Navigational (global Positioning System) Gps problems of the 2018 Subaru Outback

The infotainment system is malfunctioning. The screen is delaminating and pressing ghost buttons, flickering between screens or not functioning at all and I am unable to press any buttons on the screen. Safety: when making calls hands free with the system, it will mute calls, end calls, or switch calls between the car speaker and the phone speaker. This is problematic if emergency services are ever needed to be called and makes it difficult to remain hands free as the buttons on the screen often don't work properly when this is happening. It also changes between screens when using the gps maps and does not leave the map/directions displayed on the screen which puts the driver and others at greater risk of an accident when relying on the gps to get places. The vehicle was inspected by a Subaru dealership on 1/8/2026 and confirmed the issues with the screen and confirmed that this is a known issue with the 2018 Subaru Outback infotainment system. Symptoms were first mild and started in the summer of 2025 but have significantly worsened over the past couple of months.

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 NHTSA 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.

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.

Backup camera is black gps and radio dead.

Windshield cracked less then 2 months from purchase. . For no reason . . Assisted driving deactivated. . . Stereo and gps system also need ed to be replaced. . . Rear door motor needed to be replaced. . . Stereo and gps software needed to be updated. . . Still had problems. . Finally replaced system. . .