Car Yearsto Avoid

2018 Subaru Outback Problems

What owners have reported about the 2018 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.

From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a good year?

It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 814 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and fuel system.

814 complaints 3 recalls, 1 crash risk 4th worst of 18 Outback years

Top 2018 Subaru Outback problems

1

Wiper and visibility problems

273 complaints (34%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and exterior.

Complaints 273 · Usually at 12,000–36,000 miles · Recall 18V935000

2

Electrical problems

267 complaints (33%) name the electrical system, most often the fuel gauge and instrument cluster / panel.

Complaints 267 · Usually at 9,000–30,000 miles · Recall 18V773000

3

Fuel system problems

46 complaints (6%) name the fuel system, most often the fuel gauge system.

Complaints 46 · Usually at 4,000–13,000 miles · Recall 21V587000, 18V773000

4

Engine problems

37 complaints (5%) name the engine.

Complaints 37 · Usually at 2,000–14,000 miles

Which parts fail most

Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.

Wipers and Visibility 34%
Electrical 33%
Unknown or Other 20%
Fuel System 6%
Engine 5%
Steering 4%
Acceleration 3%
Backup Camera 2%
Brakes 2%
Emergency Braking 2%

Mileage when it failed

Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (477 of 814). The amber line is the middle value, about 17,000 miles.

When problems were reported

Complaints by the year the problem happened.

2018 Subaru Outback recalls

Fuel pump

Can stall

The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge.

Recall 21V587000 · Jul 2021

Rearview camera may stay blank

Crash risk

A software glitch can stop the audio display from starting, leaving the rearview camera image blank when you back up. Without that view, you cannot see what is behind the vehicle, which raises the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the audio system display software at no charge.

Recall 18V935000 · Dec 2018

Fuel warning light may not illuminate

Can stall

A software error can stop the low fuel warning light from coming on at the right time, and the miles-to-empty display may show driving range even when the tank is empty. You could run out of fuel without warning, which can stall the car and raise the risk of a crash.

Fix: The dealer will reprogram the instrument panel software free of charge.

Recall 18V773000 · Nov 2018
Check your VIN for open recalls

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Outback years to avoid

Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.

2019 Outback 1,036
2017 Outback 918
2020 Outback 900
2018 Outback 814
2011 Outback 652
2016 Outback 643
2015 Outback 510
2022 Outback 465
2010 Outback 360
2021 Outback 298
2013 Outback 297
2012 Outback 292
2008 Outback 226
2014 Outback 208
2009 Outback 106
2024 Outback 104
2023 Outback 89
2025 Outback 82

2018 Subaru Outback problems by system

Wipers and Visibility (273)Electrical (267)

Common questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback a reliable year?

It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 814 complaints with NHTSA, the 4th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and fuel system.

What are the most common 2018 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners most often report problems with the wipers and visibility, electrical system, fuel system and engine. 273 complaints (34%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and exterior.

At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Outback wipers and visibility problems start?

Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 12,000–36,000 miles, with a middle value near 24,000 miles.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?

3. Fuel pump (21V587000); Rearview camera may stay blank (18V935000); Fuel warning light may not illuminate (18V773000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.

Should I buy a used 2018 Subaru Outback?

Ask for service records covering the wipers and visibility, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.