2019 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 1,034 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 24 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJul 29, 2021
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Campaign 21V587000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpApr 16, 2020
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Campaign 20V218000 on NHTSA.gov
StructureJun 26, 2019
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.
In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.
Campaign 19V493000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
36 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Sep 24, 2026
Subaru has a tsb for a steering rack pinion rattle noise problem front end rattle, Subaru refused to repair it
Steering, Electrical system, Lane departure, Apr 19, 2025
Car will lane correct when it's not needed. And all warning lights will come on in car when it's very hot. Cannot access touchscreen - because it constantly glitches as if it's being touched passenger side window continues to roll up and down when you click auto control on window and will not stop. I am afraid to drive because of these Electrical issues.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Oct 11, 2024
To the CA Automotive Repair Bureau, [XXX] complaint, In 2022, I bought a new Outback at Albany Subaru. In October 2024, my car has 33,000 miles and I've had all of my 3,000-mile oil changes, inspections, and Warranty repairs done by Albany Subaru. I pay $100 for each repair that's covered under Subaru's extended Warranty. In 2023, the car's Dashboard Computer/Radio Head Unit was repaired, I drove the car for a few days, but the Head Unit was defective, so Subaru changed the Head Unit. This cost me (3) three trips to Subaru, which is 7.8 miles from my home, UBER costs, and three $100 Warranty payments. I'm a small business owner and had to pay employees extra to remain at work so I could drop off and pick up my car. Most times Subaru didn't give me a loaner car. Weeks later, I was driving up a hill and could not correctly steer my car, I thought I might crash, so I stopped driving my new car. I only drive on paved roads and I bought my Subaru because of Subaru's quality and safety reputation. I returned my car to Albany Subaru. My car's Steering or front end seemed loose and not right. Subaru told me I needed an alignment. I paid for an alignment. I drove my car home, but again, the Steering didn’t seem right, it was still loose and shaking. A day later, I returned my car to Subaru and they readjusted and tightened the Steering Box. Subaru called me at home and stated I needed an oil change, an alignment, and (4) four new tires, and brakes, which I agreed to the oil change. The next day, I picked the car up and spoke to the Service Managers about my concerns with the new car Steering, and stated to them that Subaru Bloggers are sharing that there should be a Recall on Subaru Steering Columns and other repair issues that could result in Lemon Law Lawsuits against Subaru. The Service Manager Nikki Ali and a Mechanic stated that Subaru has Steering Column issues but that Subaru has not yet issued a National Recall, but may replace Steering Columns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Oct 8, 2024, crash
rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback. nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. this outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. owned by enterprise rent a car and subaru santa monica prior as grey in 2019 then tungsten metallic 2019-2020. unsure of vehicle history accident reported 2022. subaru of america and san bernardino states aftermarket bolt installed carmax has the vehicle for $1400-1750 in repairs they did not notice @ sale [XXX]. to me [XXX] [XXX]. they are currently repairing radiator cooling system suspension. and i believe the vehicle has never gone a 125point inspection and may have other issues elsewhere. the battery is caved in indented bulging out on plastic and subaru and carmax both say it meits their specifications as it holds a charge. and will not replace it. the electrical system flickers lights. and carmax allowed me to drive the vehicle for 3 weeks 2000 miles. ynknowing the suspension and right tire wobble before and after carmax alignment. stating the vehicle was safe and operable as subaru of san bernardino stated it may be dangerous and american tire depot san bernardino showed and said the same as subaru of san bernardino suspension defects that carmax never noticed before or after sale and said the vehicle was fine. been to carmax 10 times over 3 weeks 300 miles in the car. gas time etc. michael service manager carmax ontario and pedro of subaru of san bernardino preston of subaru ontario both service techs know me well as of now the vehicle is at carmax ontario. and i believe the vin may have been reprogrammed swapped and mileage incorrect on the vehicle. as loose and missing nuts under glove box gad pedal. and plastic housing under steering wheel dash is missing clips like some precious got into elec system?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
2019 Subaru outback many issues bought the car for safety for my newborn child in 2019. Has had multiple issues windshield keeps cracking. The steering column manual lever keeps collapsing causing unreliable steering and safety issues could possibly cause injury/death due to accident. The other major issue is there is now a head gasket leak in a car that only has 55,000 miles it's under on the miles for warranty but 3 months over for time. Try to work with the dealership and Subaru America to no resolve of the issue they offered a minor discount they should be covering the whole thing I have owned many cars brand new going over 100,000 miles plus with no such issue of a head gasket. I am a disabled Marine corps military veteran and the cooperation from Subaru as supposedly number one safest vehicle was not what I expected. If Subaru doesn't fix this it will be my last Subaru ever and this was my first not a great impression by any means.
