Recall homework
There are 3 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2018 Subaru Outback
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
3 Total recalls
Jul 29, 2021 Latest recall date
805 Complaint reports
$2,200 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention visibility/wiper, electrical system, unknown or other. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
413 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2018 Subaru Outback?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to visibility/wiper, electrical system, unknown or other?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2018 Subaru Outback Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 1 tested variant of the 2018 Subaru Outback.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
Verify with official VIN lookup3 official recalls on record for the 2018 Subaru Outback. 20 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: July 29, 2021
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21V587000 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP | 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. | Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. | 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. | Jul 2021 | 2023-2 |
| 18V935000 | VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES | 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." | Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash. | 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. | Dec 2018 | 2020-2 |
| 18V773000 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE | 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. | 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. | 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. | Nov 2018 | 2020-2 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2018 Subaru Outback?
Official records show 413 manufacturer communications on record for the 2018 Subaru Outback.
0 warranty 0 service campaigns 0 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2026 | Other | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras. | 11034249 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.) | 11034242 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) for certain vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines. | 11034240 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | 11033069 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | POWER TRAIN | This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. | 11033063 |
| May 2026 | Other | POWER TRAIN | This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program. | 11033056 |
| May 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be used when DTCs B1571(REFERENCE CODE INCOMPATIBILITY IMMOBILIZER CM TO ECM) and B1572(IMM CIRCUIT EXCEPT ANTENNA CIRCUIT) are detected by Keyless Access with Push Button Start(KACM). | 11033051 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20. | 11032034 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models. | 11032039 |
| Apr 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | POWER TRAIN | This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures. | 11032040 |
What are the most common 2018 Subaru Outback complaints?
VISIBILITY/WIPER 210
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 197
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 97
VISIBILITY 37
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 23
STEERING 22
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 19
ENGINE 15
STRUCTURE 12
BACK OVER PREVENTION 10
805 total complaints on record
How much does the 2018 Subaru Outback cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $2,200 $183/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 22.6 MPG
Energy used 530 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.15 $/gal
Assumptions: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jul 18, 2026)
398 g/mi CO2Fuel score 4/10Smog 3/10