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: other or unspecified
204 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 5, 2021
UNKNOWN Three times in five months when the car has been running and then turned off it won't start again for 15-30 minutes. Everything regarding the engine is locked. Can't even put in neutral to move vehicle if in traffic.
Other or unspecified, Jun 8, 2021
In February 2021 I noticed that there was a long crack developing in my windshield - literally not there the night before - and there was no chip or location of rock impact, it simply cracked from the very top of the windshield.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 5, 2021
Windshield seemingly cracked without any provocation/collision. Crack occurred while vehicle was parked away from traffic, and requires windshield replacement.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 26, 2021
1. System failed. We purchased this car on 6/2/20, with a mileage of 6,174 miles. We are retired and don't drive much; for shorter distances we mostly rode our bicycles. In our recent living environment we can park cars outside in spaces, and in a large underground parking garage. While we did not drive much, I still needed to work on bicycles using tools stored in the rear trunk compartment, with the trunk lid in open position. What I did not know was that even the mere open car trunk was run electrically, though the large electronic dashboard gave a clue of a rather massive reliance on functions run electronically; after a mere 2-3 days of not driving we were made rudely aware that keeping the trunk lid open for any amount of time was a recipe for not being able to use the car when most needed; I should add here that the many Subaru drivers in our complex did not seem to have that problem as they are all "professional" drivers. We called our designated towing service and had to wait for over 3 hours for a rep to show up. Not having bought a car in years we were amazed how quickly the tow driver pulled out an electronic gadget and started the car. It immediately bought one like that, an electronic jump starter. SAFETY. Had my wife had to find transportation to an urgent appointment it would have become a safety problem. PROBLEM CONFIRMATION. No, it has not, except by me, as any greater than fleeting use of electricity in this car is a recipe for disaster. COMPONENT INSPECTED. Yes. After 2 more battery outages I took the car to the dealer and explained the problem (which had little impact on the employee). I had the battery checked, it was fine and working as designed. On 9/25/21, after another battery outage I took the car to the dealer again; again everything was operating as designed. SYMPTOMS OF THE PROBLEM. No. ASSESSMENT. I concluded I needed to keep the car RUNNING when using any function more than 5 minutes. This car is a computer on wheels.
Other or unspecified, May 24, 2021
The windshield on this Subaru has been replaced 4 times. Each time has been a crack that starts where the frame and windshield meet. No breakage or cracks have occurred in the center of the glass. The glass has been replaced by the dealer, and replacement has been needed within 6-9 months. The last occurrence was in my (driver) line of sight, which was a safety hazard. The prior 3 occurrences originated on the passenger side. The manufacturer is aware of this problem, with no recall or attempt to change the windshield glass.
Other or unspecified, May 17, 2021
Vehicle was parked for four and a half days in a public garage, with which I pay for monthly parking. Upon my request, vehicle was waiting for me to pick it up. The vehicle seemed to be intact. Just after leaving the garage, I used the front, then the back wipers to clean the windshields. The back (hatch) windshield completely shattered into the vehicle. Nothing hit it, no accidents with other vehicles or objects occurred. While no one was hurt, the incident was alarming. The integrity and strength of a vehicle's windows/ and windshields are important. There was no prior warning or alert.
Other or unspecified, May 13, 2021
WE WERE DRIVING SOUTH ON 275 BETWEEN 8MILE AND 7MILE IN MICHIGAN IN OUR 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK AND OUT OF NOWHERE WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A PISTOL BEING SHOT NEXT TO OUR EARS WENT OFF AND GLASS CAME POURING IN FROM THE SUNROOF. WHAT HAPPENED WAS THE SUNROOF EXPLODED OUT OF NOWHERE. WHILE DRIVING 70MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. WE CONTACTED SUBARU OF AMERICA AND THEY TOLD US THAT WITHOUT EVERY SHARD OF GLASS FOR THEM TO INSPECT WE COULD NOT PROVE THAT IT WAS A DEFECT. HOWEVER LET ME MAKE A NOTE THERE WERE NOT CARS VERY CLOSE TO US, WE WEREN'T GOING UNDER A BRIDGE AND THERE WASN'T ANY ONE THROWING THINGS ON THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. HOWEVER SUBARU BLAMED AN IMAGINARY PEBBLE THAT HIT THE TOP OF THE SUNROOF DEAD ON AND THAT IMAGINARY PEBBLE DID NOT END UP INSIDE OF OUR CAR.
