CarRecallDB

2018 Subaru Outback recalls and problems

3 recalls and 816 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Outback.

3
recalls
816
owner complaints
27
complaints mentioning a crash
4
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2018 Subaru Outback recalls

Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump

NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · reported July 29, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 175,968 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
The risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Visibility: rearview mirrors/devices

NHTSA campaign 18V935000 · reported December 31, 2018 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 71,190 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
The risk
Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
The fix
Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.

Electrical system: software · Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA campaign 18V773000 · reported November 1, 2018 · Subaru of America, Inc. · 228,648 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
Subaru 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 illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
The risk
The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Oct 20, 2026 · Exterior lighting

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…

Oct 19, 2026 · Unknown or other

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…

Oct 11, 2026 · Suspension

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…

Oct 3, 2026 · Electrical system

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…

Sep 29, 2026 · Electrical system

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…

Outback model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2015 5510205
2016 4643223
2017 4919323
2018 3816274
2019 31,036242
2020 6901197
2021 429892

Across all years, the 2019 Outback has the most complaints (1,036). All Subaru Outback years →

Questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback, the most recent reported on July 29, 2021 (Fuel system, gasoline: delivery, fuel pump). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Owners have filed 816 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is electrical system (267 complaints), followed by visibility/wiper (234).
How many 2018 Subaru Outback complaints mention a crash or fire?
27 of 816 complaints report a crash and 4 a fire; 19 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received October 20, 2026.