2018 SUBARU LEGACY Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. This model year has 112 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Electrical Faults.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2018 Subaru Legacy Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Visibility/Wiper
Considering a 2018 Subaru Legacy?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 112 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2018 Subaru Legacy
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2018 Subaru Legacy — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2018 Subaru Legacy has 112 NHTSA owner complaints, 7 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Electrical Faults (37 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 112 total NHTSA complaints. 1 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Subaru Legacy have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2018 Subaru Legacy. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2018 Subaru Legacy?▾
The 2018 Subaru Legacy has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Electrical Faults issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2018 Subaru Legacy
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.