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2018 Subaru Legacy VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2018 Subaru Legacy has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 116 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. Severity signals include 7 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (38), Unknown Or Other (21), Visibility Wiper (19).

Legacy reliability snapshot

70/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$563
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#16/24
Ranking in midsize cars · better than 33% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Subaru Legacy before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2018 Subaru Legacy issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Electrical System38
  • Unknown Or Other21
  • Visibility Wiper19
  • Visibility8
  • Steering4
  • Engine4

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2018 Subaru Legacy

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Test infotainment system for ghost touches and screen delamination
  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips
  • Check steering for pulling or erratic behavior at speeds above 50 mph
  • Verify fuel gauge accuracy by refueling and monitoring levels
  • Inspect for rust on door pillars and clear coat condition
  • Test power windows for proper operation
  • Check for any recalls related to electrical or infotainment systems

2018 Legacy recalls (3)

Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2018 Legacy. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

  1. VISIBILITYNHTSA 18V935000Dec 31, 2018

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018 Legacy, Outback, and BRZ vehicles. In the affected vehicles, a software issue may cause the audio display system to not initialize, resulting in the camera display remaining blank. If this occurs, the rearview image will not display while backing up the vehicle. As a result, the vehicles fail to comply with requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

    Consequence: Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.

    Remedy

    Subaru has notified owners, and dealers will reprogram the audio system display software, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTZ-85.

  2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 18V773000Nov 1, 2018

    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.

    Consequence: 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.

    Remedy

    Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. The recall began February 20, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

  3. FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021

    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.

    Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy

    Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Used-market value

2018 Subaru Legacy resale snapshot

$19,261median asking price from 28 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2018 Subaru Legacy on the road

40,109 2018 Subaru Legacy units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2018 Subaru Legacy stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2018 Subaru Legacy

The 2018 Subaru Legacy presents a mixed reliability profile, scoring 70 out of 100. This places it in a moderate range, suggesting neither strong nor poor reliability. Complaints are notably concentrated in the electrical system, indicating a potential area of concern, while other issues are more dispersed across various categories such as visibility and steering.

With three recalls, the Legacy’s recall activity is moderate, not suggesting a widespread systemic issue but indicating some areas requiring manufacturer attention. The distribution of complaints across different aspects of the vehicle implies that no single catastrophic flaw dominates, but prospective buyers should be aware of the electrical system concerns.

Overall, the 2018 Subaru Legacy carries a moderate reliability risk, advising potential buyers to weigh these factors when considering this model.

What you get in a 2018 Subaru Legacy report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

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2018 Subaru Legacy — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Subaru Legacy reliable?

The 2018 Subaru Legacy presents a mixed reliability profile, scoring 70 out of 100. This places it in a moderate range, suggesting neither strong nor poor reliability. Complaints are notably concentrated in the electrical system, indicating a potential area of concern, while other issues are more dispersed across various categories such as visibility and steering.

How many recalls does the 2018 Subaru Legacy have?

3 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2018 Subaru Legacy. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.

What are the most common 2018 Subaru Legacy problems?

The most-reported 2018 Subaru Legacy problem areas are: Electrical System (38), Unknown Or Other (21), Visibility Wiper (19).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2018 Subaru Legacy?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2018 Subaru Legacy, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.