Subaru Outback 2018 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2018 and 813 complaints filed by owners. It has 55% more complaints than the average Subaru Outback from 2016–2025 (524 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Outback 2018? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2018
Fuel system
NHTSA campaign 21V587000 · 2021-07-29
What happens
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.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Visibility (glass and mirrors)
NHTSA campaign 18V935000 · 2018-12-31
What happens
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."
Consequence
Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 18V773000 · 2018-11-01
What happens
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.
Consequence
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.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
813 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
27 with a crash · 4 with a fire · 19 injuries
Most reported problems on the Subaru Outback 2018
- Electrical system: 267 (33% of complaints)
- Wipers: 234 (29% of complaints)
- Fuel and propulsion: 43 (5% of complaints)
- Visibility (glass and mirrors): 41 (5% of complaints)
- Engine: 37 (5% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Outback 2018
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Check for loss of power, stalling or uneven acceleration on the test drive.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Subaru Outback recalls by year
- 2016 : 4 recalls · 642 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 918 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 813 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 1,035 complaints
- 2020 : 6 recalls · 899 complaints
- 2021 : 4 recalls · 296 complaints
- 2022 : 4 recalls · 465 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 89 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 2 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 82 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Outback 2018 have?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2018. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Outback 2018?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: electrical system (267 of 813 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).