Steering, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
2019 Subaru outback with 55,000 miles has a head gasket leaking 3 months over the warranty. But within the mileage. Also the steering column manual lever adjustment collapses intermittently causing severe safety issues and/or an accident.
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 28, 2023
I went to reverse, then drive and Left turn into a parking spot inside a small flattop parking lot. My car made a popping noise and grating sounds after the reverse and turning of the steering wheel. I turned off my car once in the spot and looked under the car is it sounded like something was grating against the ground. I didn’t see anything. Upon restarting the car, the sounds continued when I tried to accelerate or turn. I could not accelerate past 10 mph and all my warning lights lit in the dash. I turned the car off and put in park. The car would roll forward unless I had the emergency brake on.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
Feel very uncomfortable during driving, steering wheel moving left or right
Steering, Nov 11, 2022
There is a problem with my 2019 steering since I bought it in 2020. When driving with highway speeds, over 45 MPH I am struggling to keep the car straight on the road and have to compensate steering all the time. The car feels unattached to the road like driving on icy road or having strong side wind gusts. I always make sure the lane assist is turned off as it is dangerous. I took the car to the dealer two times and the message was that it drives like a Subaru Outback and there is no problem with the steering.
Steering, Power train, Nov 3, 2022
Took in 2 yr old car relating to vehicle veering to the right, ticking helicopter noise on driver side. Took to Continental Subaru Anchorage Alaska on 11/2/22. For tire change over, alignment, oil change and for diagnostics on noise. I was told that my vehicle needed a complete driver side cx axle replacement. After axle was installed, they said they heard another noise and that it was my transmission, and now it needs replaced. I didn't get alignment according to papers. This car is 2 yrs old. 2019 bought in 2019 at Christmas or 2020. Why is transmission out? Low miles and drivers are very safe! I was given a rental till transmission could be ordered and replaced.
Steering, May 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would erroneously turn to either the right or left causing the vehicle to pull in either direction. The contact indicated that the failure was intermittent. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified and a service appointment was scheduled. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 20,000.
Steering, Jan 25, 2022
Unknown, but seems like steering is affected. When turning the vehicle over and bump there is a clanking that you can hear and feel coming from under the bottom of the vehicle. It was present about 3 months after purchase of the car new, and has progressively gotten worse. The steering wheel feels loose for the moment it clanks. It has been reproduced by two dealers. The first was unable to provide a solution, stating it is a “manufacturing defect” of that model. The second replaced a spring in the steering box, but this did not fix the problem. It has been inspected by Subaru dealers. There are no warning lights on.
Steering, Dec 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 40-50 MPH, the steering wheel felt loose, causing the vehicle to drift from the lane. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to continue to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 23,000.
Steering, Aug 20, 2021
I bought the 2019 Subaru Outback less than 2 months ago. While driving either on the street or on the freeway at reasonable speeds, the car will suddenly without warning veer to the left or right causing me to believe I was about to lose control. At first I thought I hit a pothole or some other road hazard. There is nothing that I can see on the road to cause this.This is occurring once every other time I drive the car. I looked online and noticed many other complaints which are exactly the same as mine.This is very dangerous as this veering can cause a serious accident. I spoke with Subaru and am now trying to have it looked at since it is still under warranty. There were no warning lights, etc. Please look into this safety concern.
