CarRecallWatchThe 2018 Subaru Outback has 3 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 816 complaints with NHTSA, including 27 crashes, 4 fires, 19 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Electrical System (269 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2018 Subaru Outback recalls
Fuel pump may fail, causing engine stall while driving
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail on certain Subaru and Toyota 86 vehicles.
Rearview camera may stay blank when backing up
A software problem in the audio display system can stop it from starting up, leaving the rearview camera image blank.
Fuel Warning May Not Show Empty Tank, Risking Stalls
A software error in certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles can cause the low fuel warning light to stay off at the intended remaining fuel level.
Most common 2018 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 816 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 269 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 234 |
| Unknown Or Other | 162 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 43 |
| Visibility | 41 |
| Engine | 37 |
| Steering | 36 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 23 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 21 |
| Back Over Prevention | 20 |
What owners report
Was notified by the dealer upon completion of an oil change, on May 20, 2026, that the driver side front daytime LED running light was not functioning. The light was not on. I am a faithful user of either turning on my headlights in the absence of DRL or using the factory DRL on the vehicle. The failure of one DRL compromises the safety effect of using DRL by 50% and jeopardizes the safety of the driver and others compared to two (2) operating fully functional DRL. There are no dashboard of other system warning indicators on the car to indicate that the DRL is not functioning properly. The repair cost is unreasonable and subjects any 2018 Subaru Outback Owner with a factory defect
The multimedia device/infotainment system (Harman-Kardon) which controls the radio, navigation maps, back-up camera, etc, is again showing issues with the screen, "delamination," which causes the radio channels to change irradically, causing distraction and confusion when driving. This issue was found and RECALLED years ago, and this car's original radio was replaced in early 2023 with what seems to be the same exact style of equipment. Once again, this replacement radio is doing the same, delamination is visible on the screen, stations changing irradically, BEEP BOP BOOP BOP tones, irritation and distrtaction! I believe it could be caused by the heat of summer and the angle of the screen o
SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: The vehicle exhibits severe, premature corrosion and rust perforation of the front subframe (crossmember) assembly. This structural component is deteriorating at an accelerated rate, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. This was confirmed at a Subaru dealership and as a result has failed NY annual inspection. SAFETY RISK & HAZARD ASSESSMENT: The front subframe is a critical load-bearing structural component responsible for securing the vehicle's front suspension, steering rack, and lower control arms. Severe corrosion and rot in this area create an imminent risk of structural failure, specifically the potential separation of the lower control arms while
The touchscreen has delamination and ghost touching of the apps. I spoke with my dealer and was first told it was covered by Subaru to replace, as it was a known issue, but when I took my car to the dealer, I was told I would have to pay around $1,500 to have it repaired/replaced. The ghost touching of the screen is so bad and consistent that it is very distracting while driving. It makes a beep sound for every ghost touch. Yesterday it phoned someone from my phone's address book. You can not use the screen for maps or destinations. 95% of the time the screen does not respond to my touch. I can not get the screen to do what I need it to do. I am at the mercy of the 'ghost' and what it s
The 8-inch Gen 3 Harman STARLINK touchscreen is delaminating/bubbling. It registers phantom touch inputs and becomes unresponsive on its own while the vehicle is in motion, changing audio, navigation, and system settings without driver input. If a phone is ever attached, the screen will randomly calling phone numbers. These unintended inputs and lockups are an extreme distraction hazard while driving. This is a known defect previously covered under Subaru's extended warranty and the Udeen settlement, and now covered to 8 years/150,000 miles on 2019â2023 models. No crash or injury has resulted. These issues began many years ago (at least as early as 2020), when the car still belonged to my
2018 Subaru Outback safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (17.4% rollover risk) |
2018 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback: Fuel pump may fail, causing engine stall while driving; Rearview camera may stay blank when backing up; Fuel Warning May Not Show Empty Tank, Risking Stalls. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Based on 816 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Electrical System (269), Visibility/Wiper (234), Unknown Or Other (162).
How safe is the 2018 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2018 Subaru Outback up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2018 Subaru Outback has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.