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 powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2018 Subaru Outback have filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 Outback | 25 |
| 2015 Outback | 34 |
| 2016 Outback | 45 |
| 2017 Outback | 42 |
| 2018 Outback (this page) | 14 |
| 2019 Outback | 14 |
| 2020 Outback | 45 |
| 2021 Outback | 10 |
| 2022 Outback | 14 |
1crash
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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 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 service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2018 Outback owners describe multiple critical powertrain failures. Engine stalls occur without warning at 20–65 mph, sometimes during passing or acceleration, forcing drivers to coast to shoulders on busy roads. In one case, the vehicle shut down completely on an interstate with all warning lights flashing; in another, stalling happened at a traffic light after 10 minutes of warm-up.
The CVT transmission is the dominant problem. Owners report it disengages mid-acceleration (feeling like it shifted to neutral while in Drive), lurches and shudders on takeoff, and hesitates during low-speed driving. One owner describes it as the transmission being "confused" about which gear to use, with RPMs becoming erratic at 40–50 mph. Some vehicles won't engage any gear after a stall and require towing.
Unintended acceleration appears in at least two incidents: one vehicle accelerated over a parking curb into an embankment while the driver had their foot on the brake; another lunged forward when the driver's foot left the accelerator pedal.
Additional issues include poor fuel economy (16.1 mpg reported versus 22.8 in an older, larger car), rough coasting, excessive coolant loss, and a fuel gauge that triggers stalling despite adequate fuel remaining. Dealers consistently report they cannot reproduce these problems, and Subaru states the vehicle operates as designed. Subaru extended CVT warranty to 10 years/100k miles but only covers complete failure, not poor performance.
Same Subaru Outback powertrain reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2017 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stall at speed
Engine shuts down completely while driving at highway or moderate speeds, sometimes during passing or acceleration. Vehicle loses all propulsion and must be restarted. Owners report this occurring after cold start or during normal operation.
When: Various; one at 20-30 mph in traffic, one at 65 mph on interstate, one at 40-50 mph during passing attempt, one in intersection at 30-40 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without warning; All warning lights flash on dashboard; Vehicle will not accelerate when pressing throttle; Vehicle decelerates after stall; Engine restarts normally after shutdown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to reproduce issue; Subaru states vehicle operates as intended; extended CVT warranty 10 years/100k miles offered; no repairs completed on some vehicles
CVT loss of power during acceleration
During acceleration or passing, the CVT appears to shift into neutral (though still in Drive), engine revs to limiter but vehicle does not accelerate. Symptoms suggest transmission disengagement at critical moments.
When: After 10 min warm-up at WOT 40-50 mph; at highway speeds during passing; accelerating from stops multiple times; at 56.5k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt loss of acceleration; Engine revs to limiter; Sensation of CVT shifting to neutral; Unsafe passing situation; Loss of response when pressing accelerator
Repairs/costs cited: One prior CVT replacement under warranty not disclosed at purchase
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to duplicate; same response from Subaru of America; CVT covered under 10yr/100k extended warranty; no repairs made when issue cannot be reproduced
Unintended acceleration in parking lot
Vehicle accelerates on its own despite driver having foot on brake or off accelerator. In one case, vehicle accelerated over parking curb into embankment while being parked. In another, vehicle lunged forward when foot removed from accelerator.
When: At approximately 39k miles (embankment crash); after 8 months of ownership, 3000 miles since last incident (parking lot lunge)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs and vehicle accelerates without driver input; Acceleration occurs with brake pedal depressed; Acceleration occurs with foot off accelerator; No warning indicator before event; Flash of unknown light on dashboard (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; damage to vehicle from embankment impact
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technician stated vehicle operates as intended; engineer evaluation offered but would take 3-4 months; manufacturer not made aware of failure
CVT shudder, lurch, and hesitation
Transmission exhibits shuddering, lurching, balking, and near-stall conditions on both acceleration and deceleration. Vehicle jerks and hesitates, particularly from stops and during coasting. Issues persist even after transmission service and recall completion.
When: Present since delivery June 2018; at 12k miles; after recall work; continuing for years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shudders during acceleration; Lurches when accelerating from stop; Balks or near-stalls; Jerking and hesitation; Erratic RPM behavior at 40-50 mph; Slow down when coasting; Abnormal shifting behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission serviced; no metal shavings found in oil; shops suggest possible computer issue from recall updates
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru states vehicle performing as designed; extended warranty 10yr/100k but only covers complete failure; dealers unable to resolve after multiple visits; no repairs fix the shuddering
Transmission will not engage after stall
After vehicle stalls or shuts down, transmission will not engage into any gear (Drive or Reverse). Vehicle becomes immobile and requires towing or dealer service.
When: At 47k miles (18 months old); at 56.5k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not shift into any gear; Automatic transmission will not engage; Vehicle will not move forward or reverse after stall; Loud bang heard before gears disengage; All warning lights flashing
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to dealership; described as expensive to repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle at dealer being inspected under extended warranty
Poor fuel economy and engine knock down during low-speed driving
Vehicle exhibits poor fuel economy significantly below expectations (16.1 mpg vs. 22.8 mpg in older larger car), and engine performs as if in wrong gear with low torque at low speeds. Car does not coast smoothly and appears to be braking.
When: Within first 3 months of ownership; persistent issue
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel economy 16.1 mpg (significantly below normal); Engine fighting as if in wrong gear; Low torque at low speeds; Rough coasting without smooth glide; Sensation of car braking while coasting
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service unable to identify cause; suggested possible relationship to head unit problems
Engine stall due to fuel gauge/fuel system issue
Engine stalls in intersection when fuel gauge shows low. Gas light comes on, then shortly after vehicle stalls despite fuel remaining in tank. Restarting engine works normally and tank refills with less than expected amount.
When: Second occurrence; previous stall when miles to empty showed 50
Symptoms owners cite: Gas light illuminates; Engine stalls shortly after gas light comes on; Vehicle has 1/8 tank or more when stalls; Inaccurate fuel gauge reading
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated no fix available for current recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No fix available per dealership for recall
Transmission disengages at highway speed during passing
While attempting to pass at highway speeds, transmission disengages, making passing maneuver unsafe and preventing acceleration.
When: At various highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission disengages while vehicle in motion; Unable to accelerate during passing attempt; Safety risk during passing maneuver
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refuses to look at car again after 4 previous shop visits
Excessive coolant loss with engine stall risk
Vehicle consumes coolant at a rapid rate, creating risk of overheating and stalling while driving.
When: Unknown timing
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid coolant consumption; Nearly leads to overheating; Risk of stalling due to overheating
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer refuses to examine car again after 4 previous shop visits
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2018 Subaru Outback?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 14 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 26,700 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.