2018 SUBARU LEGACY

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles. Due to a software error, the low fuel warning light may not illuminate at the intended remaining fuel level and the miles-to-empty display may incorrectly indicate a positive number despite the tank being empty.

Risk: The inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

WHEELS

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 pressure are fine. My incline break button comes on by itself from time to time and does not allow for me to move the car.

SERVICE BRAKES

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 pressure are fine. My incline break button comes on by itself from time to time and does not allow for me to move the car.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 pressure are fine. My incline break button comes on by itself from time to time and does not allow for me to move the car.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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 cannot be turned off. This makes for highly distracted and unsafe driving as it makes it quite difficult for the car user to maintain sole focus and attention to the roadways and driving. The extreme glitchiness and phantom touches/noises are just as a distraction and safety concern as driving while using a cellphone which is against the law. The infotainment unit should be fully recalled, not just have a warranty extension. The Subaru dealership has inspected the head unit and declared the failure that was part of a now expired warranty extension. The failures came without warning; however the glitches have gotten more frequent and worse over time.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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) Broke again 11 months later [FEB 2025] in similar fashion, randomly one day.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

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) Broke again 11 months later [FEB 2025] in similar fashion, randomly one day.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

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. Based on online searches, rearview cameras not working is criteria for a recall. BACKGROUND: My main screen is affected by Subaru Screen Delamination (can't use touch at all). My exact model got an extended warranty, but I was not aware of this extension until after it passed. Subaru of America and dealers refused to service it unless I paid full price out-of-pocket. Fast-forward to now, reverse camera being affected. I also see mention online of emergency broadcast radio being blocked, since it does not stay on one channel, due to screen issues. I do not recommend Subaru (not the only issue I've had on a once new vehicle).

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

Back side of the display has condensation bubble circles

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 critical system affecting both usability and driver safety. In my case, the screen began delaminating around the 100,000-mile mark, just outside the warranty. Since then, the problem has progressively worsened and now renders the infotainment system unusable. The screen ghost-touches and rapidly changes menus, inputs, and radio stations, often without any driver interaction. This is not merely an aesthetic defect — it poses a substantial safety hazard and functional impairment. Most alarmingly: The radio will change frequencies automatically, sometimes switching away from AM emergency broadcast channels without warning or input. This poses a clear safety concern in weather-related or disaster scenarios when access to emergency broadcasts is essential. The screen unpredictably shifts menus and settings while driving, creating a visual distraction that competes with the driver’s focus on the road. This is an unacceptable risk in a vehicle designed with safety as a brand hallmark. Hands-free and navigation functionality are affected, which may compel drivers to interact with the system in motion — violating hands-free laws in many states and contradicting Subaru’s commitment to safe vehicle design. The issue is widely reported across Subaru owner forums, independent shops, and social media. It is linked directly to a known defect in the Harman-made infotainment units used in 2018 models and related vehicles. This is not an isolated or unique case. Despite this known problem, Subaru of America continues to decline support for owners affected outside the extended warranty period. Even though the issue eventually effects every single model. Subaru cherry picks who they choose to repair after 100k

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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. During the failure, the touch screen feature was inoperable, and the driver was unable to access certain safety features within the settings on the display. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the touch screen display unit was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 30,000.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 was happening and they claim it is a known issue but they haven't chosen to make a recall on it. They claim it is an issue on all of the vehicles from 2018/2019. They claim the screen is delaminating which is why it is causing random buttons to be pushed making the car extremely unsafe to drive. The distraction alone isn't safe but for me as an autistic driver the inability to turn it off is a huge issue. There is no work around available and it will just continue to make noises and randomly call people and mess with the interior of the vehicle. Working in the insurance industry I see the results of distracted driving and cannot believe this hadn't been recalled yet. There was no warning before this started. The touch screen was working fine on my way to work and then on my way home it started to go crazy. I was unable to use the touch screen installed in the car and am not able to turn it off. Subaru is aware of the issue and has not either created a safe way to disengage the part nor are they willing to replace the part.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 was happening and they claim it is a known issue but they haven't chosen to make a recall on it. They claim it is an issue on all of the vehicles from 2018/2019. They claim the screen is delaminating which is why it is causing random buttons to be pushed making the car extremely unsafe to drive. The distraction alone isn't safe but for me as an autistic driver the inability to turn it off is a huge issue. There is no work around available and it will just continue to make noises and randomly call people and mess with the interior of the vehicle. Working in the insurance industry I see the results of distracted driving and cannot believe this hadn't been recalled yet. There was no warning before this started. The touch screen was working fine on my way to work and then on my way home it started to go crazy. I was unable to use the touch screen installed in the car and am not able to turn it off. Subaru is aware of the issue and has not either created a safe way to disengage the part nor are they willing to replace the part.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Back up camera freezes or doesn't work when backing up- almost caused a accident!

