2018 Subaru Outback · symptom sheet
Engine stalls or loses power while driving
- 51owner reports
- 14,836median miles
- $176median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Jan 30, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
328 of the 807 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 51 of those describe stalling.
Tick what matches of 51 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (22 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 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Risk and remedy
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
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
5 of the 51 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $170 to $2,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 4,450 and 30,000 miles, from the 35 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Car stalled in a busy intersection. No warning lights occurred when this happened Diagnosed as a faulty fuel pump”
Filed Apr 3, 2023
“Vehicle was parked with engine idling (waiting for passengers), engine accelerated to very high revs without any operator action. Driver shutdown engine. Driver checked to be sure nothing could have hit the accelerator, nothing found. Restarted the vehicle, could not reproduce the problem. About 2 miles down the road a RED exclamation symbol appeared on dash panel and shut off after 5 to 10 seconds.”
Filed Dec 14, 2022
“Battery is draining over time. Vehicle is now on 3rd battery in 3 years! Dealer replaced original battery during 2nd year and claimed it under warranty. Now that battery has failed and a different brand of battery has been installed (Dec 2021). Unknown cause of battery drain.”
Filed Dec 6, 2021
“The Battery dies within a year of being installed, this has left me stranded waiting for help on multiple occasions as well as made me late for work. I have had the battery replaced 2 times within 3 years of ownership.”
Filed Aug 29, 2021
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 51 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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
- Battery dies or the car will not start 170 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 157 reports