2018 Subaru Outback Electronic stability control Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 0%of 816 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the electronic stability control of the 2018 Subaru Outback, 0% of the 816 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I found a crack in the upper right hand corner of my windshield (Subaru Outback 2018). The vehicle was stationary at the time. There was no cause for the crack (hail storm, rock/gravel hitting car). At this time, the crack has spread and the Subaru eyesight program (sensor program) does not work.”
NHTSA complaint #11291558, filed 2019-12, 10,000 miles“Diving 55 MPH on highway when car started to hard shudder, lose acceleration. Engine light and all other warning lights came on. Difficult to steer and brake. Able to barely pull off road safely and avoid guard rail. No previous problems noted.”
NHTSA complaint #11253464, filed 2019-09, 15,000 miles“Subaru lane assist steering issue. When you have lane assist on the car will try and steer from one lane to another on its own. This happens when you are on the freeway and started after 10,000 miles was on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #11193481, filed 2019-04, 10,000 miles“My 2018 Subaru Outback has brake fade stopped in traffic, brake loss (petal goes to floor) after being parked or driving, and brake loss in x-mode ( x mode feature controls braking/speed on steep slippery roads.Subaru dealer made 4 unsuccessful repair attempts. Subaru of america flew in a field engineer, tied up my car 3 weeks but was unsuccessful also. Mathew in a recorded message soa's service rep.confirmed the brake issues & claimed soa was testing all brake components. On 01/07/2020 my 2018 Subaru ,still under new car warrant, failed to pass a ny state motor vehicle inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11308527, filed 2020-02Electronic stability control: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2 | 0% |
| 2019 | 3 | 0% |
| 2018 | 4 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 0% |
| 2016 | 5 | 1% |
| 2015 | 3 | 1% |
| 2014 | 5 | 2% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 7 | 1% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 1 | 1% |
| 2008 | 2 | 1% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2006 | 6 | 2% |
| 2005 | 7 | 3% |
| 2003 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2018 Subaru Outback
273 complaintsElectrical system
267 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 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