Recall 18V773 affects 228,648 2018 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles for inaccurate fuel-display software. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 228,648 2018 Outback and Legacy vehicles because a software error can keep the low fuel warning light from turning on at the intended fuel level and show remaining range after the tank is empty. The inaccurate display can leave a driver without fuel and stall the vehicle, increasing crash risk; Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2018 Subaru Outback and Legacy use software to interpret fuel level and driving range. The low fuel warning light and the distance-to-empty display are supposed to translate fuel-level sensor information into plain driver warnings. When the tank is nearing empty, the light should come on at the set fuel level and the display should stop promising usable range.
On affected vehicles, a software programming error throws off the remaining-fuel calculation near the end of the tank. The warning light does not illuminate at the intended point, and the distance-to-empty readout can still show a positive number after the usable fuel is gone. If the driver keeps going based on that display, the vehicle can run out of fuel and the engine can stall.
The warning sign is specific: the low fuel warning lamp illuminates and the fuel gauge reads "E" for Empty. Treat that as the warning sign that the tank is at the end of its usable fuel, even if the distance-to-empty display still shows miles remaining.
Who's affected?
Covers both Outback and Legacy vehicles from the 2018 model year, with electrical system software and fuel system components listed for each model.
| 2018 Subaru Outback | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Outback | fuel system |
| 2018 Subaru Legacy | electrical system software |
| 2018 Subaru Legacy | fuel system |
| Units affected | 228,648 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle.
What's the safety risk?
An inaccurate fuel display can leave a driver expecting more range than the tank has. If the vehicle runs out of fuel, it can stall and increase crash risk. Treat the low fuel lamp and a gauge reading of E as a reason to refuel and schedule the software repair. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Subaru Outback or Legacy is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free combination-meter software update that fixes the inaccurate low-fuel warning and miles-to-empty display.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V773 when you call.
- Refuel before the tank is low and do not rely on the miles-to-empty display until the software update is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician reprograms the combination meter software at no charge under the recall. The update corrects the display logic tied to the low fuel warning light and miles-to-empty reading, so the instrument cluster reflects fuel status correctly. If you've already paid out of pocket for this repair, contact Subaru customer service and ask how to submit documentation under Subaru's general reimbursement plan on file.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| November 1, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 1, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| November 1, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 17, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 17, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| February 20, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V773?
Recall 18V773 covers 228,648 2018 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles with a software error in the fuel display. The low fuel warning light and miles-to-empty reading can give the driver wrong fuel information. Subaru dealers will reprogram the combination meter software for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Subaru Outback or Legacy is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V773. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the combination meter software reprogramming. Reference Subaru recall WTW-82 or campaign 18V773 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Subaru will reprogram the combination meter software free of charge at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What is the safety risk?
The fuel display can show inaccurate information, including a low fuel warning that does not illuminate at the intended fuel level or a miles-to-empty display that still shows range when the tank is empty. The vehicle can run out of fuel and stall, increasing crash risk.
When did Subaru start this recall repair?
Subaru began the recall repair on February 20, 2019. Owners with included vehicles can contact a franchised Subaru dealer for the free combination meter software reprogramming, or call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 and reference recall WTW-82.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V773000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V773 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V773000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →