2018 Subaru Outback electrical system problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V773000Nov 1, 2018228,648 vehicles
  ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

  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.

  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.

  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.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 3, 2026PAElectrical 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 so bad and consistent that it is very distracting while driving. It makes a beep sound for every ghost touch. Yesterday it phoned someone from my phone's address…

   NHTSA complaint #11768670 · source
2. Filed Sep 29, 2026FLElectrical SystemVisibility & Wipers

   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. These unintended inputs and lockups are an extreme distraction hazard while driving. This is a known defect previously covered under Subaru's extended warranty…

   NHTSA complaint #11767919 · source
3. Filed Jul 15, 2026ALElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   2018 Subaru Outback Infotainment center glass delamination causing the system to come on by itself start malfunctioning switching between channels or apps and potentially startle / distract the driver. Incident has been ongoing for over 8 months..

   NHTSA complaint #11750658 · source
4. Filed Jun 26, 2026KYElectrical System

   The car screens are delaminating and bubbling due to fault of the manufacturer. This is a widespread issue and causes safety issues due to the screen moving erratically while driving, messing with volume and function controls.

   NHTSA complaint #11746685 · source
5. Filed May 20, 2026FLElectrical SystemLighting

   "I own a 2018 Subaru Outback VIN [XXX] . I have experienced a recurring failure with the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) three times within the same year. In January 2026, I brought my vehicle to the dealership and had to replace the TPMS sensors. Shortly after, the issue returned and I had to replace the TPMS module. I picked the vehicle up on Monday, May 18, 2026, and by Wednesday, May 20, 2026, I had to return it to the dealership again for the same recurring…

   NHTSA complaint #11739044 · source
6. Filed May 12, 2026148,234 miORElectrical System

   Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Subaru Outback. The owner located a torn receipt with the discrepancy located in the vehicle. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 91,000 and at the time of it being discovered the mileage was 148,234. A Carfax report was received. The Sherriff was notified about the matter in Oregon.

   NHTSA complaint #11737326 · source
7. Filed May 6, 2026INElectrical System

   The 2018 Subaru Outback 8" Starlink infotainment system is beeping, switching between the screens, try to disconnect my phone, changes radio stations doesn't recognize when I touch a button on the screen. That it is a distraction while driving as it is one annoying, two I try to get it to stop eventually just have to turn it all off so then I drive with no navigation screen or radio. I am well aware this is a widespread known issue affecting 2018–2019 Outbacks and Legacies,…

   NHTSA complaint #11736049 · source
8. Filed Feb 25, 2026PAElectrical System

   This my [XXX] mother's car, she would have panicked had she witnessed this incident. Upon starting vehicle in morning after cleaning off light dusting of snow, the driver's side mirror started to smoke for almost a minute with an electrical and plastic burn smell. I was able to video some of the smoking and took a picture afterwards that seems to show a burn mark at the bottom of the mirror housing. This short caused a 10 amp fuse to blow which also took out interior lights…

   NHTSA complaint #11720549 · source
9. Filed Jan 30, 202630 miOKFireElectrical System

   The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that when driving approximately 30- 40 MPH, veering off the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power, but had immediately regained power. The failure had occurred 3 - 4 times total. The last time it occurred, the vehicle took a bit longer to regain power. After pulling into the desired parking lot, the contact checked the battery. When touching a wire connecting to the battery, it sparked and caught fire. The contact…

   NHTSA complaint #11714422 · source
10. Filed Nov 4, 2025MIDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSteering

    While the lane keeping assistance is on the car will follow the exit lane beside the lane I’m in and jerk over into it. There has been a car beside me when has happened but I caught the steering wheel before a crash. Also if a car is turning in front of me sometimes, not always, the brakes will jam on when I’m not even close to the car that is turning but I would be going around the car after it has turned almost all the way. There has been no crashes or injuries yet.

    NHTSA complaint #11697314 · source
11. Filed Sep 24, 2025ORElectrical System

    The head unit on the vehicle has delaminated. The touchscreen display no longer works, it has false touches. This affects navigational safety of the vehicle, as navigation no longer works. This also affects sounds of the vehicle, not being able to change volume for ADAS alerts. This also affects the backup camera, which is a big safety concern. The problem has been confirmed and inspected by a dealer, it costs $2300.00 to replace. Warning symptoms were bubbles on the screen…

    NHTSA complaint #11689502 · source
12. Filed Sep 18, 202568,000 miINElectrical System

    The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system was displaying a blank screen. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the infotainment system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

    NHTSA complaint #11688233 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology