2018 Subaru Legacy: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2018 Subaru Legacy? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 112 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2018 Subaru Legacy Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2018 Subaru Legacy trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2018 Subaru Legacy Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Subaru Legacy has 112 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Legacy
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 112
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 34
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Subaru Legacy?
The 2018 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Subaru Legacy
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and wiper-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery and wiring, for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and wiper-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Subaru Legacy, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2018 Subaru Legacy are concentrated in electrical faults, uncategorized issues, and visibility/wiper problems. The data suggests potential concerns with the electrical system and windshield wipers, though the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among reported components.
- Visibility/wiper issues are the third most reported component category.
- The vehicle has 3 recalls and 7 crash-related complaints out of 112 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most frequently reported issue.
- Uncategorized issues represent a significant portion of complaints.
- Visibility/wiper problems are a recurring theme.
All 2018 Subaru Legacy Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 37 | — | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 27 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 2 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Ghost touch issues with infotainment system (as with many other Subaru models). Cannot use radio, Bluetooth or any screen functions.
The infotainment touchscreen in my 2018 Subaru Legacy experiences “ghost touch,” where the screen registers inputs without driver interaction and becomes unresponsive. While driving, the screen changes settings on its own and distracts the driver. As a result of the touchscreen …
I experienced an incident of spontaneous acceleration of my vehicle on November 21, 2025. I was driving slowly with my foot on the brake as I was about to make a turn and the engine suddenly accelerated. I slammed down on the brake and the car stopped, but this was extremely fri…
My wife experienced an unintended acceleration in her 2018 Subaru Legacy. My wife had begun to slowly back out of a parking space in a school parking lot when her 2018 Legacy went into an unintended rapid acceleration in reverse. The car took off in reverse and did not respond …
I have been going back and forth with Subaru of America's Advocacy department for about two weeks now, I purchased my 2018 Subaru legacy back in August of 2023. My head unit in my vehicle has now completely stopped working, I have explained that now my back up camera is now freez…
The display screen for my radio navigation phone etc seems to have a “ghost”. Buttons will rapidly be selected switching radio stations or calling someone on my connected phone or switching to different options available on the screen. It is very distracting while driving and ann…
While Driving my car, i was not able to use the power locks for my front driver and passenger windows. The power window switch on the driver and passenger door don't work. I have made numerous calls about problems with my windows since I purchased my car, but always came back a…
The Driver Side Rear View when I started the Car back in January of 2024 after car had been running for 30 Seconds smoke and Fire flames were seen coming through that rear view mirror immediately contacted Subaru of America and was called back with urgency and they fixed this iss…
I front passenger window stop working and does not roll up and down. I had this issue and reported the issue since I bought it brand new from the lot. I main main audio console has been replacement 2 times already from defectives. My tires TMPS is flashing now but my tire pressur…
The infotainment head unit system and screen with the backup camera is completely malfunctioning. There have been instances where the screen glitches out while backing up and I have almost been in a collision. The head unit makes constant random noises, and screen pop ups that …
Aug 2025: 2018 Subaru Legacy, 55,500 miles. ISSUE: Rearview camera froze with high-pitch sound for about 10-seconds, then shut off, while in Reverse. I was not aware immediately of this. Did not hit the cars behind me but definitely could have. Unknown if reverse lights affected…
MAR 2024: 2018 Subaru Legacy, 36,000-miles. (1) Front Windshield had crack in it randomly one day. Coming up from bottom heating element. Easily able to find similar crack shape online. Find lots of windshield crack issues online for Subarus. Zero action from Subaru on this. (2) …
Back side of the display has condensation bubble circles
I am writing to raise a serious and ongoing issue regarding the infotainment system in my 2018 Subaru Legacy. The problem centers on the widespread and well-documented screen delamination defect, which has caused persistent and unsafe behavior in the vehicle’s head unit — a criti…
The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Legacy. The contact stated that the display touch screen laminated cover had developed bubbles, causing the touch screen to malfunction. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display erroneously turned on or erroneously turned off…
The navigation/radio screen stopped responding to touch but continues to randomly press buttons. While driving the car the touch screen is randomly calling people, changing radio stations, and messing with the lights and navigation. I reached out to Subaru to let them know what w…
Back up camera freezes or doesn't work when backing up- almost caused a accident!
The issue began as air bubbles appearing on the center touchscreen. This has escalated to the screen having episodes of complete loss of control, it acts as if it’s rapidly receiving input and will change settings, perform or end calls, change what’s being displayed. My biggest c…
The radio on this model, just as some of the later Subaru models, does things on its own, such as switches channels, or become totally non-responsive to touch. This began a few weeks ago and the radio is pretty much useless, unless reprogrammed or replaced. I stopped into Hodges…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Door Pillar Rust, yes its available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? UNKNOWN Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or ind…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Subaru Legacy.
2018 Subaru Legacy Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Subaru Legacy Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 112 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2018 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Subaru Legacy?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (37 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (27 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (24 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Subaru Legacy?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Subaru Legacy?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Subaru Legacy, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 112 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Subaru Legacy. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Legacy?▾
The 2018 Subaru Legacy shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Legacy reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Subaru Legacy based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.