2018 Subaru Outback problems
The Subaru Outback is an automotive nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Subaru for two different SUV-themed vehicles: a Legacy-derived crossover station wagon, the Outback (1994–present, also sold as Legacy Outback (Japanese: スバル・レガシィアウトバック, Hepburn: Subaru Regashi Autobakku) in some markets), and an Impreza-derived off-road themed hatchback, the Outback Sport (1994–2011).
Most versions of the Outback wagon and Outback Sport have had all-wheel drive as standard equipment.
History
The original Outback station wagon was derived from the wagon variant of the second-generation Subaru Legacy. The first-generation Legacy, which made its debut in 1989, did not receive the cosmetic and suspension modifications to create an Outback version, although Subaru offered an Outdoor option package for the 1994 model year Legacy L all-wheel drive model, which added a compressed air strut height adjustable suspension, a luggage rack, a skidplate, and mud flaps.
Earlier, a raised-roof "Touring Wagon" variant had been offered on the preceding Subaru Leone for the 1988 and 1989 model years. Subaru also sold a raised-roof variant (chassis code BF) of the first-generation Legacy wagon outside the United States. North American Legacy wagons were only offered as the flat-roof variant (chassis code BJ) until a special "GT" model was marketed for the 1994 model year.
The second-generation Legacy wagon became the first generation of the Outback crossover series, called the "Legacy Grand Wagon" in Japan in 1995, and the "Legacy Outback" in most other markets. Compared to the existing Legacy wagon, the "Outback" variant added partial protective plastic side body cladding for off-road conditions, used a raised roof, and would later raise the suspension to provide additional ground clearance. It was introduced at the 1994 New York Auto Show. Aside from other small differences in trim, the Outback shares almost all of its components with the Legacy donor model.
When launched in Australia in 1996, the name "Legacy Outback" was shortened to "Outback", followed in other markets afterwards. In the United States, Subaru also retailed the Legacy SUS sedan between the 1997 and 2007 model years, with similar modifications to distinguish it from the equivalent Legacy model sedan. The Impreza Outback Sport was introduced at the 1996 New York Auto Show, but for the 1997 model year, the donor model names were dropped, and the cars were known as the "Outback" and "Outback Sport".
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Common 2018 Subaru Outback problems
Based on the complaints from owners of the 2018 Subaru Outback, several common problems have been reported:
- Oil Leaks: Owners have reported oil leaking profusely from the left side cam carrier, leading to costly repairs. This issue raises concerns about the frequency of such leaks and the associated repair costs.
- Window Issues: Problems with the automatic front windows have been noted, where the windows may malfunction by going down halfway and then back up. This issue has been linked to faulty seals allowing water entry, requiring expensive repairs.
- Electrical Problems: Complaints include issues with the infotainment system freezing or malfunctioning, requiring resets or software upgrades. Additionally, some owners have experienced dead batteries, potentially due to parasitic drains in the car.
- Windshield Cracks: Several owners have reported unexpected windshield cracks, which could be a design or material issue. This problem has led to costly replacements and raised concerns about the durability of the windshield.
- Suspension and Wheel Issues: Complaints about wobbling front wheels, ripped seats, and other suspension-related problems have been mentioned. These issues impact the driving experience and raise questions about the vehicle's reliability.
- General Reliability Concerns: Overall, there are concerns about the reliability and maintenance costs of the 2018 Subaru Outback, with some owners expressing disappointment in the car's performance and quality compared to their expectations.
These reported problems highlight various issues that owners have faced with the 2018 Subaru Outback, ranging from oil leaks to electrical malfunctions and windshield durability concerns. Addressing these issues promptly and effectively is crucial to ensure customer satisfaction and maintain the reputation of the vehicle in the market.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Common problems found on the 2018 Subaru Outback include excessive battery drain, windshields which crack easily, as well as some stereo system issues. Overall, the problems are less severe than other SUVs, with lower repair costs as well.
How many miles will a 2018 Subaru Outback last?
between 250,000 and 300,000 miles
How Many Miles will a Subaru Outback Last? The Subaru Outback on average can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles.
What year was bad for Subaru Outback?
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems.
Are there any recalls on 2018 Subaru Outbacks?
RECALL ALERT: Learn More. There are 3 recalls on this vehicle.
