2018 Subaru Outback: backup camera failure

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · WA

The multimedia device/infotainment system (Harman-Kardon) which controls the radio, navigation maps, back-up camera, etc, is again showing issues with the screen, "delamination," which causes the radio channels to change irradically, causing distraction and confusion when driving. This issue was found and RECALLED years ago, and this car's original radio was replaced in early 2023 with what seems to be the same exact style of equipment. Once again, this replacement radio is doing the same, delamination is visible on the screen, stations changing irradically, BEEP BOP BOOP BOP tones, irritation and distrtaction! I believe it could be caused by the heat of summer and the angle of the screen on the dashboard... but cars are out in the sun all the time, how often does this happen to other vehicles? I now just try to ignore it. Even with turning the radio off, it comes back on somehow, so it's volume knob is always kept turned down. I still have access to the map and back-up camera, but for how long? This safety equipment is undependable, and, although I knew how to drive before such conveniences were available, it is a distraction when driving.

Filed Sep 12, 2026 · SC

Infotainment unit in my 2018 Subaru Outback has had a recurring freeze/black-screen defect since new, and it directly affects the backup camera display and interaction with EyeSight safety features, creating a rear-visibility hazard while reversing and a driver-distraction hazard while underway. Documented history: On 6/4/2018 at 6,071 miles, the dealer proactively installed a radio software update with no complaint from me, indicating Subaru was already managing known issues with this head unit. On 9/21/2018 at 13,487 miles, I reported the radio was still blacking out after that update; the dealer found the radio inoperative, physically replaced the audio unit, and filed a failure report with the vendor. On 3/18/2019, the dealer performed Service Campaign WUA86 (head unit software reprogram) and completed Recall WTW82. On 3/16/2020, I returned with the same failure, the service record states my complaint verbatim: "the speakers will buzz and the infotainment center go black and reset itself", and the dealer performed another head unit software reprogram. This visit fell within the active HK Gen 3.0 Warranty Extension coverage window (1/1/2020–2/27/2023), a warranty extension tied to a related class action settlement (Udeen v. Subaru of America, Case No. 1:18-cv-17334) covering this exact head unit generation. Subaru also issued Technical Service Bulletin 15-228-18R specifically for "Display Screen Freeze-Up or Black (Blank) Concerns" on this head unit, confirming the defect was known and documented internally. Despite one full hardware replacement and multiple software reprogramming attempts across four documented visits from 2018–2020, the defect was never permanently resolved. The infotainment screen now has delamination, continued freezing, unresponsive/phantom touch input ("ghost touch"), Bluetooth failure, and navigation failure. Because this system controls the backup camera display and interacts with EyeSight, an unpredictable freeze or blackout is unsafe.

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Driver assistance · OH

Our Subaru backup camera screen is suffering from a factory defect delamination issue which has caused the screen to become hazy and difficult to see. In daylight, the screen is often completely obscured by the defect. Subaru issued a warranty extension from 2020 to 2023 due to class action litigation regarding this issue, but we were never made aware of the extension. Subaru has refused to repair this factory safety defect simply claiming it is out of warranty.

Filed Apr 14, 2026 · Driver assistance · MD

The infotainment head unit in my 2018 Subaru Outback has experienced internal adhesive delamination, resulting in frequent "ghost touches" and unpredictable system malfunctions that pose a severe safety hazard. Most critically, the backup camera display intermittently disappears or freezes while the vehicle is in reverse, causing a total loss of rear visibility during low-speed maneuvering. While the vehicle is in motion, the unit executes unauthorized commands without driver input, including making random outgoing phone calls to my contacts, switching screens away from the GPS navigation during active routing, and cycling through radio stations and apps at high volumes. These uncommanded actions create extreme driver distraction and a loss of access to essential vehicle safety interfaces. The failure is persistent and prevents the reliable use of mandated safety equipment and navigation.

