2018 Subaru Outback Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 265 2 crash 3 fire

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that when driving approximately 30- 40 MPH, veering off the highway, the vehicle suddenly lost power, but had immediately regained power. The failure had occurred 3 - 4 times total. The last time it occurred, the vehicle took a bit longer to regain power. After pulling into the desired parking lot, the contact checked the battery. When touching a wire connecting to the battery, it sparked and caught fire. The contact immediately grabbed some snow nearby and threw it onto the wire to put out the fire. There was no fire report filed. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11714422, 2026 · fire

“MY 2018 Outback experienced a driver side smoking mirror a few days ago. While parked at the gas station, a large amount of smoke suddenly began emanating from the driver side mirror. As a result I no longer see my TPMS, the ability to lock/unlock the car with the remote, interior lights no longer work.”
NHTSA complaint #11677873, 2025 · fire

“SMOKE ELECTRICAL SHORT ISSUE IN DRIVER SIDE MIRROR. DIAGNOSED BY SUBARU MECHANIC TO BE A SHORT IN THE APPROACH LIGHT MODULE. SIGNIFICANT SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM MIRROR WITH BURN MARKS ON BOTTOM INSIDE MIDDLE OF MIRROR. THE CAR HAD JUST CAME TO REST IN A HOSPITAL PARKING DECK. CAR WAS REMOVED FROM DECK IN ORDER TO PREVENT FIRE HAZARD. NOTE - A 10 AMP FUSE DID BLOW WHICH CAUSED A FAILURE OF THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM) AND THE REMOTE LOCK/UNLOCK SYSTEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11207532, 2019 · fire

Visibility/Wiper 233 1 crash

“WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK DRIVER SIDE BOTTOM CORNER, WITH NO CHIP OR REASON FOR THE CRACK”
NHTSA complaint #11232216, 2019 · crash

“This is the third time my windshield has cracked in the last three years.”
NHTSA complaint #11672695, 2025

“Sunroof's glass panel exploded/shattered unexpectedly due to unknown cause(s)/reason(s) while driving vehicle. No external item(s) contacted sunroof glass panel.”
NHTSA complaint #11666941, 2025

Unknown Or Other 159 7 crash 3 injury

“Driving slowly in a parking lot, I applied the brakes as I approached a parking space. Instead of slowing down, the car inexplicably accelerated quickly and did not respond to increased pressure on the brakes. The car was propelled into a metal post, resulting in my glasses flying off and a seat belt bruise, although the airbag did not deploy. I was examined by ambulance personnel at the scene. The car was towed, inspected by an insurance adjuster and eventually declared a total loss. There were no warning lamps prior to the incident and no reproduction of the incident was possible due to dama…”
NHTSA complaint #11734591, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“OUR 2018 OUTBACK ALMOST KILLED MY HUSBAND. HE WAS GETTING INTO THE CAR (IT WAS RUNNING) AND JUST OPENED THE DOOR, WHEN THE CAR ROLLED BACK. HE WAS PINNED BETWEEN THE DOOR AND THE GARAGE FRAME AND FORTUNATELY THE HE WAS ABLE TO ROLL INTO THE GARAGE. HE HIT SO HARD AND LANDED ON THE SIDE OF HIS MOUNTAIN BIKE (WAS INSIDE THE DOOR) THAT IT PUNCHED A HOLE THROUGH THE WALL. I CAME OUT TO FIND HIM LAYING ON THE GROUND IN THE GARAGE AND THE CAR SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY JUST OUTSIDE THE GARAGE. THERE IS A NATURAL SLOPE AND IT WAS STOPPED WHERE IT LEVELS OFF. THE DOOR ENDED UP BEING CAUGHT ON THE FRAME OF…”
NHTSA complaint #11291026, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“WE PURCHASED A NEW 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK IN JULY 2018. MY WIFE WAS THE PRIMARY DRIVER OF THIS VEHICLE. BY APRIL 2019, MY WIFE WAS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE KNEE AND HIP PAIN ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF HER BODY. DURING HER VISITS TO HER ORTHOPEDIC SPECIALIST (KNEE), SHE WAS ASKED MULTIPLE TIMES IF SHE WAS IN AN ACCIDENT. IN JULY 2018, I GOT TO DRIVE HER CAR ON AN 8 HOUR TRIP. BY 5TH HOUR, MY RIGHT KNEE WAS IN MAJOR PAIN, LIKE BEING ON FIRE FROM WITHIN. IN CLOSE INSPECTION OF DRIVING POSITION, I FOUND THE FOLLOWING: 1. TRANSMISSION TUNNEL INTRUDES IN DRIVING POSITION TO OPERATE GAS PEDDLE 2. GAS PEDAL…”
NHTSA complaint #11298367, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 43 3 crash 1 injury

“Driving slowly in a parking lot, I applied the brakes as I approached a parking space. Instead of slowing down, the car inexplicably accelerated quickly and did not respond to increased pressure on the brakes. The car was propelled into a metal post, resulting in my glasses flying off and a seat belt bruise, although the airbag did not deploy. I was examined by ambulance personnel at the scene. The car was towed, inspected by an insurance adjuster and eventually declared a total loss. There were no warning lamps prior to the incident and no reproduction of the incident was possible due to dama…”
NHTSA complaint #11734591, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On 12/28/2023 my 2018 Subaru Outback without warning suddenly accelerated on its own, causing my vehicle to hit the curb and ran into a building.”
NHTSA complaint #11562501, 2023 · crash

“While pulling into a parking spot with my foot on the brake and preparing to stop, the car continued to move up over the curb and then began to accelerate even after I applied both of my feet pushing down on the brakes until I hit our condo building. The car and building received extensive damage, and although the car was not totaled it will cost over 7,000 dollars to repair. Personally I was not injured. The air bags did not imploy at impact. There were no warning messages or prior failures with the vehicle before this day. The car was taken to a body shop and not the dealer so we have not h…”
NHTSA complaint #11553716, 2023 · crash

Visibility 41

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the windshield cracked without impact. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer to have the windshield replaced; however, the failure recurred soon after the replacement. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11592438, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage unattended, the contact noticed that the front windshield was cracked without impact. The vehicle was taken to a glass center, where the glass was replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 52,470.”
NHTSA complaint #11585375, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, she observed that the front windshield had a crack from the bottom leading upwards. The contact stated that the windshield had been replaced the week before. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the windshield needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 44,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11584093, 2024

Engine 36 1 crash 1 fire

“WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO LOSE POWER AND ENGINE WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND UPON INSPECTION OF THE ENGINE THE ENGINE HAD CAUGHT FIRE. THE FIRE GREW AND THE CAR WAS DEMOLISHED AS A RESULT OF AN ENGINE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN PERFECT WORKING ORDER BEFORE THE FIRE, WELL MAINTAINED AND HAD LOW MILEAGE FOR A ONE YEAR OLD VEHICLE.”
NHTSA complaint #11204081, 2019 · fire

“I had pulled into our garage and had come to a stop. With my foot on the brake, I was reaching for the ignition button to turn the car off when the car suddenly accelerated forward and struck our large metal tool box, pushing it through the rear wall of the garage. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone. No warning lamps or messages appeared.”
NHTSA complaint #11433863, 2021 · crash

“Engine cam carrier seals are leaking. Repair cost is $5,700 plus tax. Vehicle is well cared for and well maintained with only 96,000 miles The Subaru Manufacturer was contacted and will do nothing to fix and does not admit engineer defect nor manufacturing defect. Basically, 96,000 and needs a new engine. Please put out a national recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11750422, 2026

Steering 35 1 crash

“Sunday,August 1, 2021, at 9:05am, I backed out of my garage and when I attempted to turn my car, the steering locked, the car was drifting backwards and I had no brakes. As a result the car kept drifting backwards , off the driveway into the woods, hitting a tree. Once stopped, I was able to start the car and drive it out of the woods. The entire driver’s side was sideswiped and mirror torn off. I was not injured, but could have been. I called insurance that day. On Monday, we contacted the Subaru dealership. The local police were notified and documented the report. The insurance adjuster d…”
NHTSA complaint #11427913, 2021 · crash

“While the lane keeping assistance is on the car will follow the exit lane beside the lane I’m in and jerk over into it. There has been a car beside me when has happened but I caught the steering wheel before a crash. Also if a car is turning in front of me sometimes, not always, the brakes will jam on when I’m not even close to the car that is turning but I would be going around the car after it has turned almost all the way. There has been no crashes or injuries yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11697314, 2025

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle briefly lost Electric Power Steering assist before returning to normal functionality. The failure had since become a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 25,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11542129, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 21 7 crash 2 injury

“The vehicle, a 2018 Subaru Outback Limited 3.6R, was being pulled into the garage at the owner’s home. With brakes applied, and while putting vehicle into park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward making contact with a suspended shelf attached to the back wall of the garage. The force of the vehicle was such that the shelf and back wall of the garage were completely separated from the home in one piece and pushed approximately 10 yards away from the home before the shelf broke away from the wall upon impact with the ground, perpendicular to the back of the house. The vehicle then travele…”
NHTSA complaint #11456491, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“THE ACCELERATION RESPONSE IS DECOUPLED FROM THE THROTTLE. I HAD COME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A STOP SIGN. I TRIED TO MOVE AHEAD WITH A SLIGHT ACCELERATION TO GET A VIEW OF CROSS TRAFFIC, UNFORTUNATELY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED TOO HIGH AND T BONED INTO ANOTHER CAR THAT WAS GOING ACROSS. THE OTHER VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED. THE PROBLEM IS MORE EVIDENT WHILE ACCELERATING FROM SLOWER SPEEDS OR FROM A STOP.”
NHTSA complaint #11343386, 2018 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I slowed down to approximately 5 MPH to pull into a parking space in front of a building. Without warning, the car suddenly accelerated toward the building. The car jumped over the parking block and onto the sidewalk in front of the building. I attempted to stop the car but the brakes did not function at that point. The car stopped when it hit a pole. There was damage to the front of the car and the pole. No people were injured. There was no warning before this happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11581310, 2024 · crash

Back Over Prevention 19 2 crash 1 injury

“The vehicle, a 2018 Subaru Outback Limited 3.6R, was being pulled into the garage at the owner’s home. With brakes applied, and while putting vehicle into park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward making contact with a suspended shelf attached to the back wall of the garage. The force of the vehicle was such that the shelf and back wall of the garage were completely separated from the home in one piece and pushed approximately 10 yards away from the home before the shelf broke away from the wall upon impact with the ground, perpendicular to the back of the house. The vehicle then travele…”
NHTSA complaint #11456491, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Car jerked back and suddenly accelerated without warning as driver had foot on brake and was slowly pulling into parking spot. Car hit wall of parking garage causing front end damage. Parking collision warning did not sound at any point. Car was going 1-2 MPH and was 5 feet from end of parking spot when incident occurred. Sudden acceleration when driver has foot on brake can cause injury to driver, passengers or others in the path of the car. No hazards in parking garage were present that could have caused accident, which was witnessed by driver's work colleague. No police report filed. Incide…”
NHTSA complaint #11482083, 2022 · crash

“Our Subaru backup camera screen is suffering from a factory defect delamination issue which has caused the screen to become hazy and difficult to see. In daylight, the screen is often completely obscured by the defect. Subaru issued a warranty extension from 2020 to 2023 due to class action litigation regarding this issue, but we were never made aware of the extension. Subaru has refused to repair this factory safety defect simply claiming it is out of warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11732839, 2026

Forward Collision Avoidance 18 7 crash 1 injury

“The vehicle, a 2018 Subaru Outback Limited 3.6R, was being pulled into the garage at the owner’s home. With brakes applied, and while putting vehicle into park, the vehicle suddenly accelerated forward making contact with a suspended shelf attached to the back wall of the garage. The force of the vehicle was such that the shelf and back wall of the garage were completely separated from the home in one piece and pushed approximately 10 yards away from the home before the shelf broke away from the wall upon impact with the ground, perpendicular to the back of the house. The vehicle then travele…”
NHTSA complaint #11456491, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Report on Accident [XXX] 4TH DISTRICT wHEATON MARYLAND [XXX] [XXX] I was driving west on [XXX] at approximately [XXX]. As I approached the intersection at [XXX] the TRAFIC light cars were stopped . I was in the left hand lane because I was going to turn on to [XXX] . As approached the intersection I applied the brakes the pedal went close to the floor but the car did not slow down. I tried pumping the brake pedal with no effect. No collosion avoidance alert To try and slow the vehicle ran the wheel against the curb of the median which slowed the car down a little . I pressed the p…”
NHTSA complaint #11742069, 2026 · crash

“On 12/28/2023 my 2018 Subaru Outback without warning suddenly accelerated on its own, causing my vehicle to hit the curb and ran into a building.”
NHTSA complaint #11562501, 2023 · crash

Service Brakes 18 7 crash 3 injury

“I WENT TO TO STOP AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND MY BRAKES FAILED. I SWERVED TO MISS THE CAR DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF ME. I HIT 5 OTHER CARS AND THE CAR FLIPPED. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HAD TO CUT US OUT OF THE CAR.THIS WAS A BUSY STREET.”
NHTSA complaint #11170354, 2019 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“Driving slowly in a parking lot, I applied the brakes as I approached a parking space. Instead of slowing down, the car inexplicably accelerated quickly and did not respond to increased pressure on the brakes. The car was propelled into a metal post, resulting in my glasses flying off and a seat belt bruise, although the airbag did not deploy. I was examined by ambulance personnel at the scene. The car was towed, inspected by an insurance adjuster and eventually declared a total loss. There were no warning lamps prior to the incident and no reproduction of the incident was possible due to dama…”
NHTSA complaint #11734591, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Report on Accident [XXX] 4TH DISTRICT wHEATON MARYLAND [XXX] [XXX] I was driving west on [XXX] at approximately [XXX]. As I approached the intersection at [XXX] the TRAFIC light cars were stopped . I was in the left hand lane because I was going to turn on to [XXX] . As approached the intersection I applied the brakes the pedal went close to the floor but the car did not slow down. I tried pumping the brake pedal with no effect. No collosion avoidance alert To try and slow the vehicle ran the wheel against the curb of the median which slowed the car down a little . I pressed the p…”
NHTSA complaint #11742069, 2026 · crash

Power Train 14 1 crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HIS WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE ENGINE REVVED, AND WITH THE DRIVER'S FOOT ON THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND WENT OVER THE PARKING CURB AND CRASHED INTO AN EMBANKMENT IN ANOTHER PARKING LOT. THERE WAS NO WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HIS WIFE COMPLAINED ABOUT AN UNKNOWN LIGHT THAT ONCE FLASHED ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE DASHBOARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE LIGHT DID NOT STAY ON. THE VEHICLE WAS DAMAGED BUT WAS NOT TOTALED. THERE WAS NO INJURY AND NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED T…”
NHTSA complaint #11306268, 2020 · crash

“Had my recalls completed and started having jerking on my way home from the dealership. Didn’t have any issues prior and I drove 2 hours to the closest Subaru dealership. Had transmission serviced and still doing it. Read the fuel update and head unit updated could take a bit longer to learn and could cause jerking but still happening 3 weeks later. Transmission was serviced last week. The shop to do it stated didn’t notice metal shavings nor sounds in the transmission or the oil and suggested it be the computer problem with the recall fixes.”
NHTSA complaint #11643751, 2025

“CVT Transmission failed and shut off engine. 2018 Subaru Outback Limited with only 56,500 miles. On 5/19/24 at approximately 11:30PM, my family and I (5 members) were driving northbound on an interstate highway, when all of a sudden, the engine and transmission completely shut off with all warning lights flashing on the dashboard, while travelling at speeds of 65 miles per hour. When pressing on the accelerator, vehicle would not accelerate, rather the vehicle was decelerating. Fortunately, not many vehicles were on the highway at that time and our vehicle had enough momentum to move right…”
NHTSA complaint #11596898, 2024

Structure 13

“OUR SUNROOF EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. IT COULD HAVE CAUSED A BAD ACCIDENT AS THE SPEED LIMIT IS 65-70 FULL OF CARS AND TRUCKS ON I-95 NORTH. THERE WAS NO WARNING, JUST A LARGE EXPLOSION AND SHATTERED GLASS. LUCKILY OUR SUNSHADE WAS CLOSED SO THE GLASS WAS CONTAINED. IT WAS RAINING AND ABOUT 50 DEGREES.”
NHTSA complaint #11727236, 2026

“Rock hit windshield and cracked windshield, from a small rock cracking the windshield and leaving this much damage if it was a bigger one it could have gone through and hurt us. This will be the second time I’ll have to repair the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11444695, 2021

“The front windshield (driver's side) cracked out of nowhere. Now there's a large crack that runs from the driver's side through the middle of the windshield. There were no visible chips on the front windshield prior to the incident.”
NHTSA complaint #11430430, 2021

Wheels 11 1 fire

“SMOKE ELECTRICAL SHORT ISSUE IN DRIVER SIDE MIRROR. DIAGNOSED BY SUBARU MECHANIC TO BE A SHORT IN THE APPROACH LIGHT MODULE. SIGNIFICANT SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM MIRROR WITH BURN MARKS ON BOTTOM INSIDE MIDDLE OF MIRROR. THE CAR HAD JUST CAME TO REST IN A HOSPITAL PARKING DECK. CAR WAS REMOVED FROM DECK IN ORDER TO PREVENT FIRE HAZARD. NOTE - A 10 AMP FUSE DID BLOW WHICH CAUSED A FAILURE OF THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM) AND THE REMOTE LOCK/UNLOCK SYSTEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11207532, 2019 · fire

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, he noticed all 4 wheels showed signs of cracks on the rims and spokes. The low-pressure tire warning light had illuminated. In addition, all tires required air frequently. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11604022, 2024

“Battery failed and had to be replaced Wheel Bearing replacement”
NHTSA complaint #11486297, 2022

Exterior Lighting 9 1 fire

“SMOKE ELECTRICAL SHORT ISSUE IN DRIVER SIDE MIRROR. DIAGNOSED BY SUBARU MECHANIC TO BE A SHORT IN THE APPROACH LIGHT MODULE. SIGNIFICANT SMOKE WAS EMITTED FROM MIRROR WITH BURN MARKS ON BOTTOM INSIDE MIDDLE OF MIRROR. THE CAR HAD JUST CAME TO REST IN A HOSPITAL PARKING DECK. CAR WAS REMOVED FROM DECK IN ORDER TO PREVENT FIRE HAZARD. NOTE - A 10 AMP FUSE DID BLOW WHICH CAUSED A FAILURE OF THE TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM) AND THE REMOTE LOCK/UNLOCK SYSTEM.”
NHTSA complaint #11207532, 2019 · fire

“"I own a 2018 Subaru Outback VIN [XXX] . I have experienced a recurring failure with the TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) three times within the same year. In January 2026, I brought my vehicle to the dealership and had to replace the TPMS sensors. Shortly after, the issue returned and I had to replace the TPMS module. I picked the vehicle up on Monday, May 18, 2026, and by Wednesday, May 20, 2026, I had to return it to the dealership again for the same recurring problem. This is the third repair for the same system failure within 2026. I have open case with Subaru of America regarding…”
NHTSA complaint #11739044, 2026

