The Subaru Outback is a vehicle that began as a traditional station wagon in 1994. Today, it is a crossover vehicle that provides a significant amount of space and modern features. Those who are thinking about purchasing a 2018 Subaru Outback will find a reliable vehicle in this car. Yet, as with most vehicles, there are some recalls to take into consideration.
About the Subaru Outback
The 2018 Subaru Outback is the fifth generation of this vehicle, which spanned from 2015 through the 2020 model year. This vehicle, which is a part of the company’s Legacy brand line, is a roomy passenger car.
As a crossover, it offers owners more interior space and a larger wheelbase and body than older models. This vehicle also offers several engine options.
The base spec and features for the 2018 Outback include features such as a 2.5L DOHC 16 Valve four engine. This four-cylinder engine provides 175 horsepower and reaches 174 lb.-ft. of torque. Equipped with a six-speed transmission, it can get 25/32 in miles per gallon. Numerous interior and exterior features helped to make this car a comfortable option but also a vehicle with ample onboard tech.
Recalls on the 2018 Subaru Outback
Most vehicles will have some recalls over their lifetime. The Subaru Outback has had numerous recalls. Though this vehicle has experienced only a few recalls since it was launched in 2018, it is important for those considering the purchase of this car to ensure they look into each one of these recalls. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following recalls that have impacted the 2018 Subaru Outback as of August of 2020.
Camera Image Display Problems
One of the largest recalls impacting this manufacturer’s lineup is related to the backup camera. In NHTSA campaign number 18V935000, Subaru of America, Inc. issued a recall related to the failure of the backup camera display.
This recall was issued in December of 2018. A total of over 71,000 vehicles were impacted by this recall, including Subaru Legacy and Subaru BRZ vehicles.
This recall was issued because of software issues related to the backup camera image. The software allows for drivers to adjust the view of the rearview camera. The software issue can cause the audio display system to fail to initialize.
This can lead to the camera display screen coming up blank. When that occurs, the display does not appear on the vehicle, which may give drivers a false sense of security while backing up. This may lead to an increased risk of an accident. This is a violation of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety number 111, “Rearview Mirrors.”
To fix this recall, Subaru notified vehicle owners. It then had dealerships bring those vehicles in to reprogram the audio system display software. This corrected the problem. The recall began in February 2019 after a fix was determined.
Fuel Range Display Failures
In November of 2018, Subaru of America, Inc. issued a recall on the 2018 model. NHTSA campaign number 18V773000 relates to the fuel range display’s failure to show an accurate level of fuel in the vehicle. This recall impacts the electrical system, fuel system, and gasoline of the car. Over 222,000 vehicles were impacted by this recall, including the Subaru Legacy.
The error relates to a software malfunction in these vehicles. In these vehicles, the low fuel warning light may not pop up on the display when it should, which is due to a software issue. That means the driver does not have an accurate reading as to how much fuel is onboard the car. The miles-to-empty display may also not be accurate.
It may indicate a positive number even if the tank is empty. This can lead drivers to run out of fuel too soon, leading to a potential to stall while driving. This can increase the risk of a crash.
To fix this problem, the manufacturer reached out to all owners to alert them. Then, they started to reprogram the software to fix the glitch in the system. This was done through combination metered software. The repairs began in February of 2019.
Finding Subaru Outback Recalls
If you plan to purchase a Subaru Outback or any other vehicle from this manufacturer, it is important to look up any applicable recalls. You can do this using the Subaru Vehicle Recalls tool on the company’s website.
The tool allows you to enter your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) into the system. From there, a list of all applicable recalls is shown. There is also information on any known repairs or updates made in relation to the recalls.
Checking out all of the 2018 Subaru Outback recalls is an important step before investing in this vehicle. Once you own the vehicle, be sure to register the vehicle with the dealership near you to stay up to date on any further recalls that may apply. This is a safe vehicle to operate, but keeping up to date on recalls is critical to ensure it remains safe.
Photos: Subaru
