2018 Subaru Outback electrical system problems
265 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2018 Subaru Outback — 33% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“2018 Subaru Outback Infotainment center glass delamination causing the system to come on by itself start malfunctioning switching between channels or apps and potentially startle / distract the driver. Incident has been ongoing for over 8 months..”
filed Jul 15, 2026
“The car screens are delaminating and bubbling due to fault of the manufacturer. This is a widespread issue and causes safety issues due to the screen moving erratically while driving, messing with volume and function controls.”
filed Jun 26, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended…Campaign 18V773000 · Nov 1, 2018
Related service bulletins
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 2, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026
Electrical System problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 9 | 13% |
| 2024 Outback | 16 | 17% |
| 2023 Outback | 17 | 20% |
| 2022 Outback | 49 | 11% |
| 2021 Outback | 73 | 25% |
| 2020 Outback | 257 | 29% |
| 2019 Outback | 362 | 35% |
| 2017 Outback | 391 | 43% |
| 2016 Outback | 308 | 48% |
| 2015 Outback | 126 | 25% |
| 2014 Outback | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 Outback | 23 | 8% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2018 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.