2018 Subaru Outback
Common Problems
Ranked from 378 federal NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
14 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Windshield Cracking Without Impact
279complaintsHigh severityOtherThe windshield cracks spontaneously without any apparent cause or impact, leading to frequent replacements.
- 2
Battery Premature Failure
87complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe battery dies unexpectedly, requiring frequent replacement within a few years of purchase.
Related recall: 18V773000
- 3
Automatic Braking System Failure
8complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe automatic braking system fails to activate during emergency situations.
Related recall: 18V773000
- 4
Engine Stalling During Operation
8complaintsMedium severityEngineThe engine stalls during operation, often requiring multiple attempts to restart.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Uncommanded Sudden Acceleration
5complaintsSafety riskFuel systemThe vehicle unexpectedly accelerates on its own, posing a risk of collision or property damage.
Related recall: 21V587000
- 6
Unpredictable Infotainment System Behavior
4complaintsMedium severityOtherThe infotainment system freezes, switches channels, and makes unexpected calls, causing distraction and safety concerns.
$200–$1,500est. infotainment unit service · 0.5–3 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Brake Malfunction
3complaintsSafety riskOtherThe brakes fail to engage properly, increasing the risk of accidents during sudden stops or turns.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Random Acceleration Without Operator Action
3complaintsHigh severityEngineThe vehicle accelerates on its own, posing a serious safety risk to the driver and others.
- 9
Fuel Gauge Malfunction Leading to Unexpected Stalls
2complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel gauge malfunctions, leading to unexpected stalls and difficulty starting the vehicle when the fuel level is low.
$150–$1,200est. stalling / shutdown diagnosis + repair · 1–5 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 21V587000
- 10
Keyless Entry System Failure
2complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe keyless entry system stops functioning after a short period of time, requiring the use of the mechanical key to enter the vehicle.
Related recall: 18V773000
- 11
Odometer Fraud
2complaintsLow severityOtherThe odometer is tampered with, showing incorrect mileage.
- 12
Steering Assistance System Malfunction
2complaintsMedium severitySteeringThe lane keep assist system malfunctions, causing the steering to push back severely or swing the car from side to side.
- 13
Sunroof Explodes Without Warning
2complaintsSafety riskOtherThe sunroof explodes without warning, posing a risk of injury or damage to the vehicle.
- 14
Unexplained Acceleration
2complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe vehicle accelerates uncontrollably, posing a risk of collision.
Related recall: 18V773000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.