2018 Subaru Outback Review: Comfortable and Safe Midsize SUV With No Mechanical Problems

Outdoorsy man! on February 6, 2024

I think for the most part, I like my car. I have had a couple issues, one of them is probably not the cars fault, (but seeing other people have the same issue, it makes me wonder) I now have 50k miles on it and in that time I have only had to replace the battery and tires, to be expected on a 6 year old car. (and windshield) The windshield is the questionable item. It seemed to crack out of nowhere and I thought I must have gotten a small rock chip while driving down the highway and just didn't see it until it started to crack. So I replaced it at a cost of almost $1000. However, I am on an Outback form and it seems to be a common complaint with outback owners of this year, having the windshield crack out of nowhere. Could it be the frame design? Maybe, but it does seem suspicious that others have had the same issue. One other problem I have had is if I let my car sit unused for like 5 days, the battery goes completely dead. There seems to be a parasitic drain somewhere on the car. It doesn't happen if I drive it every day, but if it sits for about 5 days unused, the battery goes completely dead. I have read it has something to do with the DCS system in the car, but you have to pay the dealer a diagnostic fee to verify. I drive it enough I have not gotten it checked, but next time I am at the dealer I am going to ask them about it.

Hklbrries on September 19, 2022

I previously owned a 2001 Subaru Outback which I bought used with 70,000 miles on it. Regularly maintained, the only real issue I ever had with it was replacing rotors. I drove it everywhere and when I sold it there were over 300,000 miles on it. I expect it’s still running. So I expected great things when I bought my new 2018 Subaru Outback. It handles well on snow and ice and is comfortable enough, but at 75,000 miles it is already costing me. I regularly maintain my vehicle and have the dealership do the work and have had regular inspections at the required intervals. When I went in last week for a LOF, they said I had an oil leak and were going to send me home. I said, “Since I’m already here, please check it out.” They did. The issue? “Verified oil leak is present. Found oil leaking profusely from the left side cam carrier. Recommend to reseal both sides with MOTOR OUT.” Quoted cost: $2838.12. That’s more than I - on a fixed income - bring home in a month. I wonder if this is going to be an every 75,000 mile thing. If it is, I’ll be trading it in for something better. I am NOT happy. I’ve also had problems with both of the automatic front windows. When I would shut the windows, the windows would go down halfway and then start going up again. I tried resetting them, which didn’t work. Took it into the shop, apparently the seals weren’t good (not MY doing!) and water had gotten into the channel and down into the internal mechanism. The door, of course, had to be removed to repair it. I only had the driver’s side door done because the cost was $700+. I don’t drive my car hard. I want a simple car that is safe, reliable, and inexpensive to maintain. The 2018 Subaru Outback is not that car, at least not forvme.

Alan on June 11, 2022

My 2018 touring Outback is the biggest 30,000 piece of garbage. 45000 miles radio blew up. Drivers, seat ripped and the back windows do not go down. Not to mention the driver side front wheel feel like it wobbles about every 5 mile you go. This is my 2nd and last outback.

Rich W on June 8, 2021

Very comfortable and reliable. It is a very functional vehicle. Very pleased with it. I would buy again without question. Has all the necessary electronic features.

Barb on May 26, 2021

The vehicle has many amenities !! Great looking and offers many things in upgrades. Beautiful looking and love the seat comfort. Nice package and great value.

Guyny351 on May 14, 2021

I think it’s a good reliable car to last me a while.He came with a lot more options than I probably would’ve ordered which was great thank you again

Khurlbut on April 23, 2021

I purchased this car at the AutoNation Subaru and Valerie helped me out. She was very attentive and patient in listening to what I was looking for and my budget. She provided several options and ultimately helped me find the perfect car for me which was a 2018 subaru outback. This car is perfect for Colorado, it handles fantastically in the snow, has plenty of room for camping gear and is stylish and reliable.

TJ on April 19, 2021

Got it for a great price. We love how it drives, its safety features and its color. We know it will last us a long time.

Happy owner on February 6, 2021

The Subaru Outback is what we have been looking for. Comfortable and good on the road in winter weather. We love the styling and features of this car. r

Glen Y on December 26, 2020

I am writing this based on only 10 days of ownership, but as of now we are pleased with all aspects of the vehicle we purchased.