2018 Subaru Outback

Was notified by the dealer upon completion of an oil change, on May 20, 2026, that the driver side front daytime LED running light was not functioning. The light was not on. I am a faithful user of either turning on my headlights in the absence of DRL or using the factory DRL on the vehicle. The failure of one DRL compromises the safety effect of using DRL by 50% and jeopardizes the safety of the driver and others compared to two (2) operating fully functional DRL. There are no dashboard of other system warning indicators on the car to indicate that the DRL is not functioning properly. The repair cost is unreasonable and subjects any 2018 Subaru Outback Owner with a factory defective DRL to spend over $1,000 to essentially "change a light bulb" to have the DRL system work as designed by Subaru itself. Not only does the failed DRL compromise the engineered and manufactured safety of the Subaru, the remedy to fix the Subaru DRL is cost prohibitive for most owners.

The multimedia device/infotainment system (Harman-Kardon) which controls the radio, navigation maps, back-up camera, etc, is again showing issues with the screen, "delamination," which causes the radio channels to change irradically, causing distraction and confusion when driving. This issue was found and RECALLED years ago, and this car's original radio was replaced in early 2023 with what seems to be the same exact style of equipment. Once again, this replacement radio is doing the same, delamination is visible on the screen, stations changing irradically, BEEP BOP BOOP BOP tones, irritation and distrtaction! I believe it could be caused by the heat of summer and the angle of the screen on the dashboard... but cars are out in the sun all the time, how often does this happen to other vehicles? I now just try to ignore it. Even with turning the radio off, it comes back on somehow, so it's volume knob is always kept turned down. I still have access to the map and back-up camera, but for how long? This safety equipment is undependable, and, although I knew how to drive before such conveniences were available, it is a distraction when driving.

SUMMARY OF SAFETY DEFECT: The vehicle exhibits severe, premature corrosion and rust perforation of the front subframe (crossmember) assembly. This structural component is deteriorating at an accelerated rate, compromising the vehicle's structural integrity. This was confirmed at a Subaru dealership and as a result has failed NY annual inspection. SAFETY RISK & HAZARD ASSESSMENT: The front subframe is a critical load-bearing structural component responsible for securing the vehicle's front suspension, steering rack, and lower control arms. Severe corrosion and rot in this area create an imminent risk of structural failure, specifically the potential separation of the lower control arms while driving. Such a failure directly impacts steering stability and vehicle tracking, creating a catastrophic hazard that could result in a sudden loss of vehicle control, an inability to steer, and an increased risk of a severe motor vehicle accident. The dealership has issued an itemized repair estimate of $2,900.00 to replace the structurally compromised subframe assembly.

The touchscreen has delamination and ghost touching of the apps. I spoke with my dealer and was first told it was covered by Subaru to replace, as it was a known issue, but when I took my car to the dealer, I was told I would have to pay around $1,500 to have it repaired/replaced. The ghost touching of the screen is so bad and consistent that it is very distracting while driving. It makes a beep sound for every ghost touch. Yesterday it phoned someone from my phone's address book. You can not use the screen for maps or destinations. 95% of the time the screen does not respond to my touch. I can not get the screen to do what I need it to do. I am at the mercy of the 'ghost' and what it selects. I find this dangerous while driving because you need to look at the screen and try to stop the ghost from touching selections. This is distracting, and I can't stop whatever the ghost is selecting on my screen. The radio/screen will not shut off - I have no choice but to put up with the problem. My dealer said 'when I can't stand it anymore, I should consider having it replaced at my expense." It is currently around 13 months that I have put up with this nonsense, because of a delamination issue that is a known issue. Shame on Subaru for allowing this to go on.

The 8-inch Gen 3 Harman STARLINK touchscreen is delaminating/bubbling. It registers phantom touch inputs and becomes unresponsive on its own while the vehicle is in motion, changing audio, navigation, and system settings without driver input. If a phone is ever attached, the screen will randomly calling phone numbers. These unintended inputs and lockups are an extreme distraction hazard while driving. This is a known defect previously covered under Subaru's extended warranty and the Udeen settlement, and now covered to 8 years/150,000 miles on 2019–2023 models. No crash or injury has resulted. These issues began many years ago (at least as early as 2020), when the car still belonged to my mother. Since the car was transferred to me last year, it has only gotten worse and the phantom inputs are sometimes constant and are an extreme distraction.

Infotainment unit in my 2018 Subaru Outback has had a recurring freeze/black-screen defect since new, and it directly affects the backup camera display and interaction with EyeSight safety features, creating a rear-visibility hazard while reversing and a driver-distraction hazard while underway. Documented history: On 6/4/2018 at 6,071 miles, the dealer proactively installed a radio software update with no complaint from me, indicating Subaru was already managing known issues with this head unit. On 9/21/2018 at 13,487 miles, I reported the radio was still blacking out after that update; the dealer found the radio inoperative, physically replaced the audio unit, and filed a failure report with the vendor. On 3/18/2019, the dealer performed Service Campaign WUA86 (head unit software reprogram) and completed Recall WTW82. On 3/16/2020, I returned with the same failure, the service record states my complaint verbatim: "the speakers will buzz and the infotainment center go black and reset itself", and the dealer performed another head unit software reprogram. This visit fell within the active HK Gen 3.0 Warranty Extension coverage window (1/1/2020–2/27/2023), a warranty extension tied to a related class action settlement (Udeen v. Subaru of America, Case No. 1:18-cv-17334) covering this exact head unit generation. Subaru also issued Technical Service Bulletin 15-228-18R specifically for "Display Screen Freeze-Up or Black (Blank) Concerns" on this head unit, confirming the defect was known and documented internally. Despite one full hardware replacement and multiple software reprogramming attempts across four documented visits from 2018–2020, the defect was never permanently resolved. The infotainment screen now has delamination, continued freezing, unresponsive/phantom touch input ("ghost touch"), Bluetooth failure, and navigation failure. Because this system controls the backup camera display and interacts with EyeSight, an unpredictable freeze or blackout is unsafe.

The car started to make very loud engine noises and then the engine completely failed. The car was no longer able to accelerate and lost the ability to go in both forward and reverse. Luckily, my son had just arrived home when the car completely lost power, but it began to have acceleration issues as he was driving home. No warning lights came on until after the car had completely failed. Less than a week prior to the incident, the car had an oil change and inspection by the dealership and no issues of concern were noted. The car was towed to the dealer. The technician said that the oil contained metal shavings, indicated an engine block failure.

I was driving on the highway going 70 MPH when the hood latch suddenly came unlatched. The hood flew up and smashed into the windshield, blocking my view. I was able to slow down and pull onto the shoulder, but there was damage to my hood, windshield, rear view mirror, body panels, sunroof, roof, and trim.

Infotainment screen is delaminated and doesn’t work

I am reporting a safety defect involving the infotainment touchscreen in my 2018 Subaru Outback). The touchscreen has developed visible "bubbles" under the screen lamination, with lines and bubbling appearing beneath the surface of the display. As the weather got warmer, the issue worsened, and the screen constantly registers false touch inputs (“ghost touches”) without any physical contact. While driving, the infotainment system repeatedly activates buttons and menus on its own. The vehicle will unexpectedly: - Change radio stations - Rapidly cycle through menus and settings - Trigger Bluetooth phone functions - Attempt to call contacts from my phone when connected via Bluetooth This creates a significant driver distraction and safety hazard. The screen behavior is unpredictable and often continuous while driving, forcing me to repeatedly look away from the road to determine what the system is doing. The issue is especially concerning because the system can initiate phone calls or rapidly switch screens while the vehicle is in motion, making it difficult to safely operate the vehicle without distraction. Based on online research, this appears to be a widespread issue affecting multiple Subaru vehicles with similar infotainment systems, suggesting a possible design or manufacturing defect rather than isolated wear and tear. I believe this defect presents an unreasonable safety risk because it creates repeated and unavoidable distractions for the driver while the vehicle is in operation. This is my fist Subaru, I cannot believe how many times I have heard that this is a "common issue" and yet Subaru will not admit fault. This is a worse distraction than texting and driving and should be approached with the same respect when it comes to safety.

The infotainment touchscreen in my 2018 Subaru Outback has developed severe internal delamination and persistent phantom or ghost touches. The screen randomly changes navigation routes, places telephone calls, changes audio selections, and moves between menus without driver input. These events create substantial distraction while the vehicle is moving. The condition has now progressed to the point that the rear backup-camera image is obscured and cannot be reliably viewed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. The camera activates, but the defective, delaminated display and make the image unusable. Subaru previously extended warranty coverage for the Harman Gen. 3 head unit under Service Bulletin 15-263-20, but Subaru has denied my request for replacement. This creates a risk of a backing collision because the driver cannot reliably use the rearview image. It also creates continuing driver distraction from uncontrolled navigation, audio, and telephone activity. No collision has occurred to date, but the system has caused repeated distracting incidents and can no longer be relied upon for rear visibility.

2018 Subaru Outback Infotainment center glass delamination causing the system to come on by itself start malfunctioning switching between channels or apps and potentially startle / distract the driver. Incident has been ongoing for over 8 months..

Engine cam carrier seals are leaking. Repair cost is $5,700 plus tax. Vehicle is well cared for and well maintained with only 96,000 miles The Subaru Manufacturer was contacted and will do nothing to fix and does not admit engineer defect nor manufacturing defect. Basically, 96,000 and needs a new engine. Please put out a national recall.

The car screens are delaminating and bubbling due to fault of the manufacturer. This is a widespread issue and causes safety issues due to the screen moving erratically while driving, messing with volume and function controls.

