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.
Air bags, Jan 28, 2023
The air bag warning light has come on multiple times and I have received notice from Subaru StarLink to have the vehicle serviced. Upon taking the vehicle to multiple dealers I was advised that there is no problem detected. The vehicle was last checked out at Reedman Toll Subaru on January 17, 2023 and no problems were found. The vehicle was previously checked out at Glanzmann Subaru and again no problems were found. On January 28, 2023 the air bag light came on and I received a StarLink notification. I reported the incident to Subaru and they are looking into the possible cause.
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.
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2023
I was out of the country for 4 weeks. While week 2, my daughter tried to start outback but the battery was dead. I have 2019 Subaru Outback, total mileage now is 16,400. I don't see why this car's battery die just little after 3 years. We called AAA to start the battery, few days later after driving few hours a day, again my car's battery is dead. The same goes to my remote key.
Air bags, Seats, Jan 25, 2023
2019 Outback 2.5 Limited purchased new Feb 2019. Driving car with no passengers when Airbag Warning Light and Red Exclamation light came on along with warning message to consult owners manual. Manual says the airbag system is turned off when these lights come on and take car to authorized repair center. Found pulling passenger seat belt out all the way would turn off the lights but then they would turn back on a short time later. Dealer found all harnesses where properly plugged in and no wiring damage. Dealer said vehicle needed a new front passenger occupant detection seat frame as a result of the malfunction. Service advisor stated they have seen several cars with the same fault and that our Outback was not under a manufactures recall for this problem. Dealer was well aware other Subaru models have recalls for this problem. Service advisor recommended contacting NHSTA over this problem since when the airbag system shuts down occupant safety is severely compromised if an accident were to occur. Total cost of repair was $1,922.07
Electrical system, Jan 25, 2023
Ever since this car was new it has always dragged while starting. Like the battery was weak but, its my first subaru so figured it was the style of starter. After a couple years the battery got weaker and weaker until it died. Replaced battery and it started doing the same thing. Now, the car is 4 years old and this is our 3rd battery. The alternator charges 14.6 volts which is perfect. But, sitting overnight the battery is constantly being drained. If i put a charge on it and remove it from car it holds the charge. So, it isn't the batteries plus, we had the battery and alternator tested and those aren't the problem. The vehicle constantly drains the battery while sitting overnight. After a few days it won't start at all. Subaru says there isn't a problem. I have a sickly parent living here and he has to go to the hospital regularly and we need that vehicle to work properly. Is there anything we can do about this.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2023
Was driving with little to no traffic on route 65 PGH Pa there was a very loud pop/crack I did not see anything. After a few minutes a crack started from the very bottom of the windshield and goes up about 4 inch then spreads into 2 cracks that are approx 16 inches each there is no visible point of impact the window we’ll be seen by windshield repair co on Friday Jan 27 2023 the crack and bang startled me and could have caused me to wreck and the integrity of the windshield is no longer what it should be and if cont to drive could blow in
Other or unspecified, Jan 19, 2023
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback. The Navigation unit is having Ghost touches making it impossible to focus while driving the car. The Unit Ghost touches every button on the screen while driving and when a mobile device is connected it automatically makes calls to the contacts with the Ghost touches. Many users have reported these issues.
Electrical system, Equipment, Jan 18, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, or while the vehicle was parked, the Infotainment system and screen made abnormal sounds with the screen flashing. The contact stated that the Navigation and Bluetooth also malfunctioned. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure was diagnosed as a malfunctioning audio unit that needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the repairs were not completed because the parts were on backorder. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 34,000. The contact stated that the failure mileage was actually 43,000. The issue with the display causes a distraction while driving. The dealer was contacted several times but with no remedy. The dealer only states that they are waiting for the parts but has no provided an ETA.
Electrical system, Jan 16, 2023
Has seemed to have low battery for many many months At least 5 times we have had to jump start Rear hatch was beeping and did not want to close or respond to any buttons Passenger side window would not open or close with driver side buttons Took to dealer, battery failed and they replaced it I picked it up next day and still felt slow to start like battery was drained Now dealer stated I may have to pay for further diagnostics regarding battery drain
Exterior lighting, Jan 12, 2023
Driver-side Daytime Running Light (DRL) failed after only 3 years. DRL is made up of LED bulbs integrated in the headlight assembly, and not able to be repaired or replaced. Entire headlight unit required replacement; estimated at ~$500, plus additional labor at Subaru dealership service center. There was no warning lamp, message, or other symptoms to indicate a problem with the headlight. It was discovered only when viewing front end of car in a reflection. This poses a threat to occupants’ and others’ safety due to decreased visibility during operation. Exorbitant cost of parts and labor poses a significant hurdle to repair. This problem was inspected and verified by dealer service center. Dealer described the issue as “weird,” and stated “that should not happen; I’ve never seen that before.” By the time I retrieved the vehicle following headlight assembly replacement work, the dealer service center had reportedly taken in 4 additional customers’ vehicles in for the same complaint. Dealership waived all charges associated with parts and labor to repair, despite being out of warranty, due to fact that LED DRL failed well before its projected useful life. Faulty headlight assembly was retained by dealer service center and sent to Subaru corporate for further inspection.
Electrical system, Jan 9, 2023
With less than 7000 miles on the odometer, our Outback2019 radio system component started to malfunction and rotate thru channels. Sheehy Subaru of Springfield performed system update, but no change. The entire component was ordered but is now on back order. It is now almost 4 months and we don't trust other possible related components of the system (e.g., GPS) to function properly to feel safe driving this vehicle.