Steering, Aug 5, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel would tighten and oversteer while switching lanes without warning. The contact stated that excessive force was needed to regain complete control of the vehicle after the failure. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle had to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 9,000.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 4, 2021
Under the following three conditions the front tires appear to become airborne and the tires skip making the vehicle seem to be out-of-control; When traveling at speeds >35 MPH, Wheels are turned >10 degrees, Any long bump (such as a rough transition "bump" from asphalt to concrete). This has been worsening over the last year and is now unsafe for my children to be in the car. My local Subaru dealership spent nearly 2 days inspecting all aspects of the car to include the alignment, bushings, and shocks. A senior technician was taken for a test-drive in the car and I was able to recreate the "skip". The technician was alarmed and surprised by the skip and thus held the car for a 2nd day to further investigate the reason for the "skip". They were unable to diagnose any defect. There has been no inspection by the police or insurance company. There have been no alarms or warning.
Steering, Mar 16, 2021
CAR WILL PULL TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING. WHENEVER YOU ARE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU HAVE A LOW SPOT IN THE ROAD OR SLIGHTLY UNEVEN PAVEMENT. YOU HAVE TO HOLD THE CAR ON THE ROAD OR IT WILL NOT STAY IN LANE. HIGHWAY OR IN TOWN. HAVE RETURNED TO DEALERSHIP FOR REPAIR WITH NO LUCK. WAS TOLD THAT THE ALIGNMENT ON THE VEHICLE WAS GOOD.
Steering, Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Feb 14, 2021
I REQUESTED MANY TIMES TO HAVE OUR CAR CHECKED FOR NHSTA CAMPAIGN : 19V493000. THE DEALERSHIP SAID OUR CAR WAS NOT INCLUDED IN THAT CASE. OUR LANE ASSIST WAS TOO AGGRESSIVE FROM THE FIRST DAY WE DROVE THE CAR. THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE STEERING WAS SPEED SENSITIVE AND WE WERE DRIVING TOO FAST. WE EXPLAINED THAT WE COULD NOT KEEP THE CAR IN THE LANE WHEN DRIVING OVER 40 MPH. IN THE FIRST 24 MONTHS WE CARRIED THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP 20 TO 30 TIMES FOR THE UNSAFE STEERING ISSUE. TWENTY FOUR MONTHS LATER WE HAD A ROCK CHIP THE WINDSHIELD AND THE CHIP RAN INTO 3 CRACKS EACH OVER 8 INCHES LONG THAT AFTERNOON WHILE THE CAR WAS IN OUR HOME GARAGE. AFTER WE PAID A $500.00 DEDUCTIBLE AND THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD , THE CAR DROVE BETTER. THE BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED THREE TIMES, THE FUEL PUMP REPLACED, ALL THE SENSORS ON THE TAIL GATE HAVE BEEN, THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW WOULD STICK 1/2 UP, AND MANY OTHER PROBLEMS. A SCAN OF THE CAR SHOWS 10 MODULES FAILED WITH MANY ACTIVE CODES. THE CODES ARE THE SAME AS BEFORE THE THIRD BATTERY WAS INSTALLED. MANY OF THE CODES ARE SAFETY ISSUES.
Steering, Visibility/wiper, Mar 31, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AT 40 MPH OR ABOVE, THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER DUE TO THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING ASSIST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE VEERED INDEPENDENTLY FROM LANE TO LANE WHICH MADE THE VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. THE CONTACT REACHED OUT TO CAPITOL SUBARU LOCATED AT (235 CHERRY AVE NE, SALEM, OR 97301, 503-576-3300) BY EMAIL BUT WAS YET TO RECEIVE A RESPONSE IN RETURN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE BUT STATED THAT DUE TO THE CURRENT COVID-19 PANDEMIC, THEY WERE UNABLE TO VERIFY A DATE OR TIME WHEN THE VEHICLE WOULD BE REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100. *BF*JB
Steering, Feb 26, 2020
DRIVING ON CITY STREETS - CAR STEERING WHEEL PULLS TO RIGHT WITHOUT WARNING - FEELING OF LOSING CONTROL OF CAR BY DRIVER - ALSO PULLS TO THE LEFT WHEN CHANGING LANES TO THE LEFT -- SPEED 40 TO 50 MILES AN HOUR - FEELS LIKE STEERING WHEEL IS "LOOSE" OR HAS COME LOOSE. COMPLAINED TO DEALER YESTERDAY - THEY SAID IT IS A SUSPENSION PROBLEM AND TO BRING IT BACK - HAVE AN APPOINTMENT MONDAY MORNING AT 8 AM TO HAVE IT FIXED.
