RoadVitals

2018 Subaru Legacy

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
117
Latest Aug 27, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest Jul 29, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
8
1 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 117 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Subaru Legacy, most frequently naming the electrical, visibility and driver assistance categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 438 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

3 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov
21V587000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Jul 29, 2021
175,968 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.Manufacturer number WRG-21View on NHTSA.gov
18V935000

VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES

Dec 31, 2018
71,190 units potentially affected
The defect: 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."
The risk: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
The 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.Manufacturer number WTZ-85View on NHTSA.gov
18V773000

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Nov 1, 2018
228,648 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WTW-82View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

View all 117
Powertrain (other)SuspensionVisibility
Filed Aug 27, 2026

Following an engine-out service at an authorized dealer (Bill Kolb Jr. Subaru), a primary powertrain mounting bolt was left unthreaded by approximately 1 inch, creating an undetected 8,000-mile safety hazard that resulted in extensive drivetrain and suspension component failures. Subsequently, during a diagnostic inspection at another authorized dealer (All American Subaru), heavy rusted metal pliers and loose cowl trim panels were abandoned unsecured inside the wiper cowl tray beneath the windshield, posing a severe roadway projectile and steering/wiper obstruction hazard.

NHTSA ID
11760077
Incident
Oct 24, 2025
Electrical
Filed Jul 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11749001
Incident
Mar 6, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jun 19, 2026

The factory Harman Kardon Starlink touchscreen infotainment system in my 2018 Subaru Legacy has experienced severe touchscreen delamination. The display has developed widespread bubbling beneath the glass and now generates repeated "ghost touches" without any driver input. The system activates buttons, changes screens, opens menus, and performs functions on its own while the vehicle is being driven. These unintended inputs create a driver distraction and make it difficult to use navigation, audio, and vehicle information functions safely. This appears to be a known and widespread issue affecting 2018 Subaru Legacy vehicles equipped with Harman Kardon Starlink head units. The problem is caused by touchscreen delamination and continues to worsen over time. Subaru of America was contacted regarding the defect but declined assistance. The vehicle currently has approximately 117,000 miles. The issue is not the result of damage, misuse, or modification of the vehicle. I am submitting this complaint because the touchscreen operates without driver input and creates a distraction while driving.

NHTSA ID
11745323
Incident
Oct 1, 2025
ElectricalExterior lighting
Filed Jun 18, 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.

NHTSA ID
11745102
Incident
Jul 1, 2024
Filed Jun 8, 2026

The car 2018 Subaru Legacy 2018, has touch screen delamination on thecentral information/ entertainment screen, which leads to screen freezing, unresponsiveness, and erratic "phantom" inputs. These malfunctions disable vital safety features, like backup cameras, etc.. Subaru has settled claims on this issue, for this vehicle/model, but I do not believe there is an official recall, even though there is obviously a safety issue.

NHTSA ID
11742800
Incident
Apr 1, 2026
Electrical
Filed Apr 27, 2026

Ghost touch issues with infotainment system (as with many other Subaru models). Cannot use radio, Bluetooth or any screen functions.

NHTSA ID
11733981
Incident
Mar 2, 2026
Driver assistanceElectrical
Filed Jan 23, 2026

The infotainment touchscreen in my 2018 Subaru Legacy experiences “ghost touch,” where the screen registers inputs without driver interaction and becomes unresponsive. While driving, the screen changes settings on its own and distracts the driver. As a result of the touchscreen malfunction, critical safety features including Blind Spot Warning and Lane Keeping Assistance became disabled. This directly impacted safe vehicle operation. The issue was diagnosed by an authorized Subaru dealership, which confirmed the head unit is defective and requires replacement. Subaru previously issued a warranty extension for this known defect. Subaru of America denied goodwill assistance despite the safety-related nature of the defect.

NHTSA ID
11712979
Incident
Jan 20, 2026
Filed Nov 22, 2025

I experienced an incident of spontaneous acceleration of my vehicle on November 21, 2025. I was driving slowly with my foot on the brake as I was about to make a turn and the engine suddenly accelerated. I slammed down on the brake and the car stopped, but this was extremely frightening.

NHTSA ID
11700941
Incident
Nov 21, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

SubaruNet Announcement (C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.

16-156-25R

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

16-132-20R

POWER TRAIN

This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

16-154-25R

POWER TRAIN

This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

15-308-23R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

16-158-26

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Legacy by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2025600—
2024170042.5
2023102057.8
2022322054.1
2021313048.6
20201216048.8
20191233048.8
2018Viewing1173054.7
20171192155.8
20161473154.5
20151593157.0
20145310051.2
20136612051.4
20129016160.5
201116716051.4
201015018052.7
20096513051.4
2008659048.2
2007339053.5
2006877050.0
20051849260.2
20044911260.9
20036015255.3
2002545052.7
2001778055.1
2000944051.2
1999943054.8
19981145054.8
19971396159.3
19961234366.3
19951812362.9
1994600041.6
1993771044.8
1992552050.2
1991783152.3
1990814258.0
1989101—
1988101—
1987101—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.