CarProblemIndexSource: NHTSAData retrieved 2026-07-01

2018 Subaru OUTBACK — Recalls, Complaints & Buying Checklist

Quick summary

Recalls: 3 official NHTSA recall(s) on record, e.g. Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices.

Most-reported issue: Electrical System (253 owner reports of 803 total).

Before you buy: owners reported issues most often with Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper — worth having these checked on a used example.

VIN check: confirm any open recall by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Used-car buying checklist

Based on this model’s reported issues. Tick as you inspect.

Owner-reported complaints by category

Counts are voluntary reports to NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many cars were sold — they are not a failure rate or safety ranking.
Electrical System253
Visibility/Wiper214
Unknown Or Other114
Visibility41
Steering35
Fuel/Propulsion System25
Vehicle Speed Control17
Engine14
Power Train14
Service Brakes12

Official recalls

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices — campaign 18V935000 (31/12/2018)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue ma…

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."

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Electrical System:Software — campaign 18V773000 (01/11/2018)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warnin…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump — campaign 21V587000 (29/07/2021)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WR…

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.

Confirm whether a specific vehicle is affected by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Compare related vehicles

Previous year: 2017 Subaru OUTBACKNext year: 2019 Subaru OUTBACKRival: 2018 Honda CR-VSame class: 2018 Chevrolet EQUINOXSame class: 2018 Ford ESCAPESame class: 2018 Ford EXPLORER
Check another vehicleCompare similar vehiclesConfirm VIN
Source: U.S. NHTSA (api.nhtsa.gov), public domain. Data retrieved 2026-07-01 · data v0.1.
This page is general information, not medical, legal, or safety advice. Complaint data is voluntarily reported to NHTSA and is unverified; a complaint count is not a danger or failure rate. Always confirm open recalls for a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with the manufacturer.