2018 Subaru Outback: screen or infotainment failure

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 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 Sep 18, 2025 · Electrical · 68,000 miles · IN

The contact owns a 2018 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the infotainment system was displaying a blank screen. No warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the infotainment system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 68,000.

Filed Feb 20, 2025 · MN

The Head Unit, which is the center built-in touchscreen of the 2018 Subaru Outback, began glitching after 5 to 6 years after this vehicle was purchased. It would not register actual touches, and then it would register touches that did not occur, it became so severe that while driving, the radio would change on its own, navigation/GPS application would become unusable, and other distracting actions would occur without any way of fixing them. After some online research, matching photos of the screen showing bubbles underneath, and similar reports we have found including a class-action lawsuit against Subaru, the vehicle was taken in for official diagnosis of Delamination. Subaru Of America (SOA) agreed to pay $1000 of the approx $1500 cost to replace the Head Unit, and recommended we reach out directly to the federal safety agency to report a safety concern to have a potential recall started. This issue is a dangerous distraction and safety concern, and it seems to be a common occurrence with these Head Units. There were numerous incidents before getting the screen repaired where it caused driving distractions with the erratic movements and changes on the screen, which could cause an accident. Please recall these so no one ends up in an accident or ends up having to pay for this faulty part. Thank you for your time.

Filed Oct 15, 2024 · Driver assistance · NY

The radio headunit which houses the backup camera freezes. When this happens, the backup camera does not work. Vehicle was brought to a Subaru dealership, and confirmed that radio unit freezes, and diagnostic did not improve system. Radio unit requires re-manufacturing. I have contacted Subaru and they refuse to address the problem. There is also documentation that talks about a recall on the Harmon Kardon unit we have.

Filed Aug 6, 2023 · Electrical · VA

The STARLINK multimedia touchscreen system screen started delaminating July-2022; April-2023 it developed a ghost glitch & changes all settings/info on its own - it doesn’t recognize any true touch on the screen & after multiple hard resets (holding down sound/tuner/cd buttons all at once), it rarely ever actually resets the touchscreen; however, it may pause the glitching for 5-10mins.

Filed Dec 30, 2022 · Electrical · CO

The infotainment system freezes randomly causing screen to freeze including while backing up. This causes it to appear as though the back up camera is working when in reality it is not. Serious safety concern if cross traffic or children are not seen.

Filed Apr 12, 2022 · Engine · TN

2018 subaru outback. Consumer writes in regard to engine failure. The consumer stated the vehicle had various safety defect issues including a recall for low fuel programming, low grinding noise and vibration in the brakes, and vibration in the steering wheel. The vehicle also had various electronic issues including glitches with the infotainment system, stereo would freeze, speakers were out of sync and rattled, seat heating temperature too low, and the passenger side power windows did not operate properly.

Filed Oct 22, 2020 · Electrical · NY

Battery died many times. Car is just under 3 years old, with 18,000 miles still under warranty. Dealer said the car must be left that they needed to test. The cca rating is 300 something. A friend in colorado has a 2019 forester with a cca of 620! Very similar engine, both models are touring. Could it be that vehicles in less colder areas are fitted with inadequate battery cca so subaru can save a few dollars? Also the rab light came on while driving at highway speeds. How is that ok? The infotainment screen has frozen multiple times. When it did the volume of the radio could not be lowered..I was parked when it happened, (radio was loud) then started driving and couldn't lower it.. Please note: these electrical issues occurred at different times ... I have no idea if they're related

Filed Jul 9, 2020 · Electrical · 27,765 miles · ND

The touch screen on my radio/head unit intermittently freezes. Was told by dealership service it is likely due to bluetooth, and tethering interference because they both try to connect. Dealer reset the radio, and I have not connected the bluetooth at all after the reset. Yet again same problem. This has been replaced once due to the recall and class action lawsuit. It still has issues. There isn't any real time frame when it does this just randomly turns non-responsive on the main touch screen. There have been multiple time this has occurred, and have been to the dealer 2 or 3 times now.

Filed Jul 3, 2020 · Electrical · 19,000 miles · VA

The head unit has failed and frozen several times. When this happens, functions like smartphone integration, navigation, and backup camera stop working. This occurs when vehicle is in motion. Functionality returns after car rests for several hours. Dealer has been unable to fix the issue with software updates.

Filed Nov 3, 2019 · Electrical, Lights · 5 miles · OK

Radio and maps went to a black screen several times at 5k miles. It was sent to the dealership for update. Still had issues, but not as many. Then the lighting went out on the radio buttons. Replaced main head which was covered under warranty w/a 100 dollar deductible. Automatic door locks work intermittently when put in gear, drivers window control panel does not work for any windows in the car other than the drivers window. Had transmission issues after 2 months of purchase. It idles high and does not smoothly glide into gear. Windshield was cracked by a small rock. It was replaced and two weeks later it cracked again.