10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,860 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Subaru Outback miscellaneous problems

miscellaneous problem

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2018 Subaru Outback Owner Comments (Page 5 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #56

Oct 092019

Outback

  • 30,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a 2018 Subaru Outback and the windshield crack for no reason while I was driving. When I went to replace it safelite glass was in able to recalibrate the eyesight camera. They tried to switch the aftermarket windshield with an oem window and it didn't work and sent me to the Subaru dealer to recalibrate. This didn't work either so they had to replace the eyesight camera. Safelite stayed this happens a lot when they replace windshields because the cameras are not protected so if a little dust gets on it while they change the windshield it can screw up the cameras ability to recalibrate. They also advise it's a know issue with Subaru's but they have done nothing to resolve

- North Oxford, MA, USA

problem #55

Aug 302019

Outback

  • 23,000 miles
During 4th week August 2019, I made an emergency stop on the shoulder on interstate 90. There was usual traffic, not sure if there was a tiny rock which came flying on my windshield, I haven't heard any noise nor I have seen any chipping. The next morning I woke up too see a tiny crack, immediately I contacted my insurance and local car dealership to find out cost's, but as it was weekend, I wasnt able to get a slot. 2 days later I see a nice fine crack across the screen, this was a bad surprise for me, I used a Mazda for 3 years before and definitely traveled a lot, with tiny rocks flying on the windshield, but it never ever cracked. With Subaru I am shocked, I felt glass quality to be either fragile or composition of windshield glass may be compromised(or poor). I am not sure if the company has noticed this complaints. When I spoke to 3rd party glass vendor he told me that there are many Subaru Outbacks which had seen similar issues. On top of it, I was told that there is a charge of ~250$ to adjust smart lens, which is ridiculous, so in summary when a windshield cracks it takes 350$ glass + 250$ lens correction = 600$, which I feel is highly in-justified. There has to be someone who needs to take a legal action against the company.

- Snoqualmie, WA, USA

problem #54

Mar 112020

Outback

  • 12,000 miles
Keyless access system has issues. Several times I have found the car unlocked and / or with the rear hatch door approximately half way open. I've noticed also that sometimes other person fob interfering with my car. 2X when I've been parked with engine off the alarm system would start blaring for no reason. All these incidents happened with the car parked and engine off.

- Vestal, NY, USA

problem #53

Dec 052019

Outback

  • 16,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Windshield cracked for no reason and the cracks are spreading.

- Aurora, CO, USA

problem #52

Dec 092019

Outback

  • 15,000 miles
Cracked windshield

- San Jose, CA, USA

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problem #51

Feb 222020

Outback

  • 31,500 miles
Windshield spontaneously cracked from driver's side about 4 inches toward center. I actually witnessed the crack suddenly appear while hearing a cracking sound. The vehicle was in motion at the time; I was driving at 65 mph on a smooth stretch of highway.

- East Glacier, MT, USA

problem #50

Oct 042018

Outback

  • 12,758 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We own 2 2018 Subaru Outbacks. We have had to replace the windshield in each one twice (a piece) and one of them has a cracked windshield again. After looking on line I find that we are not the only ones who have had to replace the windshields multiple times. The dealerships continue to say the windshields are cracking because of rock chips. None of our other cars' windshields are cracking. The last one cracked when the car was sitting in the garage and had not been driven. Since this happened 5 times with 2 vehicles some of the questions your form asked did not apply. Such as how fast were we going (sometimes 55,65 or 0) what date did this occur (5 different dates) at what mileage 5 different ones but they are on the 4 insurance claims I attached. The 5th one we have not fixed yet. Why? it's just going to break again. We are going to have to report it to our insurance company, our rates are going through the roof now because of all theses claims and then there is hassle to get it fixed. Not worth it to have it break a month or two down the line. I am not sure my files downloaded to you. I have the hard copies just in case. Thank you for your help!

- Hartford, SD, USA

problem #49

Feb 022020

Outback

  • 4 miles
The key got stuck in the ignition, and the visor on passenger does not swing correctly, the radio turns on when I start the car even after the radio was turned off

- Fresno, CA, USA

problem #48

Apr 272018

Outback

  • 15,000 miles
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 is tucked away too far to the right (line of sight covered by transmission tunnel) 3. the distance between the gas and brake pedal are longer than any other car that we have owned. Operating the two pedals require wide turn of right ankle). The combination of the above 3 design issues forces driver to open the right leg at the hip. Next to turn to right foot below the knee further to the right. Lastly require wider turn of right ankle to operate brake pedal if not lifting right foot to operate the brake pedal. Later that day, we did an internet search on "Subaru" + "leg pain". we found out reported issues since 2013. Also, our sister in-law who has a Subaru forester shared that at time she feels discomfort in her right leg when traveling longer than 2 hours. Since then we have heard from other Subaru owners having pain in right side of their body. Information surfaces only when we share our experience. Since July 4th 2018, I have been driving the Outback. While my daily commute is not as long as wife's, I am experiencing discomfort in my right knee and ankle. I have reach out to local dealer and Subaru America top executives. So far they refuse to acknowledge that they have a problem or willing to work with me.

- Cary, NC, USA

problem #47

Sep 102019

Outback

  • 15,000 miles
Windshield is very susceptible to chipping from the smallest stone fragments, then easily spreads. We had it replaced along with recalibration of the eye sight. Cost was $697 prior to that any time you would hear the faintest sound of something hitting the windshield you would see a tiny chip mark. I have been in the automotive repair business for 30 years and driven many vehicles in my 62 years and this windshield by far is the most fragile. Even the new windshield has chip marks and is only a couple of months old.

- Downingtown, PA, USA

problem #46

May 202019

Outback

  • 27,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Cracked windshield for no reason. Also, radio is continually defunct.

- Bellvue, CO, USA

problem #45

Dec 232019

Outback

  • 29,800 miles
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 the garage and opened all the way and then some before slamming back. The door is not functional and it damaged the front quarter panel as well as the driver door. This is my 3rd Outback and I am beyond horrified of this car! we have had nothing but problems from it since we have had it and I am ready to get rid of this one! do not buy this year! there was a recall on an earlier year Outback automatic transmissions as they were doing the same thing, rolling when in park. This car could have killed him and he is fortunate he was able to get away from the car and the frame. I called Subaru this morning and have a case so we shall see if I have to get legal involved or not.

- Roswell, GA, USA

problem #44

Sep 012019

Outback

  • 36,000 miles
The windscreen cracked about two inches. On the passenger side from the top down in a straight line. No other vehicles near me. I did not notice that anything hit the windscreen. I was driving approximately sixty miles per hour eastbound on interstate 270 just East of interstate 70. About 7:30 in the morning.

- St Louis, MO, USA

problem #43

Dec 122019

Outback

  • 21,000 miles
My gas gauge says I have 95 miles before ineed gas however my warning light comes on at that time tell me to get gas right away

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #42

Sep 192018

Outback

  • 20,000 miles
I had owned my 2018 Subaru Outback for about 6 months. I was driving on a state highway when my windshield was hit with a small rock. It caused a small crack in the windshield. I usually can get to town and have these filled when this has happened in my other vehicle. By the time I drove the 20 miles to town to get it filled it had ran and cracked the whole middle section of my windshield. I was shocked that it had completely ruined the windshield. I called my dealer who informed me it would cost about $600 to $700 to replace the windshield. And about 500 to calibrate the eyesight on the car. Again I was shocked. He then referred me to a windshield company in my area to replace it at a $350 cost to me. I did not take any pictures as I did not realize this was going to be a thing with the vehicle. Since then I have had over 8 chips fixed in the windshield. It seems like every time I travel it gets hit. Which is strange because my other vehicle very seldom gets hit. I try not to drive behind vehicles as it seems my windshield is in an angle that is hit if anything comes up off the road. This is frustrating and expensive and messes with my eyesight on the car.

- Aztec, NM, USA

problem #41

Oct 242019

Outback

  • 0 miles
Battery acid has leaked from battery and all over brackets and bolts. Battery has low charge voltage.

- Paoli, OK, USA

problem #40

Jun 142018

Outback

  • 5 miles
Radio and maps went to a black screen several times at 5K miles. It was sent to the dealership for update. Still had issues, but not as many. Then the lighting went out on the radio buttons. Replaced main head which was covered under warranty w/a 100 dollar deductible. Automatic door locks work intermittently when put in gear, drivers window control panel does not work for any windows in the car other than the drivers window. Had transmission issues after 2 months of purchase. It idles high and does not smoothly glide into gear. Windshield was cracked by a small rock. It was replaced and two weeks later it cracked again.

- Paoli, OK, USA

problem #39

Jun 112018

Outback

  • 150 miles
The windshield on my 2018 Outback cracked within the first 150 miles of ownership.the Subaru service department said it was caused by something hitting the windshield which is a possibility but was not the case. I had the windshield replaced by my insurance company and I paid the deductible amount. I drove the Outback back to my house and parked it for a week while I drove my other car. When I went to drive my Outback after a week of it just sitting still I noticed that the windshield had a big crack in it. I had the windshield replaced under warranty. In the year and a six months that I have owned the car I am on the 4th windshield including the original equipment one.

- Greenwood Village, CO, USA

problem #38

May 102018

Outback

  • 1,500 miles
Windshield cracked less then 2 months from purchase.. for no reason..assisted driving deactivated... stereo and gps system also need ed to be replaced... rear door motor needed to be replaced... stereo and gps software needed to be updated... still had problems.. finally replaced system...

- Chester, NH, USA

problem #37

Jul 302019

Outback

  • 35,000 miles
The windshield cracks and shatters for no reason. I have now replaced two windshields and they continue to break, even though no impacts with flying debris occurred. Many Outback owners report similar things happening. There is something defective with the windshield that cause them to be fragile.

- Medford, WI, USA

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