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2021
2019- CRACKED WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE (STATIONARY) UNKNOWN ORIGIN 2/9/2020-CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (MOVING ON HIGHWAY) UNKNOWN ORIGIN 2/15/2020- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (MOVING ON HIGHWAY) UNKNOWN ORIGIN 3/15/2020- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (MOVING ON HIGHWAY) UNKNOWN ORIGIN 3/24/2020- CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON (MOVING ON HIGHWAY) TOLD IT WAS AN OXYGEN SENSOR 4/16/2021- CRACKED WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE (MOVING ON HIGHWAY) HIT BY STONE 5/1/2021- CRACKED WINDSHIELD ON PASSENGER SIDE (HAD JUST PICKED UP CAR LESS THAN 24 HRS BEFORE THIS OCCURRED. HAD THE 4/16/21 CRACKED WINDSHIELD REPAIRED AND A REMOTE STARTER PUT IN) (MOVING ON HIGHWAY) UNKNOWN ORIGIN 5/1/2021- WHEN USING KEY INSTEAD OF BRAND NEW REMOTE STARTER (INSTALLED AND PURCHASED FROM SUBARU DEALERSHIP) THE CAR HORN RANDOMLY BEEPS 3-4 TIMES WHEN CAR IS STARTED WITH KEY (STATIONARY) UNKNOWN ORIGIN
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, May 4, 2021
OUR SUBARU 2019 OUTBACK SUFFERED A CRACK DURING NORMAL USAGE ON THE INTERSTATE AT APPROX. 50 MPH. THE CRACK OCCURRED TWO DAYS AGO (ON 5/2/2021) AND HAS SINCE GROWN DUE TO THE VEHICLE'S VIBRATION DURING USE. THE VEHICLE QUALIFIES AS A MAKE AND MODEL UNDER RECALL BY SUBARU FOR WINDSHIELD DEFECTS.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 22, 2021
I PURCHASED A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK IN DECEMBER 2018 AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD THREE TIMES IN JUST OVER TWO YEARS (JUNE 2019, NOVEMBER 2020, APRIL 2021). I OWNED A 2006 SUBARU OUTBACK FOR OVER 10 YEARS AND NEVER HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. THIS IS A SAFETY RISK AND A DESIGN FLAW AND IT NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 21, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON ITS OWN. NO IMPACT. RESEARCH SAYS THERE IS A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT FOR THIS DEFECT. VEHICLE STATIONARY.
Other or unspecified, Apr 16, 2021
DEAD BATTERY EVEN WHEN I TAKE THE CAR OUT FOR SHORT DRIVES I READ IT'S CAUSES BY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM THAT DRAINS THE BATTERY
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Apr 3, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACK THAT STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM EDGE OF WINDSHIELD. I LITERALLY WOKE UP TO A CRACK THAT DEVELOPED OVERNIGHT AFTER A REGULAR COLD NIGHT IN RENO NV. THE CRACK CONTINUED GROWING SINCE THEN. I HAVE NEVER OWN A VEHICLE THAT HAS CRACKED ITS WINDSHIELD JUST BECAUSE IT IS A COLD NIGHT. VEHICLE WAS PARKED OVERNIGHT WHEN CRACK DEVELOPED.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 29, 2021
MY WINDSHIELD SEEMS TO CRACK/CHIP UNREASONABLY EASY. THE FIRST CRACK WAS A FEW WEEKS AGO. I DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING HIT IT. IT JSUT STARTED CRACK. THIS MORNING, I GOT ANOTHER CHIP AND IT'S NOW SPREADING ALSO. I NOW HAVE TWO CRACKS IN MY WINDSHIELD AND NUMEROUS CHIPS!
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 26, 2021
SPONTANEOUS CRACK IN WINDSHIELD NOTICED AND REPORTED TO SUBARU ON 9/13/19. I WAS DRIVING IN THE LATE AFTERNOON. NO VEHICLES NEAR ME WHEN I HEARD A "POP". VEHICLE PURCHASED NEW 8/24/19.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 26, 2021
SPONTANEOUS CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD. NO IMPACT EVERY NOTICED. I NOTICED WHEN I WAS DRIVING AT DUSK AND USED MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS TO CLEAR RAIN. I SAW A GLISTEN AT THE BOTTOM AND WAS SURPRISED TO SEE A CRACK.
Other or unspecified, Mar 15, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN MULTIPLE PLACES AFTER BEING HIT IN THE CENTER BY A SMALL ROCK.
Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2021
DEAD BATTERY, CAR WOULD NOT START, NO REASON FOR DEAD BATTERY. POSSIBLE OVERCHARGING DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES
Other or unspecified, Mar 6, 2021
THE GLASS WINDSHIELD IS DEFECTIVE. THIS IS THE SECOND I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE IN A YEAR. I CAME OUT TO MOVE MY CAR AND NOTICED A CRACK ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. I PARK IN A PRIVATE DRIVEWAY AND NO CARS WERE AROUND IT.
