2018 Subaru Outback Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 11/01/2026

37Engine complaints

4.5%Of all 816 complaints

#5Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM259 · 31.7%

VISIBILITY/WIPER234 · 28.7%

Unspecified / other162 · 19.9%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM43 · 5.3%

ENGINE37 · 4.5%

Share of the 816 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2018 Subaru Outback overview page.

What owners report

“I WAS DRIVING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION WHEN THE ENGINE STALLED WITH 1/8TH OF A TANK OF GAS REMAINING. GAS LIGHT CAME ON ONLY A FEW…”NHTSA complaint 11173593 — filed 02/01/2019

“I DROVE TO A NEARBY TOWN, INDICATOR SAID 40 MILES TO GO BEFORE EMPTY. PARKED. RESTARTED THE CAR AFTER HALF AN HOUR. MOST OF CENTER…”NHTSA complaint 11163822 — filed 12/28/2018

“VEHICLE IN MOTION APPROXIMATELY 30-40 MPH IN REGULAR STREET DRIVING. THE CAR HAS FELT AS IF THE ENGINE WAS ABOUT TO STALL OR AS IF…”NHTSA complaint 11149974 — filed 11/07/2018

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2018 Subaru Outback have engine problems?

Engine is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2018 Subaru Outback: 37 of 816 complaints on file (4.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2018 Subaru Outback have in total?

816 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Across all categories, 27 involved a crash, 4 involved a fire, 19 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 11/01/2026.