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.
Electrical system, Jan 6, 2021
2019 OUTBACK - CAN'T REMOVE IGNITION KEY EVEN THOUGH CAR IS OFF AND IN PARK.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 6, 2021
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. HAS HAPPEN TWICE. BOTH TIMES VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, PARKED IN A GARAGE. WINDSHIELD WAS IN PERFECT CONDITION. NOT THE RESULT OF A IMPACT.
Electrical system, Structure, Jan 5, 2021
TAILGATE HAS OPENED, ON ITS OWN, ON 4 SEPARATE OCCASIONS. IN 2 INSTANCES IT HAD REMAINED OPEN AND UNNOTICED LONG ENOUGH TO KILL THE BATTERY AND REQUIRED TOW SERVICE TO CHARGE IT. I FIRST REPORTED THIS TO MY SUBARU DEALER IN SPRING 2020. IN ALL 4 CASES THE CAR WAS PARKED IN THE GARAGE WHEN IT HAPPENED, MOST RECENTLY ON CHRISTMAS EVE TO CHRISTMAS MORNING, AND AGAIN JUST 5 DAYS LATER.
Visibility, Jan 4, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING A SMALL PEBBLE HIT THE WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A MASSIVE CRACK. THE FAILURE WAS THE SECOND TIME THE ISSUE HAD OCCURRED WITHIN 4 MONTHS. THE FIRST WINDSHIELD WAS EQUIPPED WITH THE SPECIAL EYESIGHT GLASS. THE REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED AT SUBARU OF GEORGETOWN (7501 S INTERSTATE 35 FRONTAGE RD, GEORGETOWN, TX 78626, (512) 930-2111) AND WAS PAID FOR OUT OF POCKET. THE SECOND TIME THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 42,500.
Electrical system, Jan 3, 2021
MY 2019 OUTBACK (BOUGHT IN SEPT 2019) HAS BEEN EXPERIENCING DEAD BATTERY ISSUES. I HAVE HAD TO JUMP START IT TWICE IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS. I AM ONLY DRIVING PRIMARILY ONE TIME PER WEEK DUE TO COVID, BUT I DON'T FEEL THAT I SHOULD HAVE THESE ISSUES WITH A NEW CAR/BATTTERY. READING THAT OTHERS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUES AS I DO. I JUST DROVE ON WEDNESDAY AND PURPOSEFULLY DROVE AN EXTRA TIME (TOTAL DRIVE TIME WAS PROBABLY 25 MINUTES, STOPPING ONCE) AND ON SATURDAY THE BATTERY WAS DEAD AGAIN. I DON'T WANT TO KEEP EXPERIENCING THIS. WAS GOING TO CHANGE MY BATTERY BUT I DON'T KNOW THAT IT WILL SOLVE THE PROBLEM FROM WHAT I AM READING. I WANT TO REPORT IT SO THAT IT CAN BE INVESTIGATED AND POTENTIALLY FIXED.
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.
Electrical system, Jan 1, 2021
SINCE WE PURCHASED THE CAR 6 MONTHS AGO WE WOULD FIND THE DOORS UNLOCKED AND OCCASIONALLY THE TRUNK GATE AJAR. THE GATE WAS FOUND AJAR THIS MORNING, AND HAD APPARENTLY BEEN SO ALL NIGHT, AND THE BATTERY IS NOW DEAD. THIS SEEMS LIKE A SERIOUS MALFUNCTION OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IN THE CAR. THE TRUNK OPENING AT RANDOM HAS DRAINED OUR BATTERY AND MAY LEAD TO FURTHER ISSUES IN THE FUTURE.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 29, 2020
SPONTANEOUS CRACK IN WINDSHIELD. I AM THE ONLY DRIVER OF THE CAR. IT WASN'T HIT BY GRAVEL OR ANYTHING. CRACK JUST APPEARED ONE DAY ABOVE AND BEHIND THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. WILL NEED TO HAVE THE EYESIGHT SAFETY FEATURES RECALIBRATED WHEN I HAVE THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED.
Visibility, Dec 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING IN THE RAIN THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OCEAN SUBARU OF FULLERTON (1100 S. EUCLID ST, FULLERTON, CA 92832, (714) 909-2363) AND THE FIRST TIME THEY TOLD THE CONTACT SHE WOULD HAVE TO PAY FOR THE REPAIRS ON HER OWN. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE OCCURRED, THE DEALER REPAIRED THE WINDSHIELD. THE ISSUE HAS OCCURRED FOR THE THIRD TIME WITH THE WINDSHIELD GLASS BEING A SPECIAL GLASS CALLED EYESIGHT GLASS WITH SENSORS IN THE ACTUAL GLASS. THE REPAIRS HAD TO BE PERFORMED AT THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN CONTACTED YET. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 15,000.
Electrical system, Dec 27, 2020
THE VEHICLE HAS LESS THAN 12000 MILES ON IT. BATTERY KEEPS DYING. WE CARRY A JUMPER CABLE AND A BATTERY CHARGER ALL THE TIME. DEALER REFUSED TO CHANGE THE BATTERY IN JUNE 2020 (IN FORT COLLINS, COLORADO), DEALER SIMPLY CHARGED THE BATTERY. WE DON'T KNOW IF IT IS AN ALTERNATOR PROBLEM, A BATTERY PROBLEM, OR OTHER ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS COMPONENTS THAT KEEP DRAINING BATTERY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED. THIS HAD MADE THE CAR MOST UNRELIABLE. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM, PERSISTING FOR OVER THE PAST 8 MONTHS.
Electrical system, Engine, Dec 26, 2020
VEHICLE WILL NOT START ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS. WE REPLACED THE BATTERY, BUT PROBLEM CONTINUES. SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET PROBLEM CORRECTED BY DEALERSHIP SERVICE DEPARTMENT HAVE FAILED. PROBLEM HAS OCCURRED FOR MORE THAT 5 MONTHS NOW.
Electrical system, Dec 24, 2020
SINCE PURCHASING USED, JUNE 2020, THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DRAINED THE BATTERY DEAD. BATTERY WAS REPLACED THE FIRST TIME BUT IT HAS OCCURRED A SECOND TIME SINCE.
Visibility, Dec 22, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS LOCATED IN THE UPPER MIDDLE SECTION OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE CRACK OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.*DT CONSUMER WOULD LIKE TO CANCEL COMPLAINT.*JB
Electrical system, Dec 22, 2020
MY 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK BATTERY HAS DIED MULTIPLE TIMES ON ME. I PREVIOUSLY HAD A 2017 SUBARU OUTBACK AND HAD NO ISSUES AT ALL WITH THE BATTERY. THE FIRST TIME THE BATTERY DIED, MY NEIGHBOR WAS ABLE TO JUMP START THE BATTERY. IT HAS HAPPENED 4 MORE TIMES AND HAD TO CONTACT SUBARU ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE TO GET MY BATTERY JUMPSTARTED. IT SEEMS THAT THE ELECTRICAL PROBLEM IS WITH THE LIFTGATE. A COUPLE OF TIMES I'VE COME OUT TO START MY CAR AND THE LIFTGATE IS UP, BATTERY IS DEAD. THE LIFTGATE ALSO MYSTERIOUSLY OPENED ON ME ONCE DURING A ROADTRIP TO GATLINBURG WITH MY VEHICLE LOCKED. OTHER TIMES WHEN THE LIFTGATE IS CLOSED AND BATTERY IS DEAD, AFTER JUMPSTARTING, I CAN HEAR THE CAR TRY TO PULL THE TAILGATE TIGHT LIKE IT THOUGHT THE TAILGATE WAS OPEN. THE LAST TIME THAT I HAD MY BATTERY JUMPED, I WAS OUTSIDE THE CAR. AS SOON AS THE CHARGER WAS CONNECTED TO THE BATTERY, ALL THE INTERIOR LIGHTS AND RADIO CAME ON. (INSTRUMENT PANEL, DOME LIGHTS, ETC.) ALL THE DOORS WERE SHUT, AND I HAD NOT PUSHED A BUTTON TO GET THIS TO OCCUR. THAT, TO ME, DEFINITELY POINTS OUT AN ELECTRICAL ISSUE. FROM WHAT I'VE SEEN ON THE INTERNET, IT SEEMS THAT SUBARU HAS AN ISSUE WHERE THE COMPUTER CONTINUALLY SENDS A REQUEST TO THE TAILGATE TO ENSURE THAT IT IS CLOSED. THIS SEEMS TO BE WHAT IS KILLING THE BATTERY. THERE HAVE BEEN CAMPERS STRANDED WITH A DEAD BATTERY DUE TO TAILGATE OPEN AND TENT ATTACHED TO THE CAR. THIS SEEMS TO CONTRADICT SUBARU OUTBACK'S BUILD FOR OUTDOOR ADVENTURE. I'VE CONTACTED ROMAIN SUBARU IN EVANSVILLE MULTIPLE TIMES ABOUT THIS ISSUE, AND THEY CAN'T EVEN FIND MY NAME IN THEIR RECORDS, CLAIMING THAT MY VIN BELONGS TO SOMEONE ELSE. IT'S REALLY ODD BECAUSE I'VE PURCHASED 3 VEHICLES FROM THEM. I'VE YET TO GET THEM TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE. I DON'T WANT THEM TO REPLACE THE BATTERY SINCE THIS WILL NOT RESOLVE THE ISSUE.
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.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 15, 2020
I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT THE PASSENGER SIDE BOTTOM AS THE CRACK TRAVELED UP THE WINDSHIELD. I DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING HIT IT.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 11, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY MY GRANDSON ASKED ABOUT A "LINE"IN THE WINDSHIELD. I HAD NOT NOTICED IT BUT THERE WAS A SIX INCH CRACK EXTENDING DOWNWARD FROM THE TOP EDGE. FROM THE DRIVER'S SIDE IT WAS OBSCURED BY THE REAR VIEW MIRROR. WITHIN TWO OR THREE DAYS IT HAD CURVED IN AN S SHAPE TO ABOUT EIGHTEEN IN CHