The rear view camera, navigation, stereo. Etc. No longer work. I took the car to the dealer today and was told the radio head needs replaced. Problem is they are on national back order and no one can say how long it will take to get it. This is a major safety issue because back up camera no longer works and cross traffic warning no longer works and the navigation no longer works.”
NHTSA complaint #11164470, filed 2019-01, 6,000 milesRelated recalls
- 18V773000Nov 1, 2018Subaru 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…Covers: Subaru Legacy 2018, Outback 2018
Related service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
- 11036789Aug 1, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 29% |
| 2023 | 1 | 10% |
| 2022 | 3 | 9% |
| 2021 | 5 | 16% |
| 2020 | 15 | 12% |
| 2019 | 35 | 28% |
| 2018 | 40 | 34% |
| 2017 | 30 | 25% |
| 2016 | 51 | 35% |
| 2015 | 37 | 23% |
| 2014 | 11 | 21% |
| 2013 | 6 | 9% |
| 2012 | 4 | 4% |
| 2011 | 19 | 11% |
| 2010 | 12 | 8% |
| 2009 | 4 | 6% |
| 2008 | 9 | 14% |
| 2007 | 5 | 15% |
| 2006 | 17 | 20% |
| 2005 | 25 | 14% |
| 2004 | 1 | 2% |
| 2003 | 2 | 3% |
| 2002 | 2 | 4% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 2000 | 6 | 6% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 9 | 8% |
| 1997 | 17 | 12% |
| 1996 | 21 | 17% |
| 1995 | 20 | 11% |
| 1994 | 1 | 2% |
| 1993 | 3 | 4% |
| 1992 | 3 | 5% |
| 1991 | 3 | 4% |
| 1990 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Legacy
32 complaintsOther or unknown
29 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsFuel system
8 complaintsBrakes
6 complaintsLane departure
4 complaintsSteering
4 complaintsBody and structure
4 complaintsAir bags
3 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsVehicle speed control
3 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Legacy
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology