Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Subaru Legacy
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has notable issues with its electrical system and fuel pump but remains a reliable car with proper maintenance. Check for the recall repairs, as some issues may impact safety, like fuel pump failure and rearview camera malfunctions.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 117 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #21V587000 Fuel Pump May Fail NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V935000 Camera Image may not Display/FMVSS 111 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V773000 Incorrect Fuel Range Display May Cause Stall NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 40 complaints
- Unknown or Other 29 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 25 complaints
- Engine 10 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 8 complaints
- Visibility 8 complaints
Of the 117 complaints on file, 7 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 117 complaints, owners report 1 injury (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Fuel pump may fail
How to check: Verify that the fuel pump recall repair was completed.
Rearview camera may not display
How to check: Test rearview camera display during reverse gear.
Fuel gauge may be inaccurate
How to check: Ensure low fuel warning light functions correctly.
Audio display may not initialize
How to check: Check audio display responsiveness when starting car.
Brake issues reported
How to check: Inspect brake responsiveness and pad wear during braking.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Ensure engine starts smoothly with no sputtering.
Red flag: Difficulty starting engine
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Observe for any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
First braking attempt
What to check: Notice responsiveness and sound of the brakes.
Red flag: Soft pedal or grinding noise
- 04
Reverse gear
What to check: Check if rearview camera displays correctly.
Red flag: No rearview camera display
- 05
City driving
What to check: Monitor electrical functions like radio and A/C.
Red flag: Malfunctioning A/C or radio
- 06
Highway acceleration
What to check: Test acceleration for smooth power delivery.
Red flag: Loss of power or hesitation
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the fuel pump recall been addressed?
- Any electrical system issues in the past?
- Have you experienced brake problems?
- Are there any dashboard warning lights?
- Has rearview camera ever malfunctioned?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Complete service history
- Title and registration
- Current vehicle inspection report
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Subaru Legacy at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Subaru Legacy? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.