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal to park the vehicle, the brake lights failed to illuminate as designed. While returning to the vehicle after the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start due to a safety feature that disabled the starter when the brake lights failed to operate as designed. An AAA-certified mechanic was called, and after inspecting the vehicle, the mechanic diagnosed that the brake indicator switch had failed, causing the rear brake lights to fail to illuminate. The vehicle…”
NHTSA complaint #11730751, 2026

Air Bags 8 5 crash 11 injury

“SEVERE, HEAD-ON IMPACT TO DRIVER'S SIDE, OTHER CAR WAS TOTALED. POLICE EXPECTED BOTH CARS TO BE TOTALED, AND WERE SURPRISED THAT DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. DRIVER WAS NOT SERIOUSLY INJURED, HOWEVER, SHE TOOK A HARD HIT TO HER HEAD, NECK AND SHOULDER. DEALER, INDEPENDENT SERVICE CENTER HAVE NOT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE, NOR HAS PROBLEM BEEN REPRODUCED. AIRBAG HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY THE MANUFACTURER, OR INSURANCE REP., POLICE AND REPAIR FACILITY ONLY. NO WARNING LAMPS, ETC. WERE KNOWN TO HAVE ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE AND AIRBAG ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.”
NHTSA complaint #11478467, 2022 · crash · 8 injury(ies)

“[XXX] at [XXX] We were sitting at a complete stop with our turn signal on, waiting for traffic to clear enough to turn left. It was dark/cold but otherwise good road conditions, no rain/snow/wind. We were suddenly slammed from behind in the rear/R passenger rear by the Black Dodge Journey. This impact then pushed us into the oncoming lane causing another vehicle to hit us in the front driver side of the vehicle. 911 was called at 1811 and the call lasted 3 minutes. SBPD was dispatched along with traffic control. The impact caused the visor on the passenger side to fall which caused broken faci…”
NHTSA complaint #11580150, 2022 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I was rear-ended on August 30 in this vehicle while at a traffic stop by a truck traveling 65+mph. Upon impact, I was pushed into the vehicle in front of me at a high rate of speed. Despite being hit from behind and pushed into the vehicle ahead of me no airbags deployed in the vehicle. As a result, my head struck the steering wheel knocking me unconscious, and has resulted in a traumatic brain injury, labyrinthine concussion, whiplash, and damage to my vision and hearing. The vehicle was totaled out by my insurance company and the vehicle was sold to CoPart and I don't believe anyone has inve…”
NHTSA complaint #11443513, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Lane Departure 8 1 crash

“I was backing out of my driveway very slowly as usual. I checked the road both ways several times. A US mail truck evidently traveling at a high rate of speed came up behind me while I was looking in the opposite direction. The automatic braking did not kick in, the warning system didn't work. After the accident the green, yellow, red lines on the camera and the warning beeping stuff-all were not working for several weeks. All of the sudden, they started working. HISTORY-4 days after purchasing the vehicle we have had lane departure, driver assist problems. The passenger window does what it wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11459985, 2022 · crash

“While the lane keeping assistance is on the car will follow the exit lane beside the lane I’m in and jerk over into it. There has been a car beside me when has happened but I caught the steering wheel before a crash. Also if a car is turning in front of me sometimes, not always, the brakes will jam on when I’m not even close to the car that is turning but I would be going around the car after it has turned almost all the way. There has been no crashes or injuries yet.”
NHTSA complaint #11697314, 2025

“Eye Sight Blind Spot Warning indicator on each side view mirror does not function intermittently: blind spot warning indicator light does not light up when cars are in blind spot. Eye Sight Rear Cross Traffic Warning camera does not function intermittently in Reverse gear: screen turns black OR camera shows cross traffic AND sound alert does not sound.”
NHTSA complaint #11467249, 2022

Seats 8

“This is a Base model automobile with manual seats. The right front passenger seat unlocked without warning during a quick deceleration. The seat slid forward on mounting rails and caused the front passenger to be squished between forward motion of seat and the seat belt. Lucky this was not a collision, but weight of seat moving forward & smashing passenger against seat belt was very uncormfortable. During a collision, this may have resulted in a serious injury. Seat bottom was replaced by dealer at my expense. I have kept defective seat bottom for further inspection. I have attached…”
NHTSA complaint #11708006, 2025

“I folded my rear seats down to gain more cargo area room, upon unloading my cargo, I proceeded to fold up my rear seats. Both rear seats folded up and locked, except the driver's side rear seat locked into position but would recline backwards and not stay locked. I have owned this vehicle for seven years and have only had passengers in the rear about a dozen times, and to my knowledge never used the recline feature. The rear seats have been folded down numerous times to gain cargo volume and folded back up. I looked at side drivers side latch and it moves freely back n forth and will not lock…”
NHTSA complaint #11639852, 2025

“Driver seat is loose. Noise when travelling or even stopped. Bolts to the floor are tight but the seat is loose above them. Excess movement. Brought it in after 2 weeks of new purchase and they repaired bushings according to service. Noise recurs 2022. Dealer refuses to repair under any warranty. Suggests bottom seat replacement at owners expense.”
NHTSA complaint #11502180, 2022

Suspension 8

“My wife and I, financed our brand new 2018 Subaru Outback Premium from World Subaru, 688 Shrewsbury Ave., Tinton Falls, New Jersey 07701, in June 2018. There are 3 main problems with the car, but I’ll only be addressing the most recent one. The main people in this situation is myself-[XXX], my wife-[XXX], Subaru, Owner and General Manager-Joe Wajda, Service Advisor-Rudolph J DeGaetano, and Fixed Operation Director-Lou Zuluaga. The 2018 Subaru was brought in for an oil change filter, etc., on April 19, 2021 and I went right up to the service advisor Rudolph J DeGaetano to tell him besides the o…”
NHTSA complaint #11420326, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT'S WIFE OWNS A 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT'S WIFE HAD NOTICED AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HUGHES SUBARU (3010 ATLANTA HWY, ATHENS, GA 30606) TO HAVE THE BRAKES INSPECTED AND THE DEALER FOUND NO FAULTS WITH THE BRAKES. AS THE FAILURE PERSISTED, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE SAME DEALER WHERE THEY DISCOVERED A FAILURE WITH THE TWO FRONT TIRE WHEEL BEARINGS AND THEY REPLACED THE TWO FRONT BEARINGS UNDER WARRANTY. THE DEALER ALSO SUGGESTED THAT ALL FOUR TIRES WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED DUE TO THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11351115, 2020

“REAR TRAILING ARM SNAPPED RENDERING VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE - THE REAR TRAILING ARM SNAPPED. IT LOOKS APPARENT IT WAS SLOWLY FAILING AS SOME PARTS OF THE FRACTURE ARE RUSTED OUT. THE PART NUMBER IS 20250AL02A. THESE PARTS WERE DESIGNED WITH VERY THIN WALLS AND MAY BE THE REASON WHY IT FAILED. I GOT LUCKY THAT THE VEHICLE WAS JUST OFF THE HIGHWAY BEFORE I HEARD A CLUNKING NOISE, BRAKING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO FLIP OVER AS THE VEHICLE WAS NOT STABLE AT ALL DURING THE FAILURE. HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF THE FAILURE. THESE PHOTOS WERE TAKEN THE DAY OF THE FAILURE, FEBRUARY…”
NHTSA complaint #11307937, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 4

“MY 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK HAS BRAKE FADE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, BRAKE LOSS (PETAL GOES TO FLOOR) AFTER BEING PARKED OR DRIVING, AND BRAKE LOSS IN X-MODE ( X MODE FEATURE CONTROLS BRAKING/SPEED ON STEEP SLIPPERY ROADS.SUBARU DEALER MADE 4 UNSUCCESSFUL REPAIR ATTEMPTS. SUBARU OF AMERICA FLEW IN A FIELD ENGINEER, TIED UP MY CAR 3 WEEKS BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL ALSO. MATHEW IN A RECORDED MESSAGE SOA'S SERVICE REP.CONFIRMED THE BRAKE ISSUES & CLAIMED SOA WAS TESTING ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS. ON 01/07/2020 MY 2018 SUBARU ,STILL UNDER NEW CAR WARRANT, FAILED TO PASS A NY STATE MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION. I CAN NOT…”
NHTSA complaint #11308527, 2019

