2018 Subaru Outback Problems
Compared with other Subaru Outback years
More complaints than typical for this model
72/100 1.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.7× that of a typical Subaru Outback year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 406 of its 816 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Windshield cracks from light impacts or on its own (292 complaints, median 23,000 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016, 2021
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 816filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 16,794miles, 488 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 28 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 25 city / 32 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 Subaru Outback (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2018 Outback most often report windshields that crack from small impacts or from seemingly no impact at all, and batteries that drain within a few days of sitting, sometimes requiring repeated jump starts and replacements. Complaints also describe the infotainment head unit freezing and blanking out (which can take the backup camera with it), and a smaller group reports brief drops in power steering assist. Most of these are reported at low mileage, under roughly 30,000 miles.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks from light impacts or on its own
- 292 complaints (36%)
- median 23,000 mi at 2.1 yrs old (217 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $930 (median of 25 quotes)
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the front windshield cracking from very small stone strikes, or developing a crack while parked or during normal driving with no visible impact point. Cracks often start at an edge or near the wipers and spread across the driver's line of sight within minutes or days. Several owners had the glass replaced more than once, including replacement Subaru-branded windshields, and report the dealer attributing the damage to an impact point and declining warranty coverage; some paid around $1,000 or more out of pocket. Reported across low and moderate mileage, from a few thousand to about 60,000 miles, often on the highway or after the car sat parked.
What to check: Inspect the windshield closely for chips, edge cracks and past replacement, and ask whether any glass work was done and whether it was covered. Check with the insurer about glass coverage before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Hello! So I just got this Subaru a few weeks ago and today in the right side look like the tinniest rock in the world hit it and cracked my windshield. I've talked to a few a my buddy's who own Subaru's as well and was told to contact y'all because the new models have a very thin windshield and y'all will have it taken care of. Thanks for your time. Cody.”
NHTSA complaint #11402598, filed 2021-03, 15,000 miles“I noticed a crack in the windshield doesn't know how it's happened. I reported this issue to the dealer. They suggested fixing the issue with insurance. I don't know why Subaru is very carelessly handling the quality of windshield even though they are focusing more other safety features.”
NHTSA complaint #11318057, filed 2020-03, 18,000 miles - Electrical system
Battery drains and won't start after sitting
- 162 complaints (20%)
- median 20,750 mi at 3.0 yrs old (79 state mileage)
- filed 2018–2024
Owners report the battery going flat after the car sits for a few days, sometimes within hours, leaving them needing a jump start, and several had the battery replaced two or three times within a few years. Some tie the drain to the rear hatch motor or liftgate continuing to run or not latching properly. Complaints describe dealers testing the battery as good, being unable to find a cause, or replacing the battery without resolving the drain. Mostly reported under about 30,000 miles, often after the car sat parked for several days or in cold weather.
What to check: Ask whether the battery has been replaced and how recently, and check for a parasitic-draw diagnosis or a battery tender in the previous owner's records. Watch that the liftgate closes and the hatch motor stops after use.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Car lights came on after sitting not running. Went to start the car, but not enough power to start it. Battery light was on. The next day, the battery was completely dead. I had to jump start it so I could go buy a new battery.”
NHTSA complaint #11365780, filed 2020-10, 40,000 miles“My 2018 Subaru Outback has been having issues with the battery and the car not starting. It seemed to have stemmed from the liftgate working improperly and draining the battery. It happened about a year ago, but self-resolved after resetting liftgate and jump starting car. Recently, about two weeks ago, it started having issues with the liftgate and battery again and was left stuck at a shopping center parking lot until I was able to get roadside assistance with a jumpstart. …”
NHTSA complaint #11337784, filed 2020-07, 42,800 miles - Electrical system
Infotainment screen freezes or goes blank
- 84 complaints (10%)
- median 11,000 mi at 1.2 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe the touchscreen head unit freezing or going non-responsive at random while driving, taking out navigation, phone integration and the backup camera until the car rests for a while. Some report the screen or radio display failing entirely and the rearview camera showing no image when reversing. Complaints mention dealer resets, software updates and at least one replacement unit without a lasting fix. Reported from low mileage up to about 40,000 miles, at random points during driving or while parked.
Recall 18V9350002 related service bulletins
What to check: With the car running, test the touchscreen, radio, navigation and rearview camera, and ask whether software updates or a head-unit replacement have been done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The touch screen on my radio/head unit intermittently freezes. Was told by dealership service it is likely due to bluetooth, and tethering interference because they both try to connect. Dealer reset the radio, and I have not connected the bluetooth at all after the reset. Yet again same problem. This has been replaced once due to the recall and class action lawsuit. It still has issues. There isn't any real time frame when it does this just randomly turns non-responsive on the main touch screen. …”
NHTSA complaint #11338480, filed 2020-07, 27,765 miles“The head unit has failed and frozen several times. When this happens, functions like smartphone integration, navigation, and backup camera stop working. This occurs when vehicle is in motion. Functionality returns after car rests for several hours. Dealer has been unable to fix the issue with software updates.”
