2018 Subaru Outback power train problems
14 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2018 Subaru Outback — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Had my recalls completed and started having jerking on my way home from the dealership. Didn’t have any issues prior and I drove 2 hours to the closest Subaru dealership. Had transmission serviced and still doing it. Read the fuel update and head unit updated could take a bit longer to learn and…”
filed Feb 19, 2025
“CVT Transmission failed and shut off engine. 2018 Subaru Outback Limited with only 56,500 miles. On 5/19/24 at approximately 11:30PM, my family and I (5 members) were driving northbound on an interstate highway, when all of a sudden, the engine and transmission completely shut off with all warning…”
filed Jun 26, 2024
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
16-158-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
16-156-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
16-154-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models…
16-132-20R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026
Power Train problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 Outback | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 Outback | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 Outback | 18 | 4% |
| 2021 Outback | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 Outback | 46 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 15 | 1% |
| 2017 Outback | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 Outback | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 Outback | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 Outback | 59 | 20% |
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.