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2018 Subaru Outback, 2018 Legacy, recall, faulty fuel gauge
Denis Flierl's picture
By Denis Flierl Nov 8 2018 - 8:31am

Subaru Recalls 2018 Outback, Legacy; You Could Run Out Of Fuel

Subaru is recalling all 2018 Outback and 2018 Legacy models. See why the cars could run out of fuel.
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Subaru of America is recalling all 2018 Outback SUVs and 2018 Legacy sedans due to a faulty fuel gauge which could cause the driver to run out of fuel and the car to stall on the road. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) says 228,648 vehicles are affected in the US.

The Outback and Legacy models are being recalled 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. This is also part of a larger global recall affecting all 2018 Subaru Outback and Legacy models.

The U.S. recall includes all 2018 model year Legacy vehicles (43,064). The recall population includes all 2018 model year Outback vehicles. The number of affected Outback vehicles in the U.S. is 185,584. All U.S. Outback and Legacy vehicles are built at the Subaru Indiana Automotive plant in Lafayette, Indiana and produced between February 1, 2017 through August 17, 2018.

Subaru is recommending as a precaution, all 2018 Outback and Legacy owners keep at least one-quarter tank of gas in the vehicle until the repairs have been made.

Owners will be notified within 60 days and the recall began November 1, 2018. If reprogramming tools are not available by that time, owners will be notified that the repair is not yet available and they will be re-notified once it is. Subaru dealers will reprogram the combination meter software, free of charge. 2018 Subaru Outback and Legacy owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTW-82.

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Comments

Ed B wrote on November 9, 2018 - 8:33am
The recent recalls are mind-numbing. Growth indeed plays a role in Subaru's failure to produce consistent quality throughout its' carlines. Frankly, I'm concerned as we start to see the 2019 models hit the street. I hope Subaru gets its' act together. They are still a fairly small manufacturer but attention to detail and quality seem to have fallen pray to their current build it for the masses production stance. QC should be at the forefront. While rapid growth is one component of their problems, they need reassess how they bring product to market and fix the problems before the cars leave the plants. There is an inherent breakdown of quality and that may force potential buyers to seek other alternatives - even their long-term customers may be challenged moving forward to embrace the brand and new products. I know my confidence is shaken to a degree. I understand recalls are normala and at the end of the day these are machines. However, QC is a lingering concern and there are problems at Subaru which they need to address ASAP.
Ralph Engel wrote on November 16, 2018 - 5:26pm
Decreased quality control at Subaru really is an issue. I had a 2014 Outback 6R for four years, and during that time it had one--repeat, one--warranty repair, and it was minor. Everything worked. Then I traded it in for the same car, 2018 year, because of the improved safety features and headlights, and by now my new car can find its own way to the Subaru dealer--it's been there so many times. Monday the dealer is supposed to replace the entire radio-GPS unit, as to which the GPS malfunctions regularly--if only I could stop the radio from coming on every time I start the car, an idiotic feature perhaps designed for teenagers, few of whom probably (willingly) drive Outbacks?
Signe wrote on November 12, 2018 - 9:57pm
Ran out of gas three times. This is bad. However, not as bad as the 2018 Starlink head unit. I have no words for how bad this thing is. Subaru will not do anything about it.
Frank wrote on November 14, 2018 - 4:15pm
Previously a devoted Toyota owner, thought I'd try the Outback based on consumer reviews and recommendations from family. It's becoming to be a disappointment. I won't begin to suggest the source of the problems, but I suspect the IT applications to automotive technology are out of control.