NHTSA complaint #11337308, filed 2020-07, 19,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase inspection look closely at the windshield for chips or prior replacement and check the car's recall status and battery history, since glass and battery drain are the most frequent owner reports. Test the touchscreen and backup camera and take a highway drive to feel for any steering assist interruption.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 816 consumer complaints for the 2018 Subaru Outback. 488 of the complaints include a mileage, and 92% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 16,794 miles. Of all complaints, 27 involved a crash, 4 a fire, 19 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 439 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Subaru Outback model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 72 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system267 33%
- Other or unknown163 20%
- Fuel system46 5.6%
- Engine37 4.5%
- Steering36 4.4%
- Vehicle speed control21 2.6%
- Brakes18 2.2%
- Forward collision avoidance18 2.2%
Also reported: Body and structure (15), Transmission and drivetrain (14), Wheels (11), Exterior lighting (10), Suspension (9), Air bags (8), Lane departure (8), Seats (8), Electronic stability control (4), Equipment (2), Seat belts (2), Tires (2), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Like many others, my windshield started cracking in 2 separate places. One long crack from just above the wiper blade spanning 18 inches, and another one that starts from midway up on the passenger side about 2 feet long that almost links up with the other one. Windshield was not struck and just occurred while in my driveway and garage in florida.”
NHTSA complaint #11337712, filed 2020-07, 52,000 milesElectrical system: “Battery doesn't hold charged when parked over night. Can't start the engine after a few hour drive and park over night. Now I have to let the car engine running for a few hour everyday to keep the battery charged up enough to start the engine. Has to jump the car many times already. Gonna call the dealer and ask what are my options tomorrow.”
NHTSA complaint #11350306, filed 2020-08, 37,500 milesOther or unknown: “Keyless access system has issues. Several times I have found the car unlocked and / or with the rear hatch door approximately half way open. I've noticed also that sometimes other person fob interfering with my car. 2x when I've been parked with engine off the alarm system would start blaring for no reason. All these incidents happened with the car parked and engine off.”
NHTSA complaint #11317446, filed 2020-03, 12,000 milesFuel system: “Windshield cracked for no reason known - I my vehicle was parked in the garage upon getting into my vehicle to folllowing morning I noticed a crack that grow significantly within a day had to have it replaced a few months after purchasing fuel capacity does not register correctly - I did have the recall done but it still does not work properly”
NHTSA complaint #11271311, filed 2019-10, 4,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
92% of the 488 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 7,228 and 30,850 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 17.4% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2018 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2017: same overall rating; 2019: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2018 Subaru Outback version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 25 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Outback AWD | 3.6L 6-cyl | CVT | 20 | 27 | 22 | $3,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel system, gasoline › Delivery › Fuel pumpCovers: Subaru Outback 2018–2020, Legacy 2018–2020, Impreza 2018–2020 +5 more
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.
- 18V935000Dec 31, 2018Visibility › Rearview mirrors/devicesCovers: Subaru Outback 2018, Legacy 2018, BRZ 2018
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…
- 18V773000Nov 1, 2018Electrical system › SoftwareCovers: Subaru Outback 2018, Legacy 2018
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…
Recall details for the 2018 Subaru Outback → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 439 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This 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 original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This 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 original bulletin.
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036814Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
Other model years of the Subaru Outback
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 21 | — | 0 | — | 24 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 83 | 2,000 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 104 | 3,395 | 0 | 5 | 25 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 89 | 7,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 0 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 465 | 13,947 | 4 | 5 | 26 | 77 · More | Stable |
| 2021 | 298 | 3,600 | 4 | 5 | 29 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2020 | 901 | 5,750 | 6 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 1,036 | 10,194 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 87 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 816 | 16,794 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 72 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 919 | 30,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 643 | 35,000 | 4 | 5 | 28 | 54 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 510 | 20,000 | 5 | 5 | 28 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 208 | 35,000 | 10 | 5 | 24 | 13 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 297 | 44,100 | 12 | 5 | 24 | 21 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 294 | 90,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 3 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 653 | 85,000 | 16 | 4 | 22 | 46 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 360 | 68,000 | 18 | — | 22 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 106 | 70,350 | 13 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2008 | 226 | 79,150 | 8 | — | 20 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 130 | 81,147 | 8 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 277 | 95,316 | 7 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 273 | 82,000 | 9 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 90 | 67,693 | 10 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 93 | 73,762 | 14 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2002 | 143 | 70,500 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 171 | 72,000 | 3 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 207 | 68,318 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1999 | 111 | 89,500 | 1 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 127 | 91,486 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 79 | 103,995 | 4 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 46 | 125,453 | 2 | — | — | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
All Subaru Outback model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Owners of the 2018 Outback most often report windshields that crack from small impacts or from seemingly no impact at all, and batteries that drain within a few days of sitting, sometimes requiring repeated jump starts and replacements. The issues reported most often: Windshield cracks from light impacts or on its own; Battery drains and won't start after sitting; Infotainment screen freezes or goes blank.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA recorded 816 consumer complaints for the 2018 Subaru Outback as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Subaru Outback is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 273 complaints (33% of the total), followed by electrical system with 267.
Has the 2018 Subaru Outback been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2018 Subaru Outback do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 Subaru Outback 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Subaru Outback (Outback AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 28 mpg combined, 25 city and 32 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,400 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback reported?
Among the 488 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 16,794 miles and the middle half falls between 7,228 and 30,850 miles; 92% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.