Are there problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Common problems found on the 2018 Subaru Outback include excessive battery drain, windshields which crack easily, as well as some stereo system issues. Overall, the problems are less severe than other SUVs, with lower repair costs as well.
What is the most common problem with Subaru Outback?
A: Common issues with Subaru Outbacks across various years include vibration during acceleration, problems with the AC system, O2 sensor failures, weak windshields prone to cracking, cooling system failures, headlight burnouts, excessive oil consumption, and unintended acceleration in specific models.
What year was bad for Subaru Outback?
2010 and 2011 Subaru Outbacks Stand Out as the Worst Years Due to High Recall Count, Excessive Oil Consumption, Head Gasket Failures, and Transmission Problems.
What are common Subaru Outback starting problems?
The most common reasons a Subaru Outback won't start are a dead battery, an alternator problem, or failed starter.
2018 Subaru Outback car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Outback problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Electrical system problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Visibility problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Subaru Outback vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2018 Subaru Outback
The NHTSA has received 736 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Subaru Outback. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2018 Subaru Outback vehicles.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-16
- VIN: 4S4BSANC8J3
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The infotainment screen has delaminated rendering it unusable and will intermittantly interrupt the backup camera while moving. This is the second screen already with this issue in my vehicle
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-12
- VIN: 4S4BSANCXJ3
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The radio headunit which houses the backup camera freezes. When this happens, the backup camera does not work. Vehicle was brought to a Subaru dealership, and confirmed that radio unit freezes, and diagnostic did not improve system. Radio unit requires re-manufacturing. I have contacted Subaru and they refuse to address the problem. There is also documentation that talks about a recall on the Harmon Kardon unit we have.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-26
- VIN: 4S4BSANC1J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The head unit on my 2018 Subaru Outback is pressing random buttons all over the screen by itself. It would constantly make the button noise as I drive leading me to lose track of the directions that was being provided from my Apple Maps. It would also disconnect me from CarPlay leaving me with no sense of direction as to where I should be going. I have gotten this fixed before at a Subaru dealership and they ended up replacing the head unit for me, however this is the second time it’s happening and there is obviously a serious problem with the all the units.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- VIN: 4S4BSATC2J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: DSM drawing too much power from battery when car is parked. DSM drawing 0.151k ohms to 0.017. Have complained to Subaru of Santa Cruz about this 3x. First they said it was the battery under recall and replaced the battery. Second time they thought I was leaving the key fob in the car (The fob is kept with me not in the car ). Third time they said the DSM is pulling too much power from the battery. Subaru has an extended warranty for the DSM for 2016-2018 outbacks but does not include my VIN number. This power draw and dead battery has put me in San Francisco late at night without a functional car. I did not have this independently evaluated before Subaru did a "jump box replacement" for $775.73.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-01
- VIN: 4S4BSENC2J3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The infotainment system screen has delaminated causing the screen to jump between sources, the backup camera to randomly not display . The problem started last month and is worsening
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-09
- VIN: 4S4BSANC4J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: In past 3 years after not being driven for 3 days the car would not start. We had the battery charged and replaced twice . When I spoke to another Subaru owner I was informed of a lawsuit against Subaru concerning parasitic battery draw by the Starlink system. I contacted Subaru of America and was told there was no recall but I am entitled to extended warranty on the T 16 DCM unit (a fuse for Starlink). They said I would be responsible for any charges to fix the issue. When I called my local Subaru dealer they said I may have to pay for diagnostics even if it was the DCM fuse as the problem. I feel Subaru knew about this problem and should fix it without charge.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-12
- VIN: 4S4BSANC2J3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The head unit of the stereo/info system is malfunctioning. The screen is delaminating from the face of the LED touchscreen panel, which causes the unit to experience "phantom touches." These cause the screen to constantly change displays, zoom in/out of navigation software, and change audio settings & inputs, and disconnects phone calls or switches them from my speaker to my phone (forcing me to pick up the phone to correct the problem). It has rendered my hands-free interface with the entire vehicle essentially useless, which is a safety concern as now my attention is pulled away from driving to attempt to correct the problem. Additionally, the screen is constantly shifting & changing displays which is quite a visual distraction. This is a known problem & has been reported numerous times to Subaru. I've taken the vehicle to the dealer for them to inspect. Their suggestion was that I replace the unit for a cost of $2,526.16. At this point, it is very difficult to operate the vehicle safely, without near constant distractions from the problem with the unit.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- VIN: 4S4BSACC7J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: The touchscreen is delaminated. The delamination makes the backup camera useless. This is a possible danger to me and anyone behind me- turning to look reputedly behind and at the sides doesn't help when cars are moving parallel to me. The 'media' switches between radio and CD, FM and AM, and switches into HD mode at random. There's no way to turn it off, so the beeping is a distraction while driving. The Subaru dealership is well aware of this issue. A replacement part was ordered in September 2023 but the part is yet to be replaced.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-04
- VIN: 4S4BSATCXJ3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: When I bought my car I had issues with the Head unit the screen would got out and I would have no backup camera or radio.The dealer had the car for Two months before I called Subaru to see if they could get my me unit.It was taken care of.Now the problem has come back the screen freezes, jumps goes dark (I have video) I can’t use the bluetooth to call anyone. I call Subaru of America about this and they say make an appointment with the dealership and we will go there when they know what’s happening…..
