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
1,034 reports, newest first.
Visibility, Jun 21, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while approaching the vehicle, she became aware that the front windshield was cracked across the middle of the windshield. The vehicle was not inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 30,040. The VIN was not included.
Electrical system, Jun 20, 2023
Dcm failure at 65K
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2023
Since Oct-Nov ‘22 I’ve had 3 batteries drained; the latest June 10 ‘23. Last replacement was a new battery and a new communication unit; drained battery still occurring - chronic problem. No long term solution
Electrical system, Jun 14, 2023
Replaced battery 3 months ago due to battery dying repeatedly after vehicle would sit for a short amount of time. Old battery was less than 2 years old. Problem has persisted even with the new battery. This issue risks leaving me stranded anywhere I park the car, including in the middle of the highway if the car were to die there. Looking online this appears to be a common issue with this model and other owners have reported a parasitic drain from the circuit containing the Starlink/DCM module (I have not confirmed this myself).
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2023
I have owned this Subaru since September of 2019 and within the first year of buying it, while on a roadtrip with 3 other passengers who saw it happen, the windshield just split in the lower left side. there were no cars around to kick up rocks or debris so it seemed very odd. over time it spread and we inevitably had to replace it because the crack had gone across the entirety of the windshield. only a few months after replacing the windshield it split once again in the same spot in the lower left with no explanation as to why. the place where it split initially has no rock chips to explain the crack. after this I looked it up online and found out that many others have had similar experiences, so I decided to not even replace my windshield but to instead live with the crack that has once again spread clear across the car because I do not have the money to keep replacing $1000 glass every 3 months or so. The Subaru is an otherwise good car, but this problem is a bit ridiculous.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 11, 2023
While driving on an empty stretch of road between neighborhoods, I heard a sudden, unprompted, soft pop, like I had just hit a big bug. Immediately, an 8" crack appeared across the eye-line view on the driver's side of the windshield. No shatter or clear point of impact of anything. Just a crack. In 24 hours, it has winded across and up the windshield and I anticipate it will soon affect the guidance cameras in the front. While researching this, we found two settled lawsuits against Subaru for 2017-19 models, including Outbacks, related to faulty windshields. We have not had it inspected by anyone at this point. There were no warning lights, messages, or any other symptoms of the problem prior to the crack's sudden stretch across the windshield.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2023
Was parked outside and came home and put car in garage and found a huge crack in windshield, I did not have an accident or was windshield hit with anything this happened spontaneously!
Suspension, Wheels, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2023
Under 50,000 miles all 4 wheel bearings needed to be replaced. Under 50,000 miles all 4 struts needed to be replaced. The door key would not work , the dealer had to fix the mechanism. The passenger window stops working suddenly, the dealer has to reset it all the time. The car braked in the middle of highway two time, I was lucky that no one hit me in the back. Under 65,000 miles control arm broke and did $8,400 damage. Car would not let me in on one of the parking, dealer could no help. Subaru from India was able to unlock the car and make it active again. Car lane keep assistant is like drunk driver. The dealer told me, that I need to buy a newer car. I have been to dealer every month.
Electrical system, May 25, 2023
Car dies unexpectedly leaves you stranded when you lease expect it. Died on 9/1/22, 9/16/22, 9/25/22, 9/26/22 - took to dealer and issued a new battery. Most recently died on 5/24/23.
Fuel system, Gasoline, May 24, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal remained depressed. The engine misfired and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, then several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that she purchased an OBD reader and diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved codes: P0177, P0174, P0102 and P0113. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and mass airflow sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V218000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would be notified however, the contact had not received a response. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Visibility/wiper, May 15, 2023
After warming up my 2019 Subaru Outback, I heard a "pop" as soon as I got into the car. I noticed a vertical crack about 3" long near the center of the windshield. It grew as the day went on. I had it replaced by Safelite. The technician said it was caused by the heater built into the windshield.
Visibility, May 12, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage, she noticed a 7-inch-long crack on the windshield located behind the rearview mirror. The contact stated that there was no indication of an external cause for the failure. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. Additionally, the contact sent pictures of the failure to the manufacturer. A case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The contact stated Subaru National replaced the windshield free of charge on 5/19/23.
Electrical system, May 10, 2023
I own a 2019 Subaru Outback. In the past month, the battery drained in <15min while the car was turned off and locked (happened twice during a quick lunch and a grocery run). Dick Hannah Subaru Vancouver has diagnosed a chip malfuction (the chip keeps running while car is off and drains the battery). Autozone has verified independently that the battery itself is perfectly fine. It happened again while I was out hiking this past weekend and I almost got stuck in the wilderness which can be very dangerous. AND, I couldn't start it the next morning either! What is worse, Subaru of America has no ETA of the replacement chip due to shortage. So far, Subaru of America has not approved my request for free repair, free loaner vehicle, and extended warranty, despite multiple phone calls. I am extremely upset about their level of customer service and willingness to acknowledge the issue. In my opinion, there should be a recall as this can put consumers in a dangerous situation of being stuck somewhere.
Power train, Engine, May 5, 2023, fire
The car got stuck in 1st gear and shortly after a fire began between the engine and transmission. The car became fully engulfed and it blew up.
