Recall 18V935 affects 71,190 2018 Subaru Outback, Legacy, and Brz vehicles for a blank rearview-camera display. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 71,190 2018 Outback, Legacy, and Brz vehicles because a software issue can keep the audio display system from initializing, leaving the rearview camera image blank. When the image does not appear while backing up, crash risk increases; Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The audio display system in the 2018 Subaru Outback, Legacy, and Brz is the center screen that shows the rearview camera image when the vehicle is shifted into reverse. Its head unit starts the display software, loads stored information from memory, and sends the camera image to the screen so the driver can see behind the vehicle while backing up.
In included vehicles, a software problem causes the head unit to take too long to retrieve memory and assemble what it needs to start. When that process runs past the designed boot-up time, the head unit does not initialize. The screen stays blank, and the rearview camera image is not shown while the vehicle is backing up.
There is no warning sign before failure. The system can look normal until the display fails to start, so a blank screen in reverse is the thing an owner will notice.
Who's affected?
Covers the Outback, Legacy, and Brz in the same model year, all tied to the rearview mirror or device visibility component.
| 2018 Subaru Outback | visibility component |
|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Legacy | visibility component |
| 2018 Subaru Brz | visibility component |
| Units affected | 71,190 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A blank rearview camera image removes a key view behind the vehicle while backing up and increases the risk of a crash. Use mirrors, turn and look behind you, and schedule the software repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Subaru Outback, Legacy, or Brz is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free audio display software reprogramming that fixes the blank rearview camera display.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one, or reference recall number 18V935 and Subaru recall WTZ-85 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the software update is complete, and stop if the rearview image is blank.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician reprograms the audio system display software so the rearview camera image can appear when the vehicle is backing up. The software update and labor are free under recall 18V935. Subaru lists a general reimbursement plan for this recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for the same audio display software repair before the recall notice, bring the repair paperwork and payment records to the service desk.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 31, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 2, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| January 2, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 5, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 28, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V935?
Recall 18V935 covers 71,190 2018 Subaru Outback, Legacy, and Brz vehicles with audio display software that can leave the rearview camera image blank while backing up. Subaru dealers will reprogram the audio system display software for free.
What should I do if my 2018 Subaru Outback, Legacy, or Brz is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V935. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the audio system display software reprogramming. Reference recall number 18V935 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Subaru dealers will reprogram the audio system display software free of charge. The recall repair is available through franchised Subaru dealers.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of the rearview camera image while backing up. The vehicle can still reverse, but the blank camera display reduces rear visibility and increases crash risk, especially around people, parked vehicles, or objects behind the vehicle.
When did Subaru start this recall repair?
Subaru began the recall repair on February 5, 2019. Owners were notified, and the dealer repair is available now. Call a franchised Subaru dealer or Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 and reference Subaru recall WTZ-85.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V935000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V935 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V935000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (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 →