The 2018 Outback is mid-5th-gen with the 2.5L FB25 boxer (or optional 3.6R H6) and Subaru's TR690 Lineartronic CVT. The infamous EJ25 head gasket issue is GONE - that's an EJ-series problem, not FB-series. However, oil consumption on the FB25 was a class-action settlement (Yaeger v. Subaru), and battery drain complaints persist.
No more EJ25 head gasket. FB25 is more reliable but had its own oil-consumption class action (Yaeger v. Subaru). Confirm any oil-consumption test or short-block work.
Subject to Yaeger v. Subaru class-action settlement (covers 2013-2014 originally; some 2018 units affected via piston ring updates). Subaru will test consumption at warranty mileage. >1qt/1200mi qualifies for short block.
View P0301 Diagnosis →Subaru extended CVT warranty to 10yr/100K on certain MYs. The TR690 is more reliable than the smaller TR580 but still requires fluid service every 60K. Shudder = first warning.
View P0741 Diagnosis →Subaru windshields crack easily, often spontaneously. EyeSight requires recalibration ($150+) on replacement, so total cost is high. Class action Powell v. Subaru settled with limited reimbursement.
Run free diagnosis →DCM (Data Communication Module) and infotainment system draw current after shutdown. Battery dies after 1-2 weeks of disuse. TSB 07-119-19 addresses some causes.
View B1577 Diagnosis →Starlink can be slow to boot, lose Bluetooth, or freeze. Software updates available. CarPlay / Android Auto added in 2017+, much better than older systems.
View U0100 Diagnosis →Slight whine on coast at higher mileage. Diff fluid service typically silences it.
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Always run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before purchase. Major recalls on this year:
Documented Technical Service Bulletins, class-action settlements, and warranty extensions for the 2018 Subaru Outback:
Yes with caveats. Confirm no active oil consumption, CVT fluid serviced at 60K, and verify any windshield crack class-action filings. The 3.6R H6 is the trouble-free engine if you can find it.
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If your 2018 Outback is throwing a check engine light, these are the codes most often associated with the problems above. Click any code for full diagnosis steps and typical repair costs.
No. Head gaskets are an EJ25 (older) issue. The 2018 uses the FB25 with timing chain and revised head design, which doesn't share the EJ25's head gasket weakness.
The TR690 CVT is more reliable than the smaller TR580. Subaru extended the CVT warranty to 10yr/100K on certain model years. Fluid service every 60K is essential.
Some do. The Yaeger class action covered earlier MYs but Subaru continued updating piston rings. If your unit consumes more than 1 qt per 1,200 miles, ask for a consumption test under powertrain warranty.
Thinner laminated glass paired with EyeSight camera bracket creates stress points. Replacement windshields with EyeSight recalibration run $800-1,400. A class action settlement provided limited reimbursement.
Yes if oil consumption history is clean and CVT fluid has been serviced. The 3.6R H6 avoids FB25 oil consumption entirely but is harder to find.
With maintenance, 200,000-250,000 miles is realistic. The FB25 outlasts the older EJ25 in real-world service.