2018 Subaru Outback · symptom sheet
Battery dies or the car will not start
- 170owner reports
- 19,065median miles
- $178median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jan 30, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
267 of the 807 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 170 of those describe dead battery. Only windshield is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 170 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (166 reports), the alternator (6 reports) and the starter (5 reports).
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the electrical system covers 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 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.
What owners paid
17 of the 170 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $160 to $500.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 12,000 and 33,900 miles, from the 96 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Repeated battery failures. Two battery replacements and battery still is not holding a charge. First battery replacement at 17,120 miles - 5/30/2020 Second battery replacement on 21,300 miles - 2/20/2021 Latest, battery died on 8/22/2021 with about 24,000 miles. Had to be jumped.”
Filed Aug 22, 2021 · 17,120 miles
“Battery is not keeping charge, unable to start vehicle even after daily driving. With an infant, we need something more reliable, being stranded is not an option. Vehicle has not been inspected, upon further review this is a constant problem with lawsuits requesting for a resolution against Subaru. Battery indicator light would turn on and lights would flash when able.”
Filed Aug 2, 2021
“Battery randomly discharges to zero voltage. Passenger window randomly cannot be operated from drivers side. Sometime it can, sometimes not.”
Filed Jul 27, 2021
“Battery corroded excessively so much so that when it was able to be removed the connector for the battery broke. Battery was replaced and the passenger window can't be operated from driver side, one touch driver window no longer works either.”
Filed Jul 19, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 170 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 263 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 157 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 51 reports