2018 Subaru Outback Equipment Problems
- Complaints
- 2about this part
- Share
- 0%of 816 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 75,500miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 2 complaints about the equipment of the 2018 Subaru Outback, 0% of the 816 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 75,500 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.
“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system screen operated independently and an unknown notification alert sounded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11622441, filed 2024-10, 77,000 miles“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while reversing, the display screen image was glaring and cloudy. Additionally, the infotainment screen failed to function properly and made beeping sounds, distracting the contact while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the infotainment screen had delaminated and that the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. …”
NHTSA complaint #11656021, filed 2025-04, 74,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253987Apr 22, 2024T16 Warranty Extension (15-317-24R) Frequently Asked Questions.
- 10253971Apr 12, 2024In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) Warranty from 3 years (36 months) of 36,000 miles to 8…
- 10252554Mar 29, 2024This bulletin announces repair procedures to be used when diagnosing dark current draw (parasitic draw) on vehicles equipped with Gen 1 Data Control Modules.
- 10252551Mar 29, 2024This bulletin provides a repair procedure when diagnosing dark current draw on vehicles with GEN 1 Data Control Modules.
- 10252448Mar 12, 2024Subaru has extended the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from 3 years 36,000mi to 8 years or 100,000mi. In rare cases, customers may experience a dead battery as a result…
- 10251116Feb 28, 2024This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).
- 10251114Feb 28, 2024This announcement provides information in regard to the extension of the basic new car limited warranty for the Telematics Data Communication Module (DCM). This coverage will…
- 10251111Feb 27, 2024Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from three years (36 months or 36K miles) to eight years (96 months or 100K miles)…
- 10251108Feb 27, 2024This bulletin provides procedures required for reprogramming the Data Communication Module (DCM) in Gen 1 Subaru vehicles due to sunsetting of the 3G network.
- 10246143Nov 27, 2023In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is extending the New Car Basic Warranty coverage for the 12 Volt batteries used in the above listed models and…
Equipment: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 1 | 1% |
| 2020 | 1 | 0% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 1 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 7 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2011 | 3 | 0% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 3 | 2% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2003 | 2 | 2% |
| 2002 | 2 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 3 | 1% |
| 1999 | 1 | 1% |
| 1998 | 2 | 2% |
| 1997 | 3 | 4% |
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 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