2018 Subaru Outback Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 8about this part
- Share
- 1%of 816 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 24,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the seats of the 2018 Subaru Outback, 1% of the 816 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 24,000 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.
“While driving the car with a passenger in the right front seat the air bag warning light came on. The srs occupancy display indicated that the passenger seat air bag was now off even though my wife was still in that seat. This has happened on every drive we take in the car that lasts more then 25 minutes.”
NHTSA complaint #11097154, filed 2018-05, 1,243 miles“I have always wanted a 3.6l and this is my first 3.6l 6 cylinder 2018 Subaru Outback! Am disappointed with few problems: the front seating is not comfortable and not supportive at all, especial in hard turns the seats will not hold you in place, the seat bed is to short and does not support long legs if you are over 5 feet tall. For some reason this is my 3rd Subaru 2nd Outback that has wheel alignment problem right out of the box!!! …”
NHTSA complaint #11120423, filed 2018-08, 250 miles“Windshield developed a crack on the top passenger side, I do not recall any rocks or debris hitting the windshield. Next morning the crack grew to over half the windshield. Over the next few days the crack has grown to cover 85% of the windshield horizontally, almost in a complete u shape.I now have to decide to spend the ~$1,000 to replace the windshield or drive with the crack. After reading all the complaints on 2nd cracks, I'm hesitant. The driver seat has a very annoying squeak when getting in/out and while driving the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316702, filed 2020-03, 24,000 miles“1-windshield very large crack and it kept getting bigger 2-driver seat is squeaking even after the repair. Afraid the seat frame might come a part during accident”
NHTSA complaint #11311574, filed 2020-02, 30,000 miles“The driver's seat continuously squeaks while driving. Subaru dealer says I need a new seat bottom. Apparently, there are other vehicles and years with this same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11271705, filed 2019-10, 54,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10202842Oct 27, 2021This bulletin provides a service procedure to address customer concerns of a âsqueakingâ -type sound from the front seat(s).
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 4 | 0% |
| 2019 | 5 | 0% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 9 | 3% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
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