Other or unspecified, May 1, 2023
In the last 8 months, I have replaced the windshield twice. I assumed it was due to rock strikes but neither time was a strike mark present. The second time I heard a loud pop and an approximately 8-inch crack appeared. I believe the material is either defective or too thin, especially after reading about numerous similar incidents. Subaru's response is to try to sell a windshield warranty. What will happen if someone's windshield shatters completely while driving? The date below is the latest, but this also occurred last year around July/August.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Apr 30, 2023
Display screen for radio, navigation, status has failed and is flashing on/off. Radio, navigation and other functions are not operable. First occurred in Fall 2022, dealer examined and diagnosed in Jan 2023. Repair replacement parts are indefinitely unavailable. There is not a committed schedule to repair/replace. This appears to be a widespread problem/defect with no known schedule to deliver parts for repair. The result is a vehicle that is dangerous to drive at night with flashing lights at this display panel. I write about this to add to the field of data and information about this problem with this model vehicle. Any assistance in expediting manufacturers attention to this is appreciated
Visibility/wiper, Apr 28, 2023
the windsheild has cracked 4 times in one year for no apparent reason. It is available for inspection. the dealership confirmed that the windsheld did crack for no reason Inspected by dealership no warning signs. The windsheild has been replaced at the dealership each time.
Electrical system, Apr 24, 2023
My car which is a 2019 Subaru ourback started having main computer display showing bubbles which then started randomly activating a touch and activating different menus of the car July of 2022. This pretty much renders the the main computer display useless which controls many of the car controls, through which the rear view camera is displayed and through which the phone connects for hands free calling. Because of the random touches, we can no longer pair a phone with the car as it would randomly call people due to the random activation of the touch sensors on the car. After researching this, I found out that this is called delamination and has been affecting all prior model years for which, apparently there is a nation al recall up to but not including my year car. I went to the Subaru dealer ship who informed me that up to a 1/3 of the cars they are seeing are there for the same reason. They asked me to contact the Subaru of America. After multiple visits to the dealership and the dealership sending pictures to the Subaru of America, I got an Email with a voucher for 1200$ towards replacement of the computer system. The problem is that I have been waiting since October of 2022 with a defective computer and there are no parts available for repair. Subaru can not even tell me when they may have a part and there is not intention of even giving a timeline. I am now driving a card who's computer is constantly activating touches which is one very distracting and is not doing any of the function that it is supposed to. The rear view camera is as if I was looking though fog and limits visibility. Doing a google search proves that this is a widespread problem. I am contacting you for help in resolving this issue and possible helping others with the same issue please.
Air bags, Apr 24, 2023
SRS Safety Issue: 2019 Subaru OUTBACK Limited purchased New on Jun 2019 from Austin Subaru in Texas. NO Accident or minor collision AT ALL. SRS warning light illuminate since Jan 2023, three and half years after purchase. No other warning light illuminate before. Front Passenger Seat SRS malfunction and falsely detect present or absent of passenger. The on/off status even alters during the vehicle operations. The airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied. Such safety issue greatly increasing the risk of injury or potential death to the front passenger in case of accident. Repair hx: On March, 2023 Vehicle has been brought up to Brandon Tomes Subaru for diagnosis and service provider recommended to replace front passenger seat sensor. This issue has been informed Subaru American. Inc for safety concerns and requesting repair cost coverage. The case has been procrastinated till April and cost is not fully covered. After brought the vehicle to a local Auto-Repair shop to replace the Sensor and completed the calibration by an Subaru Technician, the SRS still persists. I am keeping working on repairing and expecting more cost. Strongly recommended RECALL for 2019 Subaru Outback SRS safety Issue. Similar recalled before 2015-18MY Forester: Occupant Detection Wiring Harness Inspection.
Electrical system, Apr 21, 2023
Vehicle battery goes dead for no reason. It's been replaced several times. Left stranded several times when car started went shopping, wouldn't start to go home. This has occurred more than 5 times, portable battery charger was purchased.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 20, 2023
The windshield is extremely sensitive to fracturing at the smallest of roadway rocks. I had a cracked factory original windshield replaced on Nov. 30, 2022 with a Subaru genuine windshield. That new windshield cracked with a minimal evidence of road debris (and no cars within a 500 foot radius) on March 9, 2023. I called Subaru and asked if they would stand behind their product, and after dealership inspection, Subaru has refused to do anything. If this glass is now a 3 month consumable item, it is untenable to own a Subaru.
Visibility, Apr 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, he became aware of a crack on the windshield. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the windshield was replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the contact stated that six weeks later the failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact stated that dealer refused to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided an advocacy contact but no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.
Latches/locks/linkages, Apr 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while she was reaching inside the trunk, the trunk gate independently closed. The contact mentioned that the security sensor did not function which caused the failure. The contact sustained injuries on her right knee, right hip, right shoulder, right glutinous, and right shoulder and was seeking medical attention. The contact called the local dealer and independent mechanic and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 12, 2023
The windshield in my 2019 Subaru Outback has been replaced 4 times due to cracks, that have reached at least 50% horozontally across the windshield. The most recent replacement (all have been OEM) lasted 3 weeks before spontaneously cracking. The local dealership has analyzed the windshield and found no evidence of an impact, they have confirmed the severity of all the windshields cracks as they have replaced all 4 windshields.
Electrical system, Apr 6, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the battery drained. The contact replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to file the complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.