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Dec 26, 2022, crash
Purchased a low mileage, 2019 Subaru Outback Limited, had 16,407 miles on vehicle, had accident damage reported by CARFAX. At 27,383 miles an oil leak in valve cover gasket was discovered, Subaru fixed leak under warranty, engine removed. Upon driving the vehicle home following repairs, the car lunged forward through the garage door, into the garage, and damaged vehicle and garage interior as I approached the garage. Sudden acceleration occurred. Vehicle taken on flag bed to Subaru shop for repairs and investigation of incident by Subaru of America. Insurance company provided damage/repair estimate.
Electrical system, Dec 25, 2022
The battery dies after 3 days of parking inside my garage. The battery passed a test. This is the third time the issue has taken place.
Steering, Dec 19, 2022
Feel very uncomfortable during driving, steering wheel moving left or right
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.
Electrical system, Dec 13, 2022
This model of vehicle has persistent electrical issues resulting in the vehicle dying or being unable to start. Replacing the battery does not resolve the issues. Placing the keyfob in Faraday cages to prevent drain also does not resolve the issues. Charging the battery to full before using the vehicle temporary delays the issues but 3-10 days later the vehicle will die again. The vehicle has undergone examination by a Subaru certified maintenance dealer and they insist no issue can be found and the vehicle passes all checks. Most recently the vehicle died within a few days of getting a complete check out and passing all tests. This affects safety because a vehicle dying from electrical failure may cause an accident due to an absence of power steering, braking, etc. The vehicle may also strand motorist in compromising environmental conditions such as extreme cold, heat, etc.
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.
Electrical system, Nov 29, 2022
Bought car end of August off lease with 40K on it from local Subaru dealer. Dealer made point of telling me car had new tires and battery which was appreciated. Have added 900 miles since then mostly local. After not driving for a week in September car would not start. Charged battery all seemed fine been driving frequently after that no issues. Now with colder weather car does not start if not driven for 2 days or more. Using multimeter was able to find circuit for DCM (what Subaru refers to as the Data Control Module) was drawing power when car should be in sleep mode. Brought to Subaru dealer today and was advised the DCM needs to be replaced. I am aware of many other people with this particular car having similar issues with no identified culprit, recommend this be looked at as possible issue specifically the StarLink system.
Other or unspecified, Nov 29, 2022
Battery is persistently dead , have brought to Subaru dealership replaced battery 1 month after we got it Nov 2021 , and then checked again and told “not driving enough to charge battery “ we have to jump battery at least twice a week
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2022
I would have experienced the same battery issues for the last 14 months. 12 months ago I purchased a back up charged starting battery that I use on a monthly basis. Subaru did advise of the battery warranty extension of which I took advantage of today I’ve seen the other complaints in the nature site and being from the automotive industry myself, I believe that when you look back to the DCM issues from 2016 to 2018 and the latest issues on the 2023 you’ll find a common thread it’s not just a button. One key thing is that units of measure for the tire pressure monitoring system Arbitrarily change while you were in operation from psi to kilopascals. It indicates to me that there is still some Telematic related event and the vehicle isn’t sure where it is at a given time so it sets the units and the time to what amount to mountain time Canada. Just thought I’d give you a hint. I do believe you’ll find that and that poses a big challenge for the SOS button. If you can’t locate the vehicle or it isn’t where they think it should be , may not be the button.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 25, 2022, crash
I was in a parking lot pulling into a parking spot. My car sped with full power over a curb barrier and hit a parked car in front of me. The force was strong enough to push the car I hit back several inches. My airbag did not deploy. The forward obstacle collision detection did not work. My safety could have been at risk if this happened while on the road or freeway. There were no warnings that day, however a week or so earlier when I tried to drive the car it would not start (new battery installed approx 3 months ago) and all lights on the dash came on. I tried to start it a few times but after smelling gas I left it. Later that day it started with no problems. The car is up to date on services/recalls. It is scheduled for inspection with my insurance company on 11/30/22.
Electrical system, Nov 16, 2022
Problem started Aug 4, 2022. I went to start the car & the battery was dead. Jumped it, ran errands. Two days later dead battery again.Kept happening even though no lights left on when car turned off. Finally called dealership & they said battery was bad so it was replaced.3 weeks later battery went dead after car sat unused for 24 hrs. Was told car needed to be driven everyday to keep battery charged. I'm retired & don't drive everyday. Dealer then advised it was due to the control area network (CAN) system in the car & to contact Subaru of America. Apparently it doesn't go into sleep mode & drains the battery when the car isn't in use. Subaru is not being up front about this & it's dangerous.
Electrical system, Nov 12, 2022
the horn randomly gives several short beeps during vehicle operation. It seems to happen when the vehicle is stopped at red lights. This began after the dealer installed the Subaru OEM remote car starter.
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.
Service brakes, Nov 11, 2022
Driving the car from the dealer where was repaired for faulty fuel pump, I noticed the brake pedal was going to the floor when pressing on it. I got scared driving it on highway as I would not be able to stop in time if I had to brake hard. I took the car to the dealer, and he confirmed the brake master cylinder has leaks. The car has been in service for 6 weeks as brake master cylinder is on backorder. The last update is to have the part available early December.