Problems · by component

2018 Subaru Legacy electrical system problems

40 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2018 Subaru Legacy cite electrical system, 34% of all 117 complaints for this model year. NHTSA also lists 1 recall on this component.

Complaints
40
34% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the electrical system

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The vehicle on board video entertainment display has stopped working properly. It does not allow any input to the touch screen. And the only way to regain some functionality is by pressing the steering wheel source button. However it works intermittently. And this causes Driver Distraction while driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2026Electrical systemODI 11749001
“The factory Harman Kardon Starlink touchscreen infotainment system in my 2018 Subaru Legacy has experienced severe touchscreen delamination. The display has developed widespread bubbling beneath the glass and now generates repeated "ghost touches" without any driver input. The system activates buttons, changes screens, opens menus, and performs functions on its own while the vehicle is being driven. These unintended inputs create a driver distraction and make it difficult to use navigation, audio, and vehicle information functions safely. This appears to be a known and widespread issue affecting 2018 Subaru Legacy vehicles equipped with Harman Kardon Starlink head units. The problem is caused by touchscreen delamination and continues to worsen over time. Subaru of America was contacted regarding the defect but declined assistance. The vehicle currently has approximately 117,000 miles. The issue is not the result of damage, misuse, or modification of the vehicle. I am submitting this complaint because the touchscreen operates without driver input and creates a distraction while driving.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 19, 2026Electrical systemODI 11745323
“The computer screen has an issue where there is bubbling in the lamination causing the screen to go nuts and become a distracting hazard that you can not shut off. It's a known Subaru Legacy issue and should be a recall. A new screen is $2000 plus, which is not feasable for the average person to pay and it's become a safety hazard, ect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 18, 2026Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherODI 11745102
“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 malfunction, critical safety features including Blind Spot Warning and Lane Keeping Assistance became disabled. This directly impacted safe vehicle operation. The issue was diagnosed by an authorized Subaru dealership, which confirmed the head unit is defective and requires replacement. Subaru previously issued a warranty extension for this known defect. Subaru of America denied goodwill assistance despite the safety-related nature of the defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 23, 2026Electrical system, Lane departureODI 11712979
“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 as the code was reset, and they fixed it temporarily. now i am looking at about a 1500 fix for the power windows, which has been a known problem for my car for years. I went to another shop and they told me this is a step below a recall, but subaru knows about it. to me it seems like this is a safety issue, since the windows cant roll down or up.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 24, 2025Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11689396
“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 issue but since then I haves a few other issues I believe relate to the wiring inside the vehicle and due to the wiring, which caused the fire. I have tried to contact Subaru of America and let them know this and have had no luck with any type of help with other repairs.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2025Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Unknown or otherFire reportedODI 11687253

Showing 6 of 40 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 29, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Related recalls

1 recall on this component

Electrical system: software

Free remedy

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.

Electrical systemReported Nov 1, 2018NHTSA 18V773000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 29, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Other 2018 Legacy problem areas