2018 Subaru Legacy · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 41owner reports
- 30,000median miles
- $2,000median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jul 8, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
94 of the 117 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 41 of those describe infotainment, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2018 Legacy.
Tick what matches of 41 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head unit or screen (37 reports), the camera (12 reports) and the software (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Legacy
Electrical system. Closed may 31, 2000, led to recall 00I-002.
NHTSA summary
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
7 of the 41 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $750 to $3,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 23,191 and 55,500 miles, from the 13 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“The vehicle on board video entertainment display has stopped working properly. It does not allow any input to the touch screen. And the only way to regain some functionality is by pressing the steering wheel source button. However it works intermittently. And this causes Driver Distraction while driving.”
Filed Jul 8, 2026
“The computer screen has an issue where there is bubbling in the lamination causing the screen to go nuts and become a distracting hazard that you can not shut off. It's a known Subaru Legacy issue and should be a recall. A new screen is $2000 plus, which is not feasable for the average person to pay and it's become a safety hazard, ect.”
Filed Jun 18, 2026
“Ghost touch issues with infotainment system (as with many other Subaru models). Cannot use radio, Bluetooth or any screen functions.”
Filed Apr 27, 2026
“Back up camera freezes or doesn't work when backing up- almost caused a accident!”
Filed May 1, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 41 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Windshield cracks or distorts 27 reports