Model year guide

2018 Subaru Outback

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2018 Subaru Outback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 79 on record.

2018 Subaru Outback — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2018 Subaru Outback at a glance

Safety recalls3
Owner complaints802
Combined25 mpg
Typical price$24,161

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2018 Subaru Outback recalls 3

Visibility:rearview Mirrors/devices NHTSA Campaign #18V935000 · 31/12/2018

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 (FM…

Fix: 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.

Electrical System:software NHTSA Campaign #18V773000 · 01/11/2018

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.

Fix: 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.

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #21V587000 · 29/07/2021

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.

Fix: 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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2018 Subaru Outback common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 802 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Back Over Prevention
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2018 Subaru Outback MPG & running costs

Combined25 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway30 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,500

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2018 Subaru Outback worth?

Low
$17,995
Typical price
$24,161
High
$30,422

From 68 comparable 2018 Subaru Outback listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2018 Subaru Outback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$12,500
Depreciation (5 yrs)$6,100
Total$18,600
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($24,161) with the same model 5 model-years older ($18,059), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2018 Subaru Outback trims & engines on record

Trims
Limited+M/R+ES+NAVI · Premium · Base · Touring+M/R+ES+NAV · Premium+ES · Limited+M/R · Premium+M/R · Premium+ES+M/R+NAVI
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 175 hp · 3.6L 6-cyl 256 hp

2018 Subaru Outback vehicles on record

2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+ES+NAVI4S4BSANC5J3389791 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Touring+M/R+ES+NAV4S4BSETCXJ3362032 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+ES+NAVI4S4BSANC3J3344722 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Touring+M/R+ES+NAV4S4BSETC7J3322667 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Premium+ES4S4BSAFC7J3238658 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+ES+NAVI4S4BSANC2J3317592 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Base4S4BSAAC6J3388865 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+ES+NAVI4S4BSANC2J3367361 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Base4S4BSAAC0J3273078 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Base4S4BSAAC7J3371430 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Touring+M/R+ES+NAV4S4BSATC9J3295027 2018 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R4S4BSAKC0J3368416 2018 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+ES+NAVI4S4BSANC4J3219440 2018 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC6J3217935 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC8J3310214 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Base4S4BSAAC5J3225785 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Premium+ES4S4BSAFC1J3281568 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Touring+M/R+ES+NAV4S4BSETC2J3326707 2018 Subaru Outback Base4S4BSAAC2J3392878 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC1J3227532 2018 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC8J3377735 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BSACC4J3325888 2018 Subaru Outback Premium+M/R4S4BSADC9J3230676 2018 Subaru Outback 2018 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+ES+NAVI4S4BSANC9J3298118

Other Subaru Outback model years

2022 2021 2020 2019 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1998

2018 Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?

Based on 802 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are back over prevention, electrical system, service brakes.

What gas mileage does the 2018 Subaru Outback get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2018 Subaru Outback at about 25 mpg combined (23 city / 30 highway).

How much is a 2018 Subaru Outback worth?

Comparable 2018 Subaru Outback listings run roughly $17,995–$30,422, typically around $24,161 (from 68 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.