YearToAvoid

2018 Subaru Outback Structure & Body Problems

NHTSA lists 24 Structure & Body complaints for the 2018 Subaru Outback, 3% of its 811 total complaints for the year. No related recalls exist for this area, and no crashes, fires, or injuries were reported. Median mileage at failure was 16,000 miles.

Structure & Body complaints
24
3% of 811
Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
16,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical body and structure symptoms owners report

  • Owners report windshields spontaneously cracking without any impact, with cracks starting small and spreading across the glass within a day.
  • Some describe the driver's seat squeaking, with a dealer identifying the seat bottom as the cause even after attempted repairs.
  • Several mention the hood on the passenger side not closing fully, with a suggested dealer fix involving bending the hood.
  • Owners describe the rear liftgate failing to open automatically, requiring manual force to open.
  • One owner reported a key not working in the door lock, describing it as a common issue across Subaru models.
  • One owner described a loud noise and rush of wind at highway speed, followed by something flapping and hitting the roof.

When 2018 Subaru Outback body and structure complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 26, 2018, latest Sep 9, 2026.

2018 Subaru Outback structure & body complaints: complaints filed per month2Mar 2018Feb 2019Oct 2019Mar 2020Feb 2021Jan 2023Mar 2026
24 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2018 to Sep 2026; peak Aug 2018 (2).

Structure & Body recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Structure & Body complaints by Outback model year

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

  1. 201018 (5%)
  2. 201115 (2%)
  3. 20129 (3%)
  4. 201322 (7%)
  5. 201413 (6%)
  6. 201537 (7%)
  7. 201621 (3%)
  8. 201729 (3%)
  9. 201824 (3%)
  10. 201934 (3%)
  11. 202027 (3%)
  12. 20218 (3%)
  13. 20229 (2%)
  14. 20236 (7%)
  15. 20246 (6%)
  16. 20253 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many Structure & Body complaints does the 2018 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 24 Structure & Body complaints for the 2018 Outback, making up 3% of the 811 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for Structure & Body issues on the 2018 Subaru Outback?
No. NHTSA data shows no related recalls for the Structure & Body area on the 2018 Outback.
What is the most common structure or body complaint on the 2018 Outback?
Multiple owners describe windshields cracking spontaneously without any impact, with cracks spreading quickly across the glass.
At what mileage do structure and body problems typically show up on the 2018 Outback?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this area is 16,000 miles.
Did any 2018 Outback Structure & Body complaints involve crashes or injuries?
No. NHTSA data shows zero crashes, fires, or injuries linked to the 24 Structure & Body complaints filed for the 2018 Outback.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.