The send-off fourth-gen year with the same cam-carrier oil leak to inspect, plus a common A/C-compressor complaint and a free fuel-pump recall to confirm.

The FB25 boxer's cam carrier is sealed to the head with RTV silicone, and the seam seeps oil with age and heat — the same pattern as the 2016–2017 cars and the mechanically related fifth-gen Outback. There's no extended coverage, so a reseal comes out of pocket (a 2016 sibling owner reported about $3,800). Inspect for oil weeping down the engine and a hot-oil smell; a dry engine is the reassuring sign.

The 2018 file has a distinct cluster of A/C-compressor failures — owners report the compressor seizing and, in some cases, snapping the accessory belt, with several noting online consensus that it's common for this specific year and model. A seized compressor that takes the belt with it can strand the car. On the test drive, run the A/C hard and listen for grinding or a labored compressor; budget for a compressor replacement if it's already noisy, as this is out of warranty on most examples now.

Two more free recalls: the passenger-seat Occupant Detection System (ODS — the sensor that decides whether the passenger airbag arms) connector that can loosen and deactivate the passenger airbag (19V701, 2015–2018 with heated seats), and a certification-label correction where the label may show incorrect tire size and pressure (18V455). Both are quick free fixes — confirm they're closed by VIN.

Some owners report a cold-start ticking traced to the AVCS (Active Valve Control System) oil-control solenoids, and a few report oil burning. Neither is a covered program on this year — the Subaru oil-consumption warranty extension ends at the 2015 model year and does not apply to the 2018. Treat cold-start tick and any oil burning as condition questions on the specific car: check the dipstick, ask for oil-change records, and listen on a cold start.