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-31
- VIN: 4S4BSACC8J3
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: In heavy traffic, we were rolling slowly along, when all of a sudden the engine began revving on its own, against the brake. I quickly moved the shifter into neutral, and the engine revved wildly without my pressing on the accelerator. We couls have easily slammed into the car in front of us had I not moved the selector to neutral.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-14
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC7J3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: The car's display panel which I use to carplay to navigate google map randomly calling people on my contact list and randomly make commends such as play media or search maps as if I touched the panel screen to commend. The incidents happened while I was driving which caused me lost google map and almost lost control of the car since I tried to cancel the phone calls I didn't make. This is safety concern, please require Subaru to fix the panel. thanks
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-11
- VIN: 4S4BSANCXJ3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Ghost touches on the radio making radio inoperable. Prevent rear view camera from activating.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-01
- VIN: 4S4BSANC1J3
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: When traveling on hwy at hwy speeds with cruise control on set for 70 mph and car in front is traveling 60 mph as am I. The road curves the car no longer identifies a car in front of me and accelerates to 70 mph, when the road becomes straight again and I am getting close the system slams on the brakes. When I'm going 70 mph and approach a car going 60 mph the car slows to keep a safe distance. As I change lanes the car begins to accelerate. As I am passing the slower car, if on a curve and the car identifies a car in another lane and slams on the brakes. This has caused road rage from drivers approaching from the rear in the passing lane thinking I'm braking to slow them down for no reason. The Dealership told me to turn my cruise control off on roads nort straight! This has happened since the car was new. This occurred on a recent trip across country on hwy US 40.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-01
- VIN: 4S4BSACC7J3
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Touchscreen on radio system is delamination causing the system to cycle through sources, ie: fm, am, sxm, and Bluetooth. This causes distractions while driving. Dealership is aware of issue and stated it was common. No warnings before malfunction. Malfunctions started a few months ago.
WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-23
- VIN: 4S4BSATC8J3
- Components: WHEELS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed all 4 wheels showed signs of cracks on the rims and spokes. The low-pressure tire warning light had illuminated. In addition, all tires required air frequently. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-19
- VIN: 4S4BSANC6J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Sterio and Navigation screen has formed bubbles and what appears to be a film under the screen and has also started delaminating. The screen is now rarely usable as it appears to have a mind and hands of its own as it makes its own selections on the screen and no longer allows me to control it. This is very dangerous as the Subaru touch screen offers setting adjustments that are being changed while on the road, without my control. It is my understanding that Subaru will not replace this unless you pay $2k+ out of pocket even though SEVERAL incidents are reported. Unfortunately, I am not in good standing to purchase another car right now so I will have to continue driving this car and praying that whatever settings that car adjusts during that drive won't have a negative impact.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- VIN: 4S4BSANC2J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: 2018 Subaru Outback headunit is "delaminated" causing phantom touches on the headunit's touch screen. While driving, the headunit will act as if something is pressing random buttons, changing radio stations, opening/closing maps, going through settings panel and changing car settings, ultimately distracting the driver usually at highway speeds. Many other Subaru owners are reporting the same issue on the forums: [XXX] [XXX] Subaru is reporting the fault as "regular wear and tear" and charging customers $1200+ to replace the headunits. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-04
- VIN: 4S4BSETC3J3
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: Reported to local Subaru Dealer there was a problem with the Parking Brake. While parked at red light, when I attempted to release the parking brake, it would NOT release, and had great difficulty getting to release and proceed. (This is in Traffic). They tested it and claimed it was ok, no problem. Fast forward, several weeks and I started the car, put it in Drive. Car would not move forward. Subaru sent Tow service. At dealership service manager says some debris had filtered down into the parking brake mechanism. I am Not a mechanic. This is what I had told them weeks earlier, [What I suspected]
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-19
- VIN: 4S4BSANC8J3