“DIVING 55 MPH ON HIGHWAY WHEN CAR STARTED TO HARD SHUDDER, LOSE ACCELERATION. ENGINE LIGHT AND ALL OTHER WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON. DIFFICULT TO STEER AND BRAKE. ABLE TO BARELY PULL OFF ROAD SAFELY AND AVOID GUARD RAIL. NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS NOTED.”
NHTSA complaint #11253464, 2019

“SUBARU LANE ASSIST STEERING ISSUE. WHEN YOU HAVE LANE ASSIST ON THE CAR WILL TRY AND STEER FROM ONE LANE TO ANOTHER ON ITS OWN. THIS HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE ON THE FREEWAY AND STARTED AFTER 10,000 MILES WAS ON THE CAR.”
NHTSA complaint #11193481, 2019

Fuel System 3 1 injury

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. WHILE PUSHING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD, IT ROLLED OVER THE DRIVER'S LEGS. THE DRIVER WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE MALFUNCTIONED AND DISPLAYED AN INCORRECT FUEL LEVEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,900.”
NHTSA complaint #11098846, 2018 · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle stalled intermittently. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer as well as Hudiburg Subaru (210 E Interstate 240 Service Rd, Oklahoma City, OK 73149) on several occasions. However, both dealers could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11439058, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTIFICATION FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V773000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) AND STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER FAILED TO REPAIR THE VEHICLE WITHIN A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME. THE DEALER (SUBARU OF SANTA CRUZ, 4100 AUTO PLAZA DRIVE, CAPITOLA, CA 95010) CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE TO PERFORM THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.”
NHTSA complaint #11163844, 2018

Equipment 2

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while reversing, the display screen image was glaring and cloudy. Additionally, the infotainment screen failed to function properly and made beeping sounds, distracting the contact while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the infotainment screen had delaminated and that the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approxim…”
NHTSA complaint #11656021, 2024

“The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the infotainment system screen operated independently and an unknown notification alert sounded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the head unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11622441, 2019

Seat Belts 2

“This is a Base model automobile with manual seats. The right front passenger seat unlocked without warning during a quick deceleration. The seat slid forward on mounting rails and caused the front passenger to be squished between forward motion of seat and the seat belt. Lucky this was not a collision, but weight of seat moving forward & smashing passenger against seat belt was very uncormfortable. During a collision, this may have resulted in a serious injury. Seat bottom was replaced by dealer at my expense. I have kept defective seat bottom for further inspection. I have attached…”
NHTSA complaint #11708006, 2025

“The passenger seat belt is not staying buckled in, it take about 3 tries before it clicks.”
NHTSA complaint #11422975, 2021

Tires 2

“P225 65/R17 Multiple Sensor leaks, false TPM readings, on/off TPM signals.”
NHTSA complaint #11633372, 2024

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 SUBARU OUTBACK EQUIPPED WITH FOUR BRIDGESTONE DUELER HP SPORT AS TIRES, SIZE: 225/60/R18 (NA). WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL POPPING NOISE. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE TIRE BLEW OUT. ADDITIONALLY, THERE WERE LINES FROM THE BEAD TO THE THREAD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE POLICE ARRIVED ON THE SCENE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE TIRE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE FAILURE…”
NHTSA complaint #11242086, 2019

Carry Handle 1 1 crash

“I was in an accident 11/26 and would need to replace my care seat”
NHTSA complaint #11441824, 2021 · crash

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“Hood flew open at 70 mph on smooth highway. Visibility was restricted to narrow field below open hood and front windshield was cracked through force of impact of hood on front windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11723911, 2026