2018 Subaru Outback fuel/propulsion system problems
43 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the fuel/propulsion system on the 2018 Subaru Outback — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Driving slowly in a parking lot, I applied the brakes as I approached a parking space. Instead of slowing down, the car inexplicably accelerated quickly and did not respond to increased pressure on the brakes. The car was propelled into a metal post, resulting in my glasses flying off and a seat…”
filed Apr 29, 2026
“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
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Fuel/propulsion System problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 Outback | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 Outback | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 Outback | 5 | 1% |
| 2021 Outback | 10 | 3% |
| 2020 Outback | 14 | 2% |
| 2019 Outback | 22 | 2% |
| 2017 Outback | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 Outback | 13 | 2% |
| 2015 Outback | 18 | 4% |
| 2014 Outback | 12 | 6% |
| 2013 Outback | 12 | 4% |
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.