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: CVT Transmission failed and shut off engine. 2018 Subaru Outback Limited with only 56,500 miles. On 5/19/24 at approximately 11:30PM, my family and I (5 members) were driving northbound on an interstate highway, when all of a sudden, the engine and transmission completely shut off with all warning lights flashing on the dashboard, while travelling at speeds of 65 miles per hour. When pressing on the accelerator, vehicle would not accelerate, rather the vehicle was decelerating. Fortunately, not many vehicles were on the highway at that time and our vehicle had enough momentum to move right towards the shoulder of the highway and came to a complete stop. When engine turned on and shift to D or R, vehicle does not move. Vehicle is at Subaru dealership being inspected and hopefully being repaired under warranty, which was extended by Subaru of America. SUBARU NEED TO FIX THIS, IT IS A DANGEROUS DEFECT.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-18
- VIN: 4S4BSAKC3J3
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: We have replaced the battery 3 times now in less than a year. The battery keeps dying, which is so bad it is ruining the battery such that it has to be replaced. My pregnant wife and child have been stranded several times. Subaru sent a class action lawsuit notice, but when we went to the dealer they claimed they knew nothing about it. They tested the battery and said nothing was wrong. Doing some digging it seems that numerous others have had this same issue. It is an issue with the alternator and the DCM causing parasitic battery drain. Subaru is doing nothing to fix the issue.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-17
- VIN: 4S4BSETC3J3
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The driver's side daytime running light has failed. This light is an LED designed to last the life of the car and cannot be repaired. Unfortunately, there is no indicator light inside the car to notify the driver of the failure. In hazardous weather conditions, it may appear as though the light is functioning based on the dashboard lights, but it is not. Regrettably, replacing the bulb is not an option and this poses a potential risk to the driver and others during inclement weather or low visibility situations. The dealership has inspected the vehicle and confirmed that it cannot be repaired. To resolve the issue, the entire unit must be replaced, which will cost over $1000. This model has experienced numerous instances of failure with the driver side daytime running lights, indicating a widespread safety concern that the manufacturer has yet to address in this particular year. Previous years have been recalled for the same issue.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-15
- VIN: 4S4BSAFC9J3
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: We have experienced 3 cracked windshields within 4 months due to small rock debris kicked-up from passing vehicles. Each crack originated at the edge of the glass; 2 from outside edge passenger side and 1 from center bottom edge passenger side. Driving conditions were different for each incident, as each incident occurred during highway driving during light, medium, and heavy traffic flow. Passenger safety was not compromised. The dates for each incident were 15 February 2024, 28 April 2024, and 21 May 2024.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-01
- VIN: 4S4BSANC4J3
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: The cam tower seal on modern Subaru Outbacks fail at an incredibly high rate and the repair cost is typically higher than $3000. Subaru's standard warranty covers the repair up until 60,000 miles but a quick search on user forum's shows that this issues consistently pops up somewhere between 60 and 90 thousand miles.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-03
- VIN: 4S4BSANC0J3
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield cracked without impact. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer to have the windshield replaced; however, the failure recurred soon after the replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-05-14
- VIN: 4S4BSANC3J3
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the Eyesight system had become inoperable. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the system was recalibrated. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system screen was delaminated, causing the touchpad function to become inoperable. The contact was concerned because the Eyesight system could only be configured through the infotainment screen. Additionally, the contact stated that the infotainment system screen delamination had caused the infotainment system to activate vehicle functions independently. The contact stated that the rearview camera was still operable. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that it was a common failure. The dealer related the failure to an Extended Warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
2018 Subaru Outback recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2018 Subaru Outback.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
- Summary: 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.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2018 Subaru Outback car reviews
Positive 2018 Subaru Outback car reviews
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Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share an update with you after owning my car for 21 months and driving 20,000 miles. Overall, I'm still very satisfied with the comfort and fuel efficiency. However, I have been experiencing some issues with the electronics lately, which can be a bit frustrating. We've had to replace the rear hatch position sensor, update the head unit and fuel remaining software, and just last week, we had to replace the amplifier as per Subaru Service Bulletin 15-235-18R. Despite these issues, we've taken two round trips from Washington to Arizona, covering each leg comfortably in four days and getting an impressive 32 mpg. Plus, we've been able to transport a lot of stuff in the vehicle without any issues. One thing to note is that the clearcoat finish scratches quite easily. Thanks for reading!
