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: visibility
387 reports, newest first. Show all
Visibility/wiper, Dec 14, 2022
I'm writing to document an issue regarding a potential windshield malfunction. I know there have been previous lawsuits about the fragility of Subaru windshields, including with the Outback model. Additionally, there are posts about this issue on several auto forums. I've had this car since August 2019 and in three short years I've had to complete the following three repairs: chip to the windshield -- repair (April 2021), crack on windshield -- total replacement (February 2022), and chip to the windshield -- repair (December 2022). Beyond what seems like a statistical anomaly, this high number of windshield repairs also seems very unreasonable for two more reasons: 1) I only have a 15-mile commute two days per week, and 2) I was working at home for months at a time during two COVID shutdowns within this same three-year time period. Each chip/crack has happened while driving, from a point of impact on the windshield; however, this is a new problem since owning this car -- I've had the same commute since 2013 without this issue (previous car was a Mitsubishi Lancer). A windshield that is prone to easy chips and cracking is a clear safety risk, both to myself and to others. My windshield has not been inspected by the dealer, but I know that other windshields of my make/model have been inspected by other dealers and manufacturers. Additionally, the glass repair service that has handled each repair noted that they've also heard of issues with Subarus and that they've seen my car far more often than vehicles of other brands.
Visibility, Dec 2, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on three separate occasions, a crack had formed on various parts of the windshield due to minor rocks hitting the windshield. The contact stated that each crack obstructed her vision while driving. The contact had the windshield replaced by the dealer after each failure. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The vehicle had been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 11, 2022
While driving slowly in traffic on the highway my windshield started to crack on the front passenger side. No rocks or debris were seen by myself. Even if a minuscule pebble were to have hit the windshield, the crack spread to over a foot in minutes and this seems like a fault on Subarus engineering. Wish I had known when I got this car two weeks ago.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 3, 2022
One morning when I got my car from the garage, it had a cracked windshield near the driver size bottom glass. Happened overnight while in the garage. Took it to Subaru and they agreed to replace it under warranty. They put in a new one, and as I was driving on the freeway, I heard a huge boom sound from the windshield, which startled me! They another boom/cracking sound. The windshield didn't crack, but it was terrifying. I took it back to Subaru and they checked it and did something to help with the seal. A few months later, the windshield cracked from the passenger side edge. Within minutes of driving, it spread half way across the windshield. Nothing had hit my windshield. I am on my 3rd windshield, by the way. There is a problem.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 31, 2022
The windshield cracked without any impact, vehicle was sitting in the garage and when I came back to it there was a large 8-10 in crack across the driver side. My visibility is impacted and potentially my safety should the strength of the windshield be compromised. Additionally, the safety systems built into the vehicle may be impacted by the crack. The dealership is refusing to complete service to replace the windshield. Vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else yet. No warning lamps, messages, or signs appeared before the windshield cracked.
Visibility, Oct 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, he noticed that a crack had formed on the windshield in the area under the rearview mirror. The contact stated that he did not know the cause of the failure as he had not heard a rock or debris striking the windshield. The vehicle was taken to OEM Windshields where the windshield was replaced. However, the failure reoccurred while the vehicle was parked in the contractor's garage. The windshield was replaced for a second time. However, the failure persisted. The contact stated that there was a third crack on the windshield which started under the rearview mirror and had extended to both sides of the windshield in an upside down "T" shape. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 6, 2022
WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. STARTED AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE AND GRADUALLY CONTINUED TOWARD THE CENTER. IF IT CONTINUED IT COULD AFFECT MY DRIVER VISION AND THE "EYE SIGHT" SAFETY SYSTEM. I TOOK IT TO SAFELIGHT FOR REPLACEMENT. THEY MENTIONED THAT THEY WOULD ONLY REPLACE IT WITH AN AFTERMARKET BRAND. THE SUBARU WINDSHIELD WAS TOO THIN (THEIR OPPINION BASED ON PREVIOUS REPAIRS).
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 2, 2022
Spontaneous crack of the front windshield, unsafe to drive for fear of collapse into car or during a collision.
Visibility, Sep 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the front windshield cracked. The contact stated that the windshield was not impacted to cause the crack. The contact stated that the crack had been expanding. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the cause for the windshield cracking was determined. The contact stated that the dealer informed him that the repair was denied by the manufacturer because the warranty had expired. The contact stated that the manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact stated he researched online and found that the 2015 and 2016 Subaru Outback were repaired due to a class action lawsuit. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA ID Number: 10188151 (Manufacturer Communication Number: 12-192-15R) (Structure, Visibility). The approximate failure mileage was 27,400.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 24, 2022
Within the three years I have owned this vehicle my windshield has crack with only minor impact or no impack at all to the windshield; the cost of paying for a second windshield replacement is an unreasonable expense something is wrong with the glass integrity of these vehicles.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 14, 2022
On August 30, 2022 a small road chip hit my windshield as I was driving around 30 mph. I was surprised to discover that the windshield cracked at the site of the impact on the passenger side of the vehicle. The crack was approximately 12 inches long. Upon inspection the impact crater is very small, less than 1/16" by 1/32" and shallow, although the road chip was so small and vehicle speed so slow, I am surprised the windshield showed any damage at all. Later that day after leaving the vehicle parked I returned to discover that the windshield crack had lengthened to about 28" while the vehicle was parked. This is the THIRD windshield I have had to replace on the 2019 Subaru Outback! All windshields have been replaced by Subaru. I have concerns about the vehicle safety. Will the windshield protect the occupants of the vehicle from road debris as it is supposed to? Will the windshield rip open and injure the vehicle occupants when a minor object hits the windshield? Who should pay for the repair of the substandard windshield and increased auto insurance due to a high incidence of windshield claims? Is this vehicle safe to drive?
