2018 Subaru Outback Issues and Problems: 50k Mile Owner Review!

Here's a brief video describing the problems, issues, and design flaws that have become noticeable after 11k miles of ownership of a 2018 Subaru Outback 2.5i Touring. This vehicles has just under 50k miles on the odometer, and so far it has been a fairly reliable vehicle with just one major issue covered under warranty, and several small issues including normal wear and tear items that most 50k mile vehicles experience around 3-4 years of age. Overall, I'm very happy with this vehicle and I hope to have it for several more years and another 100k miles of reliable driving, so i'll be sure to give more regular updates as the miles roll on. Please place any comments or questions related to the video in the section below. I hope you enjoy this video!

[@CharlesJohnson-SGMRET]

I have a 2018 Limited 50th Anniversary Edition. It currently has 70,000 miles with no problems. Very happy with this Subie. Wife has a 2015 Limited and have had the same problem free experience this one has 60,000 miles. All of the problems that this video highlights seem to be hard, hard driving and braking issues. Both or ours have the 3.9R six with CVT and we routinely get 24mpg in town and 29mpg on the hiway, thanks

[@MrZedblade]

Intersting! I bought my 2018 3.6R Touring Outback brand new which now has 42k miles on it. Overall I've had no major issues. The infotainment system stopped working early on (dead screen / no activity) and was replaced under warranty. A few times it stopped working again (stuck on boot screen) and I disconnected/reconnected the battery to get it working again, but that hasn't happened in a couple years so I think recent software updates fixed this. I also had to re-'program' the window controls a few times. I've had no engine or drivetrain issues of any kind, no repairs other than the one mentioned plus standard maintenance and one new set of tires, and it still drives like a cream puff. I'm very happy with the car.

[@markbrausch346]

We have a 2015 2.5 outback with 170,000 miles just drove it 500 miles still comfortable and dependable we bought it with 155k one owner

[@darylhill9400]

Yep, I have the same car same approximate mileage super nice reliable

[@myckeee]

i have an 18 2.5. 120k miles and only services at 6k mile intervals. runs well continuously

[@dabcorn]

0:55 pretty sure that 'home link/auto dimming' mirror has a set screw under he plastic trim. Have a look. Could be a simple matter to tighten that set screw!

[@junhongli7181]

Thanks for great review. It feels like Subaru still needs to improve the CVT system, which many people don't like and trust. You are the second owner review that I watched today who reported the transmission failure under 50K. The other owner was also fortunately under warranty coverage. But these vehicles are supposed to last over 200K, transmission failure around 40K is unacceptable. I'm comparing several models in this segment, and now decide to go to Mazda CX5 or Hyundai Tucson.

[@jeremyclimbs]

For the infosystem updates, did you have to go to the dealer for those? Thank you!

[@brendasester]

My 2018 forester rides so rough it feels every bump in the road and I actually feel like something is about to break off and I will be stuck on the side of the road
Taken it to 3 different tire shops , they say the tires look fine

[@rkbowen]

It is likely your wheel bearings.

[@stuarthunter3631]

Where/when to use the Xdrive?

[@BornToDriveOfficial]

X-mode is best used at low speed to help get out of deep snow, mud, and sand. It optimizes traction control programming and AWD programming to provide more torque to each wheel, especially to the back wheels in my experience.

[@DISRUPTOR40]

except from the transmission problems, everithing else seems to me like '' little princess'' problems ... sorry

[@samkitty5894]

So basically unreliable junk.