The Lemon Index2018 Subaru Outback.
The 2018 Subaru Outback is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 580 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 316, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 3 recalls, and it gets 22 to 28 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2015–2019 Subaru Outback, 18.8M views. The 2018 is the same generation.
- Timing chain & engine452K views
How to Guide: CABIN Air Filter Change 2015-2019 Subaru Outbackbruceyyyyy · 196K views · 3 videos - Gauges, lights & wiring276K views
2017 Subaru Outback Dash Lights Apocalypse – P2005 TGV Code ExplainedSouth Main Auto LLC · 128K views · 3 videos - Transmission & shifter252K views
2012-2019 Subaru Legacy Outback TR690 Transmission Fluid Change How To DIYValley Mobile Automotive · 119K views · 3 videos - Brakes & ABS227K views
How to Replace Front Brakes 2015 Subaru Outback1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 158K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Spark plugs & ignition coils218K views
How to Replace Spark Plugs on a 2017 Subaru OutbackJack Fletcher · 154K views · 2 videos - Oil leaks & gaskets176K views
Project 2015 Outback: Spark Plugs & Cam Cover Gasket Replacement! Easy-ish DIY!MrSubaru1387 · 176K views - Windows, doors & mirrors166K views
Adjust rear Roof Crossbar spacing 2017 Subaru OutbackGroove Subaru · 106K views · 2 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical150K views
Subaru Outback Legacy 2018 and 2019 HK Touchscreen repairKinetic Vehicles · 88K views · 2 videos
Before you buy, watch
Top 5 Problems Subaru Outback Wagon 2015 - 2019 5th Generation1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 64K views
2015 Subaru Outback takes on the TFL Cliffhanger: Ultimate Off-Road ReviewThe Fast Lane Car · 1.0M views
2017 Subaru Outback - Review and Road TestKelley Blue Book · 848K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 814 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Outback year. 2018 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 7K to 31K miles on the car (488 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 8K–30K miles
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 11K–32K miles
- fuel or ev drive system complaints mostly came at 2K–12K miles
Recalls 3
- fuel system, gasoline 2021
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- visibility 2018
In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank.
- electrical 2018
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 439 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Service Information Bulletin is in response to several battery sensor replacements resulting
- Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action…
- Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2300–2900 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Windshield spontaneously cracked during the night. Vehicle was parked at residence when it cracked. The low temperature was at or just below zero degrees farenheit.
2018 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 11404306
More owner reports
Battery drains for no apparent reason while parked overnight in driveway.
NHTSA complaint 11338996
My windshield cracked for no apparent reason on the driver's side. The car had not been hit by anything, but had been sitting idle overnight. There was only a 15 degree temperature change so it wasn't that.
NHTSA complaint 11354656
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 3.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 316; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (35%), electrical (32%) and fuel or ev drive system (6%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
3 safety recalls (latest: fuel system, gasoline). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Outback get?
22 to 28 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2018 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 7,200 and 31,000 miles. The middle report was at 16,800 miles, from 488 complaints.
Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $2300 to $2900 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.6L 6-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2018?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works