2018 Subaru Outback
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2018 Subaru Outback maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Subaru Outback.
For oil changes, the 2018 Subaru Outback takes 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 6.3 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), and transmission fluid is Subaru ATF. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Subaru Outback, torque the lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
There are 3 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2018 Subaru Outback uses 5W-30 Full Synthetic motor oil (6.3 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 89 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2018 Subaru Outback.
No known problems reported for this vehicle yet.
3 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2018 Subaru Outback. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES
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."
Failure to display the rearview image while backing up increases the risk of crash.
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
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.
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.
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.