Visibility, Sep 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, she heard an abnormal noise and noticed a crack on the front passenger’s side bottom corner of the windshield. The contact stated that no object had struck the windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle was taken to a glass repair shop where the windshield was replaced. The contact stated that the failure occurred on the passenger’s side and then on the driver's side. The windshield had been replaced three times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000. The VIN was not available.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 22, 2022
I had to replace my windshield 4 months ago from a random crack that appeared for no apparent reason and I am now having to replace it again. It seems like this is happening to a lot of people with Subarus. I believe it is a safety issue.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 21, 2022
I replaced my windshield in March 2022 due to a stone chip that immediately cracked to over a foot in length while I was driving. The chip was in the lower quadrant on the driver's side and ended up extending to about the center of the windshield. Five months later, I have another very large crack. I have no idea when this occurred and remember no instance that may have caused the crack. It starts roughly above the rear view mirror, curves out and around it to form a large 'J' shape. While I can understand stone chips are a symptom of normal wear and tear, the excessive cracking is concerning. I do not drive regularly on gravel roads nor am I on the expressway often. I regularly maintain my vehicle and didn't hesitate to get the windshield repaired initially. Having never experienced this issue with other vehicles (in which we've owned several years longer) I don't feel it is right to either have my insurance company or myself constantly be responsible for a product I believe may be faulty.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 20, 2022
Crack in windshield while car was parked overnight on 8/17/22. It is an upside down U-shape crack starting in the center, and one side propagating all the way down and other side about half that. The crack can be felt. There is no evidence of a rock or anything else hitting the windshield. Planning to have it replaced in two days.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
windshield suddenly cracked and I need to replace it
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Aug 15, 2022
2019 Subaru Outback. On 8/9/22 I was Driving on interstate and a tiny crack appeared in mid to lower left corner of windshield. Called dealer immediately because it is my second windshield—the first one was covered in 2020 under warranty after It spontaneously cracked. On 8/9/22 I called my insurance while driving (hands free) and they made same day appointment but Safe Lite could not repair the windshield because by the time I got there the crack had expanded, making it a full replacement. There is no recall but already a lawsuit involving 2017-2019 models of Subaru Outback windshields. Trying to get Subaru to replace it again. There needs to be a recall! Windshields should not crack spontaneously or so easily. Thank you!
Visibility/wiper, Aug 8, 2022
My windshield cracked on its own (without any object hitting it) under the passenger side plastic that covers the lower aspect of the windshield. The crack extended upwards and towards the driver's side. I'm concerned the crack will start to obstruct the driver's view and that it will be dangerous for passengers inside. Subaru America was contacted by phone and then a few weeks later we were given Case #220504-132599 (through an email from Kris Drechsel at Subaru America). Subaru of White Bear Lake, MN (Greg Nichol) inspected it on June 21st and determined the crack was NOT caused by a rock chip or any other object and the crack started from the bottom (under the plastic) and extended upwards (gave us a different Case #220621-171862). We were told someone from Subaru America would contact us about next steps. They never contacted us.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 21, 2022
My windshield now has three cracks d/t small rocks hitting the windshield at far distances from other vehicles. When I originally purchased this vehicle, the windshield was cracked requiring a replacement before purchase. This is a new windshield 2 years old from that initial replacement. The dealer has not confirmed an issue with their windshields. No warnings were provided to watch out for this by the dealer. The first crack occurred 4 months after purchase. The most recent one occurred today.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Jul 18, 2022
The windshield on the Outback do not hold up. I have replaced my windshield 2 times. About to replace for a 3 time. All within 13 months. All Subaru windshields. I’m a cautious driver and do not drive close to others. A rock has hit the windshield but it automatically cracks over 8 inches. Not repairable. I’ve never had this problem with my other vehicles.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 11, 2022
Windshield development a crack about 12 inches long without any known impact. It just popped and cracked by itself. Conditions were normal, no extreme heat or cold.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 7, 2022
The windshield cracked itself without being hit by anything. The crack grows visibly once in a while.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 3, 2022
I went outside to get my Sunday newspaper and noticed a large somewhat S-shaped crack on my windshield. It has been parked in the driveway Friday night and all day Saturday July 1-3. I have also had 2 small (nickel-sized) dings which I had SafeLite fix and neither of these have run. I’ve never owned a vehicle in my 60 some odd years with this many windshield issues. Subaru needs to pay for these issues and correct the problem. I will be out $997.28 for what appears to be a design problem.
Visibility, Jun 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed there was a crack on the front windshield. There was no impact to the windshield that could have caused the crack. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 43,593.
Vehicle speed control, Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 18, 2022
I had a driver-side mirror damaged in a small crash. The wiring harness for the mirror was pulled from its location. The mirror was replaced, and the wiring harness was not to my knowledge. Since that repair, the vehicled dynamic cruise control, called Eyesight has failed more than 50 times. I have had the vehicle at the dealer 2 times. They concluded yesterday the unit checked out. I drove it for 5 minutes, and it failed again. I believe it could be related to them not replacing the wiring harness. They believe it may be related to a new windshield, which I find it hard to believe. They recalibrated the Eyesight with the non-OEM windshield. Subaru technicians believe it is related to the non-OEM windshield, and I am having a brand new windshield replaced with the OEM windshield. Which I also believe is inferior because of cracks in my orginal windshield.