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 concern is that it will turn the radio volume completely up. When these episodes occur, I am unable to override anything that is happening. We had the stereo volume turn completely up while on the highway with my [XXX] child in the car and I was unable to turn it down. This was a safety concern for us because if I spent time troubleshooting the screen I was distracted from watching the road while traveling at high speed, but I couldn’t leave the volume blasting with a [XXX] old in the car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 subaru last week and described the problem and I was told that the issue sounded like the 2019-2023 models having the same issue.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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 subaru last week and described the problem and I was told that the issue sounded like the 2019-2023 models having the same issue.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 independent service center? Contacted Subaru of America Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear?no. Both front doors have rust perforating from the inside. As you can see in the attached pictures, this is not surface rust nor an issue caused by my actions. After researching online, I found numerous similar issues reported not only with Legacy models but also with Imprezas, Outbacks, and Foresters.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

STarrlink Infotainment System (DEFECTIVE) FREEZING MALFUNCTIONING,BACK UP/REVERSE (SCREEN) BLACK OUT 's, CONSTANT BEEPING THOUGH OUT CARS SPEAKERS;While DRIVING...(MAJOR) DISTRACTION & OTHER ISSUES... AFTERMARKET (SWAY BAR LINKS) WERE INSTALLED INSTEAD OF OEM..OFFICIAL SUBARU PARTS ..BY A OFFICIAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP! NAME: COLONIAL VOLKSWAGEN SUBARU... FEASTERVILLE TREVOSE ...ON DATE:1/08/2024 PA...#[XXX]... Finding as NOTED: BY WINNER SUBARU DOVER DELAWARE...ZIP:19901...#302-734-8200... SERVICE ADVISORY/TAG# BROOKE WILLIS/[XXX]... SERVICE DATE: 2/12/2025 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

STARLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM (AUDIO HEADUNIT),(DEFECTIVE)...FREEZING, MALFUNCTION, SCREEN BLACK OUT AT ANY TIME...BLACK OUT WHILE IN MOTION (REVERSE) USING BACK UP CAMERA. INTERMITTING BEEPING SOUND THOUGH CARS SPEAKERS WHILE DRIVING...MAJOR DISTRACTION...UNSAFE!.... FINDING WAS WITHIN A AUGUST.2019 CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT OR SO (RECALL) : FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD (111).I ALSO HAVE (DOCUMENTED) RECENT PROOF FROM WINNER SUBARU OF DOVER DELAWARE.. WHICH CONFIRMED THE (EXACT) SAME FACTS.... CONTACT:REP...NAME:(BROOK).I REACHED OUT TO SUBARU AMERICA ADVOCATE.... CAMDEN NEW JERSEY... CONTACT NAME: (NIKO)...#800-782-2783 EXT#119027....CASE# [XXX]...I WAS OFFERED $750 GOOD WILL PAYMENT...FOR A USED HEADUNIT... THOUGHT WINNER SUBARU OF DOVER DELAWARE...A NEW HEADUNIT REPLACEMENT THEY QUOTED $2,500.00....THEY WANT GIVE ME THE $750 AND MAKE ME PAY $759 FOR LABOR....FOR THE (FACT) THAT THEY HAVE KNOW FOR YEARS THAT THE STARLINK INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM IS (DEFECT)...AND HAS PAID OUT 6.25 MILLION DOLLARS.. IN REFERENCE TO IT! I ONLY OWN THIS CAR 3 MONTHS 7 DAYS....ALSO... WINNER SUBARU DOVER DELAWARE...INFORMED ME THAT THE CAR HAD AFTERMARKET SWAY BAR LINKS... THOUGH CARFAX...AND RESEARCH I WAS ABLE CALL COLONIAL VOLKSWAGEN SUBARU... FEASTERVILLE TREVOSE PA ON 1/08/2024 ....WAS THE DEALERSHIP THAT HAD PUT THEM ON.IT WAS SUPPOSED TO HAD BEEN ORIGINAL SUBARU PART NOT AFTERMARKET...I TOLD BROOK OF WINNER SUBARU ..THAT's WHAT I FOUND OUT DO TO SPEAKING TO A SERVICE... SUPERVISOR...THAT STATED AND CONFIRMED THE WORK WAS DONE THERE.I ALSO REACHED OUT TO SUBARU AMERICA..IN REFERENCE TO THIS...TO NO RESPONSE....THIS BOTH AS A WHOLE IS UNSAFE PRACTICE AND BAD BUSINESS....I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR LABOR FEES OF SORT...FOR WHAT KNOW AND HAVE KNOW FOR A FACT FOR YEARS...AND STILL GOING ON TILL TODAY. IM A HARD WORKING AMERICAN CONSUMER...THAT BOTH THIS CAR 13 WEEKS AGO...TO BE DRIVING AROUND WITH (DISTRACTING) SAFETY ISSUE. MY CELL# [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I bought my Subaru brand new directly through them in September 2017. Not too long after the warranty deadline (2018 timeframe) my entire touchscreen randomly stopped working. Subaru had said there was nothing they could do without having to replace the entire system. It randomly does its own thing clicking on different buttons like someone is pressing them. There was nothing that happened prior this that would affect the touchscreen from stopping to work.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

For context, we are the original owners of the 2018 Subaru Legacy car (leased in 2018, and then purchased outright in 2022). At the time of the incident, the car was in pristine condition. We had the oil changed in accordance with the maintenance agreement during the lease, and then every 6,000 miles or whenever the dealership called us to bring in the car. The car had 39,000 miles on it at the time of the incident and had an oil change as recently as 2.5 months prior. While stopped in traffic, the car began making a sputtering noise and all the lights on the dashboard turned on at the same time. When pushing on the gas the car began rolling down the hill towards the car behind me. I put the car into park and then turned it off, and then waved traffic to pass me. After reinserting the key into the ignition, the car began to make the sputtering noise again, but I was able to move the car very slowly onto the shoulder of the road. The greatest danger is that this occurred in moving traffic. Thankfully, there was no harm done to me or anyone else. I had the car towed to the nearest auto mechanic shop. Initially, the shop informed me it was an issue with the spark plug, but upon further investigation, they told me the problem was with the engine and asked me to bring it to the dealership. The dealership is unsure of the exact issue, but stated that it was engine failure (more details in screenshots below). The technician has stated that we will need to completely rebuild the engine to fully identify and fix the problem.