2018 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 267about this part
- Share
- 33%of 816 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 16,250miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 267 complaints about the electrical system of the 2018 Subaru Outback, 33% of the 816 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 16,250 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 3 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.
“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 miles“I started my car when I was 0 degrees outside. It started but after driving 15 minutes I shut it off. Started it 10 minutes later and the battery was nearly dead. I had to drive the car home in limp mode. This is the 2nd battery in my 2018 Subaru and the car is only 2.5 years old and has 54,000 miles. The battery in these cars are know to die quickly and Subaru won't resolve the issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11396171, filed 2021-02, 54,000 miles“After just under 2 years of ownership, I started noticing that the battery was a bit weak when starting. Since it was out of warranty due to mileage, I took it to a private mechanic for it's 60k mile check up. He found the battery was weak and replaced it. Since then, I an still having the low battery issue. If I do not start the vehicle in 2.5 days, the battery is too week to perform.”
NHTSA complaint #11394734, filed 2021-02, 60,000 miles“Battery failing to start car, received new battery from schomp Subaru summer 2019 after repeated jump starts, towed to dealership twice, continuing with same problem and today I am stuck at home waiting for my schumacher portable charger to recharge.I am araid to drive the car because I don't know when it will stop working.I was told it was because I didn't drive it enough. I leave the car idling”
NHTSA complaint #11404312, filed 2021-03, 6,000 miles“When I turn on the hazard emergency flashing lights on while parked and engine off and I lock the car , both keyless remotes stop working when I try to unlock the doors to enter. To be able to access car need to use the manual key, alarm horn goes off and then push the engine start button and all seems to work fine again. Has happened multiple times.”
NHTSA complaint #11096987, filed 2018-05, 7,000 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 Outback 2018, Legacy 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Outback
273 complaintsOther or unknown
163 complaintsFuel system
46 complaintsEngine
37 complaintsSteering
36 complaintsVehicle speed control
21 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
19 complaintsBrakes
18 complaintsForward collision avoidance
18 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
14 complaintsWheels
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2018 Subaru Outback
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.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology