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.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Subaru Outback electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Subaru Outback have filed 254 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 18,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
254
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Outback | 30 |
| 2015 Outback | 123 |
| 2016 Outback | 293 |
| 2017 Outback | 381 |
| 2018 Outback (this page) | 254 |
| 2019 Outback | 358 |
| 2020 Outback | 245 |
| 2021 Outback | 71 |
| 2022 Outback | 46 |
1crash
3fires
When does it fail?
Of the 254 electrical complaints filed for the 2018 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Electrical accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 254 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) for certain vehicles equipped with 3.6L engines.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report a widespread pattern of electrical system defects that no dealership has successfully diagnosed or fixed. Battery drain is the most persistent complaint: cars go dead after 3–10 days of sitting, even when parked with nothing on, and replacements don't solve the problem. One owner was told flatly "there is no fix for the problem in the 2018 Outback." Others have replaced batteries three to four times in three years, been jump-started six or seven times a year, or been forced to carry portable battery packs everywhere.
Separate from battery drain, owners report complete electrical shutdowns while driving—engine cuts out, all lights go dark, steering dies—at 25 to 65 mph with no warning and no fault codes. One owner nearly caused a head-on collision in a construction zone.
Head unit (infotainment) defects are rampant: screens delaminate and make phone calls, change stations, and adjust volume on their own. Subaru has acknowledged the defect in some cases but denies warranty coverage to many owners. Power windows stick halfway, key fobs stop working after hazard flashers are left on, rear hatches open by themselves and drain the battery, and the liftgate motor runs continuously when the door is open—all creating fresh battery drain on an already vulnerable electrical system.
Owners also report soy-based insulation attracting rodents that chew through fuel lines and wiring ($2,000–$3,500 in damage), windshields cracking spontaneously within weeks of purchase, and steering wheel self-correction fighting driver input. Dealerships repeatedly say "we found nothing wrong" or "we can't duplicate it," despite owners providing documentation and videos. Class-action litigation is underway, and Subaru resists public acknowledgment of the defects despite evidence they're widespread across 2016–2020 model years.
Same Subaru Outback electrical reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Chronic battery drain and premature failure
The electrical system drains the battery even when the vehicle is off, causing repeated dead batteries within days or weeks of parking. Owners report the car will not start after 3–10 days of non-use, with no warning lights. The issue persists after battery replacement, indicating a systemic electrical problem rather than a defective battery. Multiple owners report being told by dealers that there is no diagnosis available, or that the problem 'cannot be duplicated,' despite occurring repeatedly.
When: Ongoing from early ownership; some owners report the problem starting within weeks of purchase, others within 1–2 years. Mileage at failure ranges from 3,500 to 111,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Battery completely dead after 3–10 days without driving; Car will not start with dead/drained battery; No warning lights or dimming headlights before failure; Repeated jump-starts required (some owners report 6–7+ times per year); Battery tests normal at dealership, then drains again within days; Multiple battery replacements (3–4 in some cases within 3 years) do not resolve the issue; Electrical features remain on even though car is off (radio, safety systems, liftgate motor); Battery voltage drops suddenly from full to completely drained overnight
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships replace battery repeatedly without diagnosing root cause. No fix available per dealership statements. Some owners report dealers suggesting owners purchase larger/stronger batteries ($500–$750) or carry portable jump packs. One dealership stated that Subaru's electrical system was first tested on 2018 Outback and 'hadn't figured out an efficient electrical system' by launch. Another reported a software patch was available online but dealership did not disclose if new battery was installed or copies of test reports provided. One owner reports Subaru stated 'there is no fix for the problem in the 2018 Outback.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued battery recalls (mentioned in complaint #1). Subaru aware of 'widespread problem' per owner (complaint #2). Subaru Customer Advocacy refused to acknowledge the car has a problem and offered only extended-life battery at owner cost in one case (complaint #12). Class-action lawsuit filed April 2020 regarding battery drain issues in 2017–2020 Outbacks and Ascends; owners aware of lawsuit but Subaru does not publicly acknowledge the defect or issue a recall.
Intermittent loss of engine power/electrical shutdown while driving
Engine and electrical systems shut down completely while vehicle is in motion, with no warning. Vehicle loses all power, dashboards go dark, and steering/braking may be affected. In one case, the vehicle shut down in a construction zone and nearly caused a head-on collision. In another, the vehicle shut down at highway speed while driver was passing, creating immediate danger. Vehicle may restart on its own after 30 seconds or after manual restart.
When: Reported during operation at speeds ranging from 25 MPH to 65 MPH. One incident in construction zone (2023). Another at highway speed during passing maneuver. Multiple owners report intermittent stalling over years of ownership despite multiple dealer visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving (no warning); Dash lights and warning lights illuminate; All electrical systems shut down; Power steering lost; Accelerator becomes unresponsive; Vehicle may restart automatically after 30 seconds or require manual restart; No diagnostic codes generated despite symptom severity; Intermittent nature makes reproduction difficult at dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced fuel pump in one case with no permanent resolution; same symptoms recurred 180 miles later. Dealer states 'no codes are thrown' and 'cannot find anything wrong' despite owner providing test drives and multiple visits. Owner initiated lemon law process but Subaru 'not being very helpful.' No repairs have resolved the issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners aware of NHTSA Campaign #21V587000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline) issued in 2021. When owner called to confirm recall, dealership stated vehicle did not have a current recall. One dealer states parts not available for repair (Campaign #18V773000).
Unintended acceleration (lurch forward without driver input)
Vehicle accelerates abruptly on its own with no driver input, creating serious safety risk. Owner describes car 'lurching' forward when accelerator is first pressed after hesitation, or sporadically accelerating without any pedal input. Happens multiple times during single trip.
When: One incident after 500-mile trip at first stop sign; repeated when tested in parking lot. Another owner reports 'sporadically on its own' with no specific timing.
Symptoms owners cite: Car hesitates when accelerator pressed, then lurches forward suddenly; Abrupt acceleration with no driver input; Repeated occurrence during same trip; Problem persists across multiple drivers
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer at Fayetteville, NC stated 'could find nothing wrong' despite observed behavior. Owner drove 100+ miles home nervous but without incident. No repairs performed.
Head unit (infotainment/radio) delamination and malfunction
Touchscreen develops bubbles, delamination, and film between overlay and screen. Unit makes unwanted selections on its own, initiates calls randomly, changes radio stations, adjusts volume, disconnects phone calls, and behaves erratically while driving. Subaru has acknowledged this defect in some cases and issued an extended warranty, but warranty window has expired for many vehicles.
When: Some reported as early as a few months into ownership; others more recently. One owner reports issue 'since the onset of ownership.'
Symptoms owners cite: Visible bubbles and delamination in screen upper portion; Screen randomly initiates phone calls from contact list; Randomly disconnects hands-free calls; Changes radio stations without user input; Increases/decreases volume without user input; Screen becomes unresponsive or erratic to touch; Requires driver intervention while driving to correct settings; Display may power on/off by itself; Distracts driver and creates safety hazard
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru dealership diagnosis confirms 'known delamination defect' and need for replacement; cost ~$2,000+ out of pocket per owners. Dealer replaced amplifier twice with same failure pattern recurring within days/weeks. Owners paid ~$200 for formal diagnosis; Subaru offers only partial cost assistance in some cases despite acknowledging defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru acknowledged defect in some 2018 models and issued extended warranty, but warranty window has expired for many owners. Subaru Customer Advocacy requested formal diagnosis but then denied full coverage; some owners with same defect received full coverage (inconsistent response). Subaru refuses full coverage in other cases.
Head unit weather alert popups (firmware-related distraction)
After firmware update (Nov 2019), system generates weather warning popups that appear frequently while driving, blocking the screen and requiring interaction. Popups appear every 2–4 minutes regardless of phone connection or Bluetooth status. This is a known issue with no solution in multiple online forums.
When: Started after firmware update in Nov 2019; ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Weather warning popups appear on screen every 2–4 minutes; Screen goes black and requires interaction to dismiss; Popups appear regardless of phone being plugged in or Bluetooth status; Especially dangerous on highway at high speed and at night; Distracts from navigation system in unfamiliar areas
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership spent entire day attempting to troubleshoot unsuccessfully. Multiple online forums and websites discuss problem with no solution going back for years.
Power window malfunction (intermittent regulator failure)
Driver-side window intermittently fails to close normally. When activated to raise the window, it rises partway then bounces back down. Requires repeated efforts and multiple maneuvers of power control to finally raise it. Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult.
When: Occurring over 2+ years of ownership; intermittent, documented with video.
Symptoms owners cite: Window rises partway then bounces back down; Requires multiple attempts and maneuvers to raise window; Sometimes requires pulling over on highway to resolve; Creates safety issue requiring driver attention during operation; Hazard when needing to close window rapidly due to weather/debris
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced power window regulator and assembly twice. Also performed software update claiming to fix issue. None of these efforts resolved the problem. Dealer has not provided reasonable solution despite 2+ years of visits.
Key fob remote lock/unlock malfunction (hazard flasher interaction)
When hazard flashers are activated while car is parked, and then the car is locked with the key fob, the key fob becomes completely non-functional upon return (5 minutes or so). Lock, unlock, rear hatch, and panic button do not work. Owner must use the physical key in the door lock, triggering the car alarm.
When: Recurring issue; reported to Subaru headquarters (case #1-27586772057).
Symptoms owners cite: Key fob completely non-functional after locking car with hazard flashers on; Timeout problem: fob works immediately after locking but fails after 5+ minutes; Must use physical key to unlock, triggering alarm; Unsafe in emergencies, especially for elderly or disabled persons who may panic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru headquarters given case number but no resolution reported.
Rear liftgate (hatch) motor continuous drain
Rear hatch/liftgate motor continues running even after door is closed, draining the battery. Motor only stops if car is restarted and immediately turned off. This is a chronic battery drain source, particularly problematic for outdoor use (camping, tailgating).
When: Reported multiple times by different owners; ongoing issue.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear liftgate motor runs continuously even after door closed; Motor only stops if car is restarted and immediately turned off; Drains battery when liftgate is open for extended periods; Battery dies in as little as 1 hour of liftgate being open; After repair, issue recurs within weeks; One incident: battery dead 5 minutes after car was backed out of garage and turned off
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reset liftgate as temporary fix, but problem recurs. Owner suspects continuous power to liftgate when open keeps it ready to close on button press—recommends kill switch.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership has 'acknowledged' this as a known issue in multiple cases but offers only reset as temporary fix. No permanent solution provided.
Soy-based insulation material attracting rodent damage (fuel line and electrical harnesses)
Fuel lines and electrical harnesses with soy-based insulation are chewed through by rodents, causing fuel leakage into car and electrical damage. Dealer confirmed Subaru uses soy-based insulation, stating rodents are attracted because they perceive it as food. Damage discovered when owner tried to start car.
When: Dec 2018 (fuel line); May 2019 (electrical harnesses). Both incidents during startup attempts.
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel line chewed through by rodent, fuel leaking into car; Electrical harnesses in dash chewed and damaged; Damage creates immediate safety hazard if occurs while driving (fuel line rupture, electrical short)
Repairs/costs cited: Dec 2018: fuel line replacement cost >$2,000. May 2019: electrical harness damage cost $3,500.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru denies using soy products (per owner statement), but dealer explicitly told owner that soy-based insulation is used. No recall or disclosure requirement. Owner states if soy use is unavoidable, OEMs should cover rodent damage under warranty and disclose use before purchase.
Radio/head unit power-on behavior and Bluetooth connectivity issues
Radio comes on automatically every time car is started and cannot be turned off by user; owner finds this annoying and distracting. Separate issue: Bluetooth phone connections force even when Bluetooth is disabled. Delamination and malfunction of head unit lead to unwanted phone calls and connections.
When: Ongoing from early ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Radio always comes on when car starts; No way to prevent radio from starting; Bluetooth connections force even when disabled; Phone rings extremely loud through car speakers (ear-piercingly loud, set to max volume by default, resets to max after parking or radio adjustment)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner informed by dealership 'this is normal,' which owner states is 'outright false.' No remedy available per another owner's dealership visit. Phone ring volume issue persists despite settings adjustment attempts.
Steering wheel self-correction impeding driver control
Steering wheel has a self-correcting feature that may impede driver discretion and control, creating a safety risk if driver must fight the car to maintain intended course.
When: Ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel self-corrects without driver input; Driver loses discretion over steering; Driver may have to fight the vehicle to control direction
Transmission/engine warning light stays on (even when vehicle is off)
Red transmission/engine warning light remains illuminated continuously, even when the vehicle is off.
When: Ongoing.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission engine red light always on; Light remains on even when vehicle is powered off
Gas tank door not opening and fuel leakage
Fuel door will not open and is leaking.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Gas tank door stuck (will not open); Fuel leaking from tank
Windshield cracking (spackle pattern and spontaneous cracking)
Windshields develop cracks in a spackle/spiderweb pattern, indicating weakness. Multiple owners have had windshields crack spontaneously within weeks or months of purchase, requiring replacement. Owner reports windshields may be thinner than industry standard, posing risk of death in collision.
When: Spontaneous cracks occurring within weeks to a few months of purchase, or discovered upon returning to car. One owner replaced windshield 4 times in 2 years.
Symptoms owners cite: Spontaneous cracks in bottom right area of windshield; Spackle/spiderweb crack pattern; Cracks discovered upon returning to car, often in morning; Multiple replacements in short timeframe required; Possible thinness of windshield relative to industry standard
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple recalls issued. Insurance typically covers all but deductible ($100 in one case). Owner notes this involves significant time/effort despite insurance coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple recalls issued for windshield cracking.
Rear hatch opening by itself (unintended actuation)
Rear hatch/trunk opens on its own while car is parked, with no driver input. Owner nowhere near car to actuate with key fob. Has occurred 3+ times since purchase.
