Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Subaru Outback 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 805 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.

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

The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?

The 2018 Subaru Outback has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

What is a fair price for a used 2018 Subaru Outback?

A used 2018 Subaru Outback typically sells for $14,000–$20,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?

Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.

How many miles is too many for a 2018 Subaru Outback?

Well-maintained Subaru Outbacks frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Subaru Outback

Practical AWD wagon-crossover — well-proven 2.5i engine is highly reliable.

Typical price: $14,000–$20,000
Recalls: 3
Owner complaints: 805

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NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices#18V935000
Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Electrical System:Software#18V773000
The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump#21V587000
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(805 total)

Visibility/Wiper210
Electrical System197
Unknown Or Other97
Visibility37
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other23
Steering22
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Engine15

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.00 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMajor
-1.00 pts
Excessive oil consumption on 2.5L FA25 engine — 1 quart per 1,000–2,000 miles reported. Over 1,100 NHTSA complaints. Subaru extended warranty to 8yr/100k for oil consumption. Verify warranty status and perform oil consumption test before purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Subaru Outback 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 805 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?: The 2018 Subaru Outback has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Subaru Outback?: A used 2018 Subaru Outback typically sells for $14,000–$20,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?: Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Subaru Outback?: Well-maintained Subaru Outbacks frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Find a 2018 Subaru Outback for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

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Also consider

2015 Nissan Rogue

$8,000–$13,000

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

$9,000–$14,000

2019 Honda CR-V

$16,000–$23,000

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Known issues

High recall count or documented complaint patterns. Inspect carefully.

2018 Subaru Outback

Practical AWD wagon-crossover — well-proven 2.5i engine is highly reliable.

Typical price: $14,000–$20,000
Recalls: 3
Owner complaints: 805

ShareX f

Have a specific 2018 Subaru Outback to check?

Get a free instant score for this model — recalls, known issues, and a fair-price estimate — then add your VIN, mileage, and price for a listing-specific result. No account needed.

Score this vehicle free

NHTSA Recalls

3 recalls

Safety-critical recall on record. Verify recall completion at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.

Visibility:Rearview Mirrors/Devices#18V935000
Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
Electrical System:Software#18V773000
The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump#21V587000
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Owner Complaints

(805 total)

Visibility/Wiper210
Electrical System197
Unknown Or Other97
Visibility37
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other23
Steering22
Fuel/Propulsion System19
Engine15

Known Issues

Known issues contribute -1.00 pts to the score (capped at −3.0 total).

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLINGMajor
-1.00 pts
Excessive oil consumption on 2.5L FA25 engine — 1 quart per 1,000–2,000 miles reported. Over 1,100 NHTSA complaints. Subaru extended warranty to 8yr/100k for oil consumption. Verify warranty status and perform oil consumption test before purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Outback reliable?: Based on NHTSA data, CarScorer rates the 2018 Subaru Outback 4.0/10 — Higher risk. It has 3 NHTSA recalls on record and about 805 owner complaints. Always confirm the condition and history of the specific vehicle you're considering.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Outback?: The most frequently reported area is Engine & Cooling. See the known issues listed above for model-specific details, and have a mechanic check those items before buying.
How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?: The 2018 Subaru Outback has 3 NHTSA safety recalls on record, including at least one safety-critical recall — verify it was completed at nhtsa.gov before purchasing.
What is a fair price for a used 2018 Subaru Outback?: A used 2018 Subaru Outback typically sells for $14,000–$20,000, depending on mileage, trim, and condition. Compare the asking price against that range before making an offer.
Is the 2018 Subaru Outback expensive to maintain?: Subaru is known for lower-than-average maintenance and parts costs, with repairs that are generally DIY- and independent-shop-friendly.
How many miles is too many for a 2018 Subaru Outback?: Well-maintained Subaru Outbacks frequently pass 200,000 miles. Treat 150k+ as higher-mileage but not disqualifying if the service history is clean.

Find a 2018 Subaru Outback for sale

Use your CarScorer analysis to negotiate with confidence. Open each listing site in a new tab to compare active inventory.

CarGurus AutoTrader Cars.com Edmunds

Financing

Compare auto loan offers before you buy

One application, up to 4 loan offers in minutes

Accessories & exterior protection

Shop accessories & exterior protection

Floor mats, running boards, fender flares, tonneau covers & more

Suspension & performance

Wheel spacers, leveling & lift kits, suspension

KSP Performance — 5% off site-wide with code KSPAF

Need a rental while you shop?

Browse rental cars from $9/day

CarScorer may earn a commission from these links, at no cost to you.

Compare the 2018 Subaru Outback

Featured in

Also consider

2015 Nissan Rogue

$8,000–$13,000

2016 Subaru Crosstrek

$9,000–$14,000

2019 Honda CR-V

$16,000–$23,000

Score any used car listing in 2 minutes

CarScorer pulls NHTSA data, checks known issues, and compares the asking price against market value — all in one score. Free, no account required for a basic check.

Try CarScorer free