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In year one, I had some trouble with the navigation system, but Subaru replaced it and since then (1 year later), I haven't had any issues. It works beautifully. I really love this vehicle, especially because of its 3.6 6-cylinder engine. It rides very smoothly, has great acceleration, and has lots of room for passengers, groceries, and luggage in the trunk area. The quality of materials is on par with luxury brands and they are very attractive. When the time comes, I would definitely consider purchasing another one.
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I am very satisfied with this purchase. The car handles exceptionally well, achieving a reliable 33 MPG on the highway, and provides excellent visibility and road feel. Although, I must admit that I am disappointed with the screen in the dashboard, which serves as the nerve center of the vehicle. It went blank one day, leaving me without access to the back-up camera, home screen, or radio. Although it came back later in the day, the possibility of it failing at any moment is concerning. Additionally, the Android Auto app can be unreliable and sometimes disconnects from the USB-connected phone or fails to connect altogether. When it works, it is great, but when it is not, it can be frustrating.
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I'm glad to hear that your expectations were exceeded when moving from a 528 to this car. The safety features with the eyesight package are great and the 6 cylinder provides decent power (the 2.5 felt anemic to me). Although the gas mileage isn't great, the car doesn't require premium fuels since it's normally aspirated, which is a plus. The only issue I see is that the infotainment system is a known weak spot. It's been in need of a software update for a year, and Subaru America has been ignoring it. However, I'm sure that Subaru America will address this issue soon. Your quirks are generally minor and infrequent, which is great. Other owners you know have lost the whole system for a day at a time, which the dealer can't replicate in most instances, and for which there is no fix until the Manufacturer rolls out a cleaned up patch.
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Based on my experience with my two previous Outbacks, both of which were also Premium models, I can say that the 2018 model is an entirely different vehicle. The driver's seat is less slippery and feels a bit deeper. In my 2011 and 2015 models, I was always repositioning myself, but not anymore. Although the seat sits a bit lower than I prefer, the new gearing/programming on the CVT was much needed, and my 2018 now performs like a real car, rather than the past two tach screamers. The new media center is so much easier to use than the previous one, which sometimes made me want to hit it with a hammer. The mileage is about the same and still great. The ride is a whole lot quieter, and I'm still getting used to the eyesight feature, but it's a nice option so far. Just before I traded in my 2015, I put new 60k Cooper tires on it, and they were awesome. However, the stock tires on new Outbacks are short-lived and somewhat noisy, but that's about the only negative I've found so far.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Subaru Outback problems:
2018 Subaru Outback Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Dec 1, 2022 ... 2018 Subaru Outback Review: Comfortable and Safe Midsize SUV With No Mechanical Problems · The 2018 Subaru Outback lasts around 250,000 miles ...
Considering buying a 2018 Subaru Outback 3.6R Limited need ...
Jun 23, 2022 ... ... problems for your Subaru Outbacks and if there was a fix for it? When I search the NHTSA it seems like it is a common complaint for owners ...
Gen 5 - 2018 limited problems | Subaru Outback Forums
Aug 31, 2021 ... Reported issues for the 2023 Subaru Outback include windshield cracking & starlink problems. Is your car a lemon? We can help you. www.google.
2018 model reliability : r/Subaru_Outback
Jun 15, 2022 ... r/Subaru_Outback icon. Go to Subaru_Outback · r ... No problems to speak of, other than the head ... 2018 subaru outback reliability." Looking at ...
2018 Outback tech issues | Subaru Outback Forums
Oct 16, 2017 ... According the field engineer the RAB gets "confused" by the fences, alleys and driveways and goes into the "malfunction" state which disables it ...
Other years of Subaru Outback
Are you having problems with your 2018 Subaru Outback?
Benedict Sipes 2025-06-03
The 2018 Outback's infotainment system began having problems just one week after purchase. Despite scheduling a service appointment for a software update, the head unit shut down and the backup camera failed to come on. The car was towed to the dealership and a new battery was installed. However, three days later, the head unit began malfunctioning again. This recurring issue has left me dissatisfied with the vehicle.
