Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2018 Subaru Outback
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Subaru Outback has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns and 816 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 267 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 234 complaints
- Unknown or Other 162 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 43 complaints
- Visibility 41 complaints
- Engine 37 complaints
Of the 816 complaints on file, 27 report a crash and 4 a fire; across all 816 complaints, owners report 19 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$7,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2018 Subaru Outback faces several recalls, notably involving the fuel system and electrical software issues. It accumulates significant complaints regarding its electrical system and visibility problems. However, critical mechanical systems aren't prominently implicated, maintaining an average reliability rating.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| fuel pump | 50,000–80,000 miles | $400–$800 | common |
| audio display system | 30,000–60,000 miles | $450–$700 | common |
| low fuel warning system | 20,000–40,000 miles | $150–$300 | occasional |
| rearview mirror | 30,000–50,000 miles | $100–$250 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter change
- Brake inspection
- Tire rotation and alignment
- Battery check
- Coolant system servicing
- Transmission fluid change
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Inaccurate fuel gauge
- Blank rearview camera
- Non-responsive audio unit
- Delayed warning lights
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Subaru Outback at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.