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Feb 23, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT ABOUT 50 MPH, WITH NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME OR COMING THE OTHER WAY. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT HIT BY ROAD DEBRIS OR ANYTHING OF THE SORT. THERE WAS JUST A LOUD "POP". THE EYESIGHT FUNCTIONALITY IS NOW INCONSISTENT AS THE CRACK EXTENDED FROM 6 INCHES TO ACROSS THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD IN A FEW HOURS. THE TEMPERATURE WAS NOT BELOW FREEZING AND WAS ABOUT 45-50 DEGREES. THE COSTS TO REPLACE A WINDSHIELD LIKE THIS ARE EXORBITANT BECAUSE OF ALL OF THE "SAFETY" FEATURES AND RE-CALIBRATING INVOLVED. I BROUGHT THE PROBLEM TO THE ATTENTION OF MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALER AND WAS TOLD IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I INQUIRED ABOUT KNOWN DEFECTS WITH THE WINDSHIELD AND WAS TOLD THERE ARE NO DEFECTS WITH THE WINDSHIELDS IN THE SUBARU OUTBACK 2019.
Steering, Dec 6, 2019
VEHICLE STEERING IS DANGEROUS...VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED HARD RIGHT THEN HARD LEFT ...ALL WHILE IN MOTION ON THE ROAD ABOUT 35 MPH...WAS VERY PERPLEXED AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE NOW...AFTER GOOGLING MAKE & MODEL RECALLS EARLIER YEARS HAD STEERING ISSUES RECALLED...PERHAPS THIS IS THE CASE FOR THIS VEHICLE? TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE...
Steering, Oct 27, 2019
I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 40 MPH THE STEERING SEEMS TO "SLIP" AND PULL THE CAR TO THE RIGHT. AT THAT TIME THE STEERING WHEEL HAS ADDITIONAL PLAY MAKING AN IMMEDIATE CORRECTION IMPOSSIBLE. HIGHWAYS HAVE BEEN CLEAR HOWEVER I AM CONCERNED WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN ROADS ARE SLICK W INCLEMENT WEATHER. TOOK BACK TO DEALER; THEY ADJUSTED TOE RODS. PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE.
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 23, 2019
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN MARCH 2019, SINCE OWNING VEHICLE MY MILES PER GALLON HAS BEEN OFF RANGING FROM 6 MILES TO 99 MILES PER GALLON AND THE SUBARU DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS. ALSO, WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, YOU HAVE TO APPLY THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS A SOFT PEDAL AND A BURNT SMELL IN THE ENGINE.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 25, 2019
ENGINE DOES NOT BRAKE WHEN GOING DOWNHILL AS THE MANUAL SAYS IT SHOULD. MY PREVIOUS OUTBACKS (2006, 2011, 2017) DID HAVE ENGINE BRAKING. REGIONAL SERVICE OFFICE SUGGESTED I PLACE THE CAR IN CRUISE CONTROL IN ORDER TO CONTROL THE SPEED. CAR PICKS UP SPEED QUICKLY, SO USING THE BRAKE PEDAL IS THE BEST OPTION. HOWEVER, THE PROBLEM IS NO ENGINE BRAKING WHEN THERE SHOULD BE AT LEAST SOME. THIS IS DANGEROUS ON ANY HILL. SECOND, STEERING IS PROBLEMATIC. FIRST, THERE IS TO MUCH PLAY IN THE STEERING WHEEL. SECOND, WHEN IN CRUISE CONTROL, THE STEERING WHEEL SEEMS TO HAVE A MIND OF ITS OWN, ESPECIALLY ON CURVES. I AM CONSTANTLY HAVING TO WORK AT CONTROLLING THE STEERING WHEEL. IT'S VERY TIRING. THE THIRD ISSUE IS IN REGARD TO THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM SHOWING INACCURATE SPEED LIMITS. I NOTICED THIS PROBLEM HAD BEEN REPORTED AS EARLY AS FEBRUARY 2019. I HAVE HAD THIS VEHICLE SINCE MAY 31, 2019.