Murphy Hodkiewicz 2025-05-18
This is my second Outback. I had a 2014 Outback 3.6R which I bought new. From day one, I experienced a weird vibration problem with the car. Despite several attempts to fix the issue, it was never resolved. After three years, I sold the vehicle and bought another Outback. I loved the car, except for the vibration issue. Since I had suffered from the vibration issue before, I test drove the vehicle very carefully on the surface street and did not feel any vibration. However, I was wrong. After purchasing the vehicle, on the way home, I experienced shaking above 75 mph which got worse as the speed increased. I took it to one of the best local tire shops near my house to check the tires, hoping it was just a tire balance issue. This shop has a road force balance machine which costs $25 per wheel. I ended up paying $100 for the rebalancing of the tires. During the process, the owner of the place pulled me next to the machine and told me that my front left wheel (rim) was bent. I was shocked. I had just bought a brand new car with a bent wheel. Anyways, I made an appointment with the dealer and took it back the next week, telling them exactly what I was told. I dropped off the car and got a loaner, a 2018 Outback 3.6. This became a direct comparison for me because this one was smooth as butter. I noticed many other differences. I didn't get any road feedback vibration on the steering wheel, unlike mine which has this weird vibration through the steering. There was no weird body shake, no vibration on the seats, etc. Three days later, I went to pick up the car, and they told me that they didn't feel the vibration but they found out that the front left tire was out of round so they replaced it. I knew it wasn't the tire, it was the rim itself. I need to come back again. Anyways, on the way home, nothing changed.In fact, as soon as I drove off the lot from the dealer, I immediately noticed the vibration. It was not just high speed vibration, it vibrates all the time! Since I've just come from driving my buttery-smooth Outback, I could feel the vibration even more than I could have before. I'm taking it back next week again. If you're considering this car, make sure to test drive it on the highway to avoid any stress like I experienced every time I stepped into the car.
Rico Bergnaum 2025-05-13
We are sorry to report that the Head Unit, which controls everything on the screen, is currently not functioning. This means that the navigation system, map, radio, CD player, and Carplay are all unavailable. We understand that these things can happen, but we are disappointed with the response we received from the dealer and Subaru. We were informed that the new systems are currently on back order, and there is no estimated time for when they will be replaced. Unfortunately, this could take months. The system is made by Harman Kardon, and according to our dealer, there are no replacements available. We are frustrated that we paid a significant amount of money for this car, specifically waiting for the 2018 model to get Carplay, and now it is not functional. We have been experiencing problems with the system for months, such as sudden shutdowns, map cutting out, and Carplay not working, but nothing was done to repair it. We even asked about getting a new system, but it wasn't until the screen became completely black that they said it needed to be replaced. Despite this issue, we still appreciate the car's comfort and driving experience. As first-time Subaru owners, we are disappointed with this situation.
Sigrid Greenfelder 2024-10-19
Hey there! I wanted to share some news with you. Subaru just extended my CVT transmission warranty to 100000 miles or 10 years, whichever comes first. I also came across an article on Forbes that mentioned some issues with this transmission, specifically stalling. While it's definitely a safety concern, I'm glad that Subaru is taking steps to address it by offering an extended warranty. However, I do think it's important for companies to be transparent about any known safety issues with their vehicles. What are your thoughts on this?
Lonny Hand 2024-10-19
I completely understand where you're coming from. I recently test drove a 2018 Subaru Outback Premium (cloth seats/no sunroof) and a 3.6 Touring (top of the line model), as well as a BMW 3 Wagon. I currently drive a 2011 Volvo XC70 with cloth seats and no sunroof, and my wife drove a Saab 9-2X for several years, so we're quite familiar with Subaru. I was ready to buy or put in an order that day, but unfortunately, the seat comfort was a deal-breaker for me. It's truly awful. My mother uses various cushions to improve her Forester seat comfort, but I don't think that's a good solution. The BMW 3 Wagon is marginally better than the Outback because it has a little more adjustability, but neither compare with Volvo. I don't understand why Volvo and the now-defunct Saab are the only two car manufacturers who make cars with comfortable seats. If Subaru sub-contracted with the company used by Volvo (and/or Saab before them), they would finally have a car worth buying.