When: Three incidents since purchase; first two given benefit of doubt as operator error; third incident triggered owner research revealing this is a common problem.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch opens while car is parked; No owner action or key fob actuation; Battery drains as result of hatch being open undetected (12+ hours in one case); Hatch damage possible if opened in garage and door opener engaged remotely
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru dealership and corporate told owner car has malfunction, but no resolution provided. Vehicle 800 miles past warranty; owner has not yet taken to dealership for repair.
Passenger-side airbag occupancy sensor failure
Passenger seat occupancy sensor fails to detect when someone is sitting in the seat, preventing airbag deployment. Owner was unaware of the issue because no warning light or message appeared in the vehicle.
When: Discovered during scan on 8/25 during initial fuel pump diagnostic visit.
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag does not deploy for passenger-side occupant; No warning light or message to alert driver
Repairs/costs cited: Subaru replaced the seat, but owner remains concerned the problem persists since there is no way to verify airbag is working.
Driver-side mirror smoking and short circuit
Driver-side mirror develops electrical short causing smoking and fire hazard. Mirror smoked for almost a minute with electrical and plastic burn smell.
When: Upon starting vehicle in morning after light snow dusting.
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side mirror smokes for ~1 minute; Electrical and plastic burn smell; Burn mark visible on mirror housing; 10-amp fuse blown
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic suggests short in approach light module. Possible fire hazard.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty covered cost; dealership has parts but owner took pictures for documentation.
Infotainment system audio/speaker failures
Head unit sound system/audio amplifier repeatedly fails, resulting in complete loss of sound and audio functions. No warning of failure; system simply stops working. Dealer has replaced amplifier multiple times, but new unit works only days/weeks before failing again. Backup camera and other components continue to work.
When: Ongoing; multiple failures over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of all sound functions; No warning messages; System simply does not work; Intermittent nature
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced amplifier twice; new unit fails again within days/weeks. Backup camera still functions, so issue appears isolated to audio system.
Phone ring volume extremely loud and resets to maximum
Incoming phone call ring through car's native infotainment system is extremely loud and ear-piercing by default. Ring volume can be adjusted in settings, but resets to maximum ('10') every time owner parks and leaves the vehicle, or even just when radio volume is adjusted. No remedy available. Issue occurs across different year models and is extensively documented in online forums.
When: Ongoing issue spanning multiple years; documented in multiple forums since before 2018.
Symptoms owners cite: Phone ring extremely loud (ear-piercingly loud); Default ring volume set to '10' (maximum); Ring volume resets to '10' after parking for even an hour; Ring volume resets if radio volume is adjusted while driving; No settings available for airplay-connected phones; Phone on silent mode does not silence ring through car speakers
Repairs/costs cited: No remedy available per dealership. Issue well-documented on Subaru forums with no solution.
Synthesized from 254 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Battery continues to drain prematurely. It's been an issue since the very beginning of out ownership in June 2018. We replaced the battery after it would not hold a charge for more than two days. The replacement battery still wouldn't last for more than a day or two. Now in the cold weather it won't even last a day. Two days ago, I went in the grocery store for about 45 minutes and the…
The infotainment system freezes randomly causing screen to freeze including while backing up. This causes it to appear as though the back up camera is working when in reality it is not. Serious safety concern if cross traffic or children are not seen.
I have owned two outbacks a 2016 and 2018 and both have had the problem of front windows will work and then for what ever reason I will roll window up with power switch and wind will automatically roll half way down and stay there if I try to roll it up again it does the same thing .until I pull over stop car and reset the switch the way the dealership showed me to do ,this only works sometimes…
I drove to a nearby town, indicator said 40 miles to go before empty. Parked. Restarted the car after half an hour. Most of center display functions were dead. It did show back-up view, but no radio, no map. Drove toward home and gas station. After twenty miles, on cruise control at 70mph on highway, engine suddenly started racing as though it had down shifted, I braked and headed for the…
In 2018 a new law went into effect requiring all new cars cone with rear backup cameras. The Subaru starlink infotainment system that is on all new subarus are defective, buggy, and Subaru has no permanent fix. It renders the rear camera unoperable, replacements are on backorder and Subaru makes owners continue to drive their card when it is unsafe and not following the new law for 2018 cars. I…
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Subaru outback. While driving approximately 55 MPH at night, the fuel range dropped and the vehicle lost power and shut off. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road. The manufacturer's roadside assistance was called, but no one answered. The contact called the police for assistance due to the darkness. The contact called triple a and was provided…
Battery loses charge overnight for no reason. New battery placed in vehicle and same issue still present.
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 254 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 127 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 10,202 and 31,000 miles, with the median around 18,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,202; a quarter make it past 31,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.