I am reporting a safety defect involving the infotainment touchscreen in my 2018 Subaru Outback (VIN [XXX]). The touchscreen has developed visible internal delamination, with lines and bubbling appearing beneath the surface of the display. As the delamination worsened, the screen began registering false touch inputs (“ghost touches”) without any physical contact. While driving, the infotainment system repeatedly activates buttons and menus on its own. The vehicle will unexpectedly: - Change radio stations - Rapidly cycle through menus and settings - Trigger Bluetooth phone functions - Attempt to call contacts from my phone when connected via Bluetooth This creates a significant driver distraction and safety hazard. The screen behavior is unpredictable and often continuous while driving, forcing me to repeatedly look away from the road to determine what the system is doing. The issue is especially concerning because the system can initiate phone calls or rapidly switch screens while the vehicle is in motion, making it difficult to safely operate the vehicle without distraction. I have attached video evidence showing the touchscreen activating controls on its own without user input. Based on online research, this appears to be a widespread issue affecting multiple Subaru vehicles with similar infotainment systems, suggesting a possible design or manufacturing defect rather than isolated wear and tear. I believe this defect presents an unreasonable safety risk because it creates repeated and unavoidable distractions for the driver while the vehicle is in operation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

This is my fourth Subaru Outback windshield. The car has 80K. I had it replaced in 2019 when a rock hit the screen by safelight. I had another crack (no rock) fixed in July 2021 and another crack (unclear source) fixed in August 2025, both by Subaru. This weekend I got my fourth crack in the windshield, no rock. The last two times, the crack extended across the screen. This time the crack is so bad, it is hard to drive. Each time Subaru fixes my windshield, it is $1100. I don't know anyone who has broken a windshield, never mind four of them. There was a lawsuit but for some reason it did not include cars older than 2020.

Acceleration was very sluggish and un-responsive Gears would strangely slip on the highway resulting in engine racing up Rotating sound would come and go

I am writing to report a severe, escalating safety defect regarding the "ghost touching" / phantom input malfunction of the infotainment head unit on my Subaru Outback. This electronic defect has escalated from a minor distraction into a severe hazard that directly compromises the operational safety features of the vehicle, putting myself and my children at imminent risk of a crash. When this problem initially began, I investigated whether a safety recall had been issued. At that time, I was informed that my vehicle was outside of its standard warranty coverage period. Since then, the defect has degenerated significantly. The system now suffers from continuous, uncontrollable phantom inputs ("ghost touching"). Even when I manually power the radio off, the system overrides my command, turns itself back on, and initiates constant, rapid beep sequences. This continuous, high-volume auditory glitch creates a dangerous critical safety failure: the nonstop beeping totally masks and completely drowns out the vehicle's actual auditory collision avoidance and driver-assist safety alerts. Because of this defect, I am entirely unable to hear the safety tones meant to warn me of immediate hazards, including blind-spot detection alerts, lane-departure warnings, and cross-traffic alerts. This vehicle has become an active hazard to drive, as I am deprived of the core safety features I rely on to protect my family. I contacted Subaru of America to resolve this dangerous equipment failure, but they refused to offer any financial assistance or repair support. Subaru Corporate documented this refusal under Subaru Case #260603-1600711. Because Subaru refuses to address a known component failure that actively disables crash-avoidance warning systems, I am petitioning the NHTSA to investigate this defect as a systemic safety hazard before it results in severe injuries or a fatal accident. I can share video, but it won't allow me to upload down below. Thank you.

Report on Accident [XXX] 4TH DISTRICT wHEATON MARYLAND [XXX] [XXX] I was driving west on [XXX] at approximately [XXX]. As I approached the intersection at [XXX] the TRAFIC light cars were stopped . I was in the left hand lane because I was going to turn on to [XXX] . As approached the intersection I applied the brakes the pedal went close to the floor but the car did not slow down. I tried pumping the brake pedal with no effect. No collosion avoidance alert To try and slow the vehicle ran the wheel against the curb of the median which slowed the car down a little . I pressed the parking brake button with no effect. The collision avoidance system did not engage. I clipped the rear of the Toyota Corolla as I jumped the curb to avoid cars using the friction against the curb and move further left when oncoming cars were clear and was able to stop the car. (The car may have stopped because the front control arm bent which made the car drag. ) I am unsure whether the master cylinder failure or ABS overrode braking, but the car would not stop. I do not know if the black box captured the data as the there was no airbag deployment. The collision avoidance system did not engage to slow the car any time. I did not see any lights light on the dashboard did not check specifically as I was busy avoiding a collision other cars . Basically, pedal went down not all the way to the floor but car was not slowing down. I checked the master cylinder reservoir, and it still had fluid. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The infotainment system on my Outback has become a complete distraction when driving. It calls people from my contacts on its own, it cuts off my navigation in the middle of a drive and it freezes up preventing cancelling of operation. This is the hub of the vehicle and makes using hands free devices next to impossible. I took the vehicle into the Subaru dealership and they confirmed the issue. They had me reach out to Subaru of America and they refuse to cover the cost to replace the malfunctioning unit in the vehicle. Upon researching this online, it is caused by delamination of the head unit and has plagued this vehicle. The issue started happening outside of warranty. I feel like this is a well documented problem and Subaru refuses to do a recall on it.