How many fuel system complaints does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?

NHTSA lists 46 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Outback, which is 6% of the 811 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a fuel system recall for the 2018 Subaru Outback?

Yes. Recall 21V587000, reported July 29, 2021, covers a low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank that may fail; dealers replace the pump for free.

At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2018 Outback is 5,585 miles.

Did the fuel system issues cause any crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 2 injuries linked to fuel system complaints on the 2018 Outback, with no fires reported.

2018 Subaru Outback Fuel System Problems

NHTSA lists 46 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Subaru Outback, 6% of all 811 complaints that year, with a median failure mileage of 5,585 miles. A related recall (21V587000) covers a low-pressure fuel pump defect, and 3 crashes plus 2 injuries were reported.

Fuel System complaints: 46; 6% of 811
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 5,585 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical fuel system symptoms owners report

Fuel gauge or distance-to-empty display shows a much higher range than actually remains, leading drivers to run out of gas unexpectedly.
Engine stalls or shuts off without warning while driving, often when the low-fuel warning or roughly 1/4 tank level is reached.
Vehicle loses power mid-drive on highways or city streets, forcing drivers to coast to the shoulder or come to a stop in traffic.
In at least one case the vehicle would not restart after running out of fuel despite the display still showing miles remaining.
Owners report dealers acknowledging a known fuel gauge or fuel cluster calibration defect after repeated stalling incidents.

When 2018 Subaru Outback fuel system complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 27, 2018, latest Apr 29, 2026.

46 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2018 to Apr 2026; peak Dec 2018 (7).

Fuel System recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback

NHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System175,968 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.

Fuel System complaints by Outback model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20105 (1%)
201116 (2%)
20124 (1%)
201315 (5%)
201413 (6%)
201518 (4%)
201613 (2%)
201716 (2%)
201846 (6%)
201932 (3%)
202015 (2%)
202110 (3%)
20226 (1%)
20232 (2%)
20242 (2%)
20253 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many fuel system complaints does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?: NHTSA lists 46 Fuel System complaints for the 2018 Outback, which is 6% of the 811 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a fuel system recall for the 2018 Subaru Outback?: Yes. Recall 21V587000, reported July 29, 2021, covers a low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank that may fail; dealers replace the pump for free.
At what mileage do fuel system problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure for fuel system complaints on the 2018 Outback is 5,585 miles.
Did the fuel system issues cause any crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data shows 3 crashes and 2 injuries linked to fuel system complaints on the 2018 Outback, with no fires reported.