Filed Apr 8, 2026 · Driver assistance · CT

The head unit (infotainment system) in my vehicle is experiencing delamination, where the screen is peeling, separating, or forming bubbles. This causes: •Touchscreen malfunctions, making it difficult or impossible to operate controls such as audio, climate, navigation, and backup camera. •Distraction risk while driving due to unresponsive or erratic screen behavior. •Intermittent failure of vehicle systems that rely on the infotainment interface, increasing potential safety hazards. This is a known defect affecting multiple 2018 Subaru Outbacks and can occur even in properly maintained vehicles. The defect reduces safe operability of the vehicle while driving. Request / Action: I am submitting this complaint to ensure the federal safety agency is aware of this potential safety issue and to assist in any investigation or recall consideration. Additional Information: •Dealer attempts to repair or replace the head unit were declined. •The issue is reproducible and ongoing.

Filed Apr 1, 2026 · Driver assistance · OK

Infotainment system is completely delaminated, and the backup camera is slow to start, if starts at all. System will go beserk, make calls, change stations, volume, navigation, and more.

Filed Mar 20, 2026 · GA

Subaru has a known “ghost touch” radio head unit issue that they failed to recall. My 2018 Subaru Outback has an unstable head unit that affects GPS, hands free technology, and back up camera assistance.

Filed Feb 18, 2026 · WA

The STARLINK touchscreen display on my 2018 Subaru Outback has experienced progressive delamination — a separation of the screen's protective layer from the display panel — resulting in large, spreading opaque blotches that obscure significant portions of the screen. This is a known manufacturing defect that Subaru of America acknowledged through the issuance of a Technical Service Bulletin and an extended warranty for 2018 model year vehicles. That extended warranty has since expired, and Subaru has declined goodwill coverage despite the defect being documented by an authorized Subaru dealership (SOA Case No. 260106-1800881). The screen serves as the primary interface for the backup camera, navigation, and climate controls. Obscured visibility of this screen while driving creates a distraction hazard. I am requesting the federal safety agency investigate this defect and take appropriate action.

Filed Sep 24, 2025 · Electrical · OR

The head unit on the vehicle has delaminated. The touchscreen display no longer works, it has false touches. This affects navigational safety of the vehicle, as navigation no longer works. This also affects sounds of the vehicle, not being able to change volume for ADAS alerts. This also affects the backup camera, which is a big safety concern. The problem has been confirmed and inspected by a dealer, it costs $2300.00 to replace. Warning symptoms were bubbles on the screen and the screen stopped working/became jittery.

Filed Jul 28, 2025 · TN

Summary of Problem: The infotainment screen on my 2018 Subaru Outback has delaminated and is malfunctioning, causing multiple safety issues. This is a known manufacturer defect previously addressed in a class-action lawsuit (Starlink Infotainment System Litigation, settled 2021). However, my vehicle’s screen failed shortly after the extended warranty expired. Detailed Description of Safety Hazards: The malfunctioning screen creates the following safety risks: 1. Backup Camera Obstruction – The screen dims erratically, sometimes going completely dark, rendering the rearview camera unusable. This poses a serious safety hazard and appears to violate FMVSS 111 requirements for rear visibility systems. 2. Unintended Screen Inputs – The screen exhibits “ghost touches” that result in random phone calls, volume changes, and navigation menu disruptions, all without user input. This creates an unsafe level of driver distraction. 3. Driver Distraction and Interference – The system's erratic behavior pulls my attention away from the road, as I must manage or override its malfunctions, increasing the risk of an accident. Manufacturer Response: I contacted Subaru of America, who acknowledged the issue but only offered to cover half of the $1,200 repair cost. They declined full assistance, citing the expiration of the class-action extended warranty (5 years/100,000 miles), despite this being a latent defect with safety implications. Known Precedent: Many other Outback owners have received full coverage from Subaru for this exact issue, even outside of the warranty, suggesting inconsistent application of goodwill support. This is clearly a systemic defect. Requested Action: I am reporting this because the defect affects safety-critical features. I am requesting the federal safety agency to investigate whether this issue warrants a broader recall or compliance action. The unpredictable failure of the rearview camera and screen functionality poses a clear risk to driver and public safety.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 20,000 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the rearview camera became inoperable. The contact stated that the rearview camera image was blank. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the radio system display had failed and needed to be repaired. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2025 · Driver assistance · 39,000 miles · TN

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while reversing, the rearview camera failed to display a rearview image, comprising the back over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the rear-view camera. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the federal safety agency Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 39,000.