2018 Subaru Outback service brakes problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the service brakes on the 2018 Subaru Outback — 2% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Report on Accident [XXX] 4TH DISTRICT wHEATON MARYLAND [XXX] [XXX] I was driving west on [XXX] at approximately [XXX]. As I approached the intersection at [XXX] the TRAFIC light cars were stopped . I was in the left hand lane because I was going to turn on to [XXX] . As approached the intersection…”
filed Jun 4, 2026
“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
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Service Brakes problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 4 | 6% |
| 2024 Outback | 3 | 3% |
| 2023 Outback | 6 | 7% |
| 2022 Outback | 10 | 2% |
| 2021 Outback | 7 | 2% |
| 2020 Outback | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 Outback | 20 | 2% |
| 2017 Outback | 23 | 3% |
| 2016 Outback | 18 | 3% |
| 2015 Outback | 27 | 5% |
| 2014 Outback | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 Outback | 23 | 8% |
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.