Other or unspecified, Feb 15, 2021
SINCE MAY OF 2019 WE HAVE HAD THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED AND EYESIGHT CALIBRATED 5 TIMES. WE DRIVE THE SAME ROUTE WITH BOTH VEHICLES (OTHER IS NOT SUBARU) AND NO DAMAGE TO THE OTHER VEHICLE FOR AT LEAST 6 YEARS NOW.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 12, 2021
BATTERY TOTALLY DEAD UPON ENTERING AND ATTEMPTING TO START. WINDSCREEN COMMENCED TO CRACK WHILE TRAVELING.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Jan 3, 2021
I WAS PICKING MY SON UP FROM SCHOOL WHEN THE CRACK STARTED, AS I SAT IN THE PARKING LOT IT CONTINUED DOWN AND ACROSS THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO CHIPS OR DINGS TO BE FOUND. I DO BELIEVE IT CAUSES THE FORWARD CRASH INDICATOR TO TRIP SOONER THAN IT SHOULD.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 31, 2020
I PURCHASED MY OUTBACK IN APRIL OF 2019. WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY, MY OUTBACK'S WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN JUNE OF 2019 AND MY LOCAL SUBARU DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD DURING THE SUMMER OF 2019. THEN WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY IN JULY OF 2019 THE WINDSHIELD OF MY 2019 OUTBACK CRACKED AGAIN. SUBARU OUTBACK'S REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELDS ARE NO BETTER THAN THE ORIGINAL WINDSHIELDS. THEY ARE DEFECT AS WELL. MY 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK'S WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED TWICE IN AN 14-MONTH PERIOD.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 20, 2020
WE DEVELOPED TWO SPONTANEOUS CRACKS IN OUR WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, PARKED IN OUR GARAGE. NO DEBRIS HIT THE WINDSHIELD AT ANY TIME. THE CRACKS BEGIN UNDER/AT THE DRIVER SIDE NEAR/UNDER THE WIPER UNIT. (THE CRACKS ESSENTIALLY FORM A WIDE "V" ONE CRACK TOWARD THE PASSENGER SIDE IS QUITE LONG AND GROWING, THE OTHER IS SHORT - ABOUT 3" NOW ALSO GROWING). THE LOCATION OF THE BEGINNING OF THE CRACK/S IS UNDER THE LEVEL OF THE HOOD OF THE CAR, WHICH WOULD ALSO MAKE IT NEAR IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE CRACK TO BE DUE TO A PEBBLE, GRAVEL, ETC.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 17, 2020
SUBARU OUTBACK 2019 IS UNDER WARRANTY - PURCHASED 4-6-2019 12/3/2020 CAR WHICH IS IN THE GARAGE WOULD NOT START. BATTERY WAS DEAD/DRAINED,INDICATOR LIGHT WAS ON. WENT BACK OUT AND TRIED IT AGAIN AND JUST CLICKS WOULD NOT START. 2. CALLED SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I CALL ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO JUMP AND START THE BATTERY GOT CAR STARTED, LET IT RUN FOR 40 MINUTES. THEY DID NOT CHECK THE ALTERNATOR BUT WE ASKED THEM TO. TURNED THE CAR OFF AFTER 40 MINUTES AND PUT THE CAR BACK IN THE GARAGE.- 12/4/2020 - MORNING - CAR STARTED, WENT TO MY DESTINATION. RETURNED HOME, TURNED OFF THE CAR NOTICED CLICKING SOUNDS FOR 5 MIN WHICH I HAD NEVER HEARD BEFORE. 12/4/2020. CALLED CAR SERVICE DEPARTMENT: THEY RECOMMENDED TO BRING THE CAR TO CHECK THE BATTERY ETC. WHICH I DID.. NOTE: BETWEEN DEC 4 AND DEC 13 HAVE BEEN DRIVING THE CAR REGULARLY. DEC. 13, 2020 - SUNDAY - 2ND TIME CAR WOULD NOT START DROVE CAR TO GROCERY STORE. CAME OUT OF STORE .. CAR WOULD NOT START. CALLED ROADSIDE ASSIST. JUMP START MY CAR. AFTER JUMP START CAR, I DROVE CAR AT LEAST 1/2 HR TO 45 MIN AND CAME HOME, LEFT THE CAR RUNNING IN THE DRIVEWAY FOR AT LEAST 45 MI . CAME HOME AND SET UP AN APPOINT AT SERVICE DEALERSHIP FOR 11:30 ON DECEMBER 14. DEC. 14, 2020 - MONDAY -DROVE HOME FROM DEALERSHIP, CONTINUED TO DRIVE CAR FOR A F ABOUT 25 MILES. ARRIVED HOME - TURNED THE CAR OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. WHEN I TRIED TO START CAR TO PARK IT IN THE GARAGE, CAR STARTED BUT THE STARTER MOTOR WAS VERY SLUGGISH AT THE ONSET. DEC 16, 2020 - TRIED TO START THE CAR WHICH IS IN THE GARAGE AND IT WOULD NOT START, TOTALLY DEAD ..NO LIGHTS. SEND ATTACHED LETTER TO MANAGER OF SERVICE. NO RESPONSE YET.