2018 Subaru Outback engine problems
37 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2018 Subaru Outback — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The car started to make very loud engine noises and then the engine completely failed. The car was no longer able to accelerate and lost the ability to go in both forward and reverse. Luckily, my son had just arrived home when the car completely lost power, but it began to have acceleration issues…”
filed Sep 11, 2026
“Engine cam carrier seals are leaking. Repair cost is $5,700 plus tax. Vehicle is well cared for and well maintained with only 96,000 miles The Subaru Manufacturer was contacted and will do nothing to fix and does not admit engineer defect nor manufacturing defect. Basically, 96,000 and needs a new…”
filed Jul 14, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 Outback | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 21 | 5% |
| 2021 Outback | 21 | 7% |
| 2020 Outback | 48 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 39 | 4% |
| 2017 Outback | 43 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 Outback | 47 | 9% |
| 2014 Outback | 35 | 17% |
| 2013 Outback | 67 | 23% |
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.