Subaru Legacy and Outback Fuel Gauge Software Error

NHTSA campaign 18V773000 · Reported Nov 1, 2018 · Subaru of America, Inc.

medium How serious is it? About this label

An inaccurate fuel display may cause a driver to unexpectedly run out of fuel and the vehicle to stall, which increases the risk of a crash. The notice does not tell owners to stop driving.

Key facts

NHTSA campaign number	18V773000
Reported to NHTSA	Nov 1, 2018
Manufacturer	Subaru of America, Inc.
Part affected	Electrical System:software
Vehicles covered	2 model/year combinations, model years 2018
Do-not-drive advisory	No
Park-outside advisory	No
Repair	Free at any franchised dealer

What's wrong, in plain English

Subaru is recalling certain 2018 Legacy and Outback vehicles because of a software error affecting the fuel display. The low fuel warning light may not turn on when it should, and the miles-to-empty display can show a positive number even when the tank is actually empty. Because the display isn't accurate, a driver may not realize how little fuel actually remains in the tank while driving.

What you should do

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if your vehicle is included.
2. Contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 or your dealer to schedule the software update.
3. The repair is free of charge.

Where do I find my VIN, and what do I tell the dealer?

Your VIN is the 17-character code on the lower left of the windshield, on your registration and usually on your insurance card. Enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether this recall is still open on your car. When you call the dealer, say you have an open safety recall and give them NHTSA campaign number 18V773000. More in how recalls work.

Affected vehicles (2)

2018 Subaru Legacy
2018 Subaru Outback

Who to contact

Subaru — official Subaru recall lookup

Customer service: 1-844-373-6614

Any franchised dealer for the brand can do the repair. Phone numbers are taken from manufacturer sites and recent NHTSA notices; if one has changed, the number in your own recall letter is the one to use.

The bigger picture

Subaru Electrical Recalls Involve Stalling, Power Loss and Fire · all 7 Subaru recalls in this area

Other Subaru Outback recalls

Mar 22, 2024Subaru Legacy, Outback Passenger Air Bag May Not Deployhigh
Nov 9, 2023Subaru Outback, Forester switch failure disables reverse lights, cameramedium
Sep 21, 2023Subaru Driveshaft Bolts May Loosen And Disconnecthigh
Sep 22, 2022Subaru Impreza and Outback Windshields May Detachhigh
Jul 8, 2022Subaru Legacy and Outback Transmission Chain May Slipmedium
Jul 1, 2022Subaru Outback Wiring Fault May Cause Engine Stallmedium

All 15 Outback recalls

Official notice

Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Summary: 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.
Safety risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov. Recall repairs are free of charge by law.