2018 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2018 Subaru Outback: Excellent Crash Ratings, but Significant Infotainment and Visibility System Complaints and Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2018 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2018 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infotainment System Malfunction (Ghost Touch/Delamination) The touchscreen display delaminates, leading to 'ghost touches' that randomly activate functions, change settings, or make calls, causing significant driver distraction and impairing navigation and rearview camera functionality. This is a widely reported issue. |
High | Common | unknown miles |
| Rearview Camera Failure The rearview camera may fail to display an image while backing up, increasing the risk of a crash. This was also addressed by a recall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Fuel Pump Failure A low-pressure fuel pump defect can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. This was subject to a recall. |
High | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Low Fuel Warning Light Inaccuracy A software error may prevent the low fuel warning light from illuminating at the intended level, potentially leading to an unexpected stall. This was subject to a recall. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Spontaneous Sunroof Shattering Reports indicate the sunroof glass panel can spontaneously shatter without external impact, posing a hazard to occupants. |
Medium | Rare | unknown miles |
| Hood Flying Open While Driving Instances of the hood unexpectedly flying open at highway speeds, severely restricting visibility and cracking the windshield. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
| Electrical System Smoking/Burning Smell Reports of electrical components, such as side mirrors, smoking and emitting a burning smell, indicating potential electrical shorts or failures. |
High | Rare | unknown miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Subaru Outback:
Predominantly related to infotainment screen issues affecting rearview camera display and general visibility, as well as windshield cracking.
Frequent complaints about the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' and delamination, along with other electrical malfunctions like smoking mirrors.
A significant portion of complaints fall into this category, indicating diverse and sometimes unclassified issues.
Specific complaints related to general visibility issues, including rearview camera problems and spontaneous sunroof shattering.
Issues related to steering control, including lane keeping assistance malfunctions.
Concerns about fuel pump failures and inaccurate fuel gauge readings, leading to potential stalls.
Reports of engine power loss and stalling.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Subaru Outback
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback safe?
The 2018 Subaru Outback received excellent 5-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA for Overall, Frontal, and Side impacts, and a 4-star Rollover rating. However, it has a high number of complaints (784 total), including 25 crashes and 18 injuries, largely due to widespread infotainment system malfunctions and other electrical issues that can distract drivers or impair critical safety features. There have also been 3 recalls addressing significant safety concerns like fuel pump failure and rearview camera issues.
What are common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?
The most reported issues for the 2018 Subaru Outback are related to the VISIBILITY/WIPER (210 complaints) and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (194 complaints), primarily stemming from the infotainment system's 'ghost touch' and delamination, which can cause significant driver distraction and impair the rearview camera. Other problems include fuel pump failures, inaccurate low fuel warnings, and rare but severe incidents like the hood flying open or sunroof shattering.
Has the 2018 Subaru Outback been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 Subaru Outback has been subject to 3 recalls. These include recalls for a low-pressure fuel pump that could cause an engine stall, a software issue affecting the rearview camera display, and a software error causing the low fuel warning light to be inaccurate.
How does the 2018 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2018 Subaru Outback performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, achieving a 5-star rating for Overall safety, Frontal crash, and Side crash. It also received a 4-star rating for Rollover safety.
Are the infotainment system issues a safety concern?
Yes, the infotainment system issues, particularly the 'ghost touch' and delamination, are a significant safety concern. Numerous complaints describe the system randomly activating functions, changing settings, or making calls, which can be highly distracting to the driver. It also impairs the functionality of critical features like navigation and the rearview camera, increasing the risk of a crash.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the widespread infotainment system issues and recall history; thoroughly inspect the infotainment screen and ensure all recall remedies have been applied before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Subaru Outback. The data includes 784 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 25 reported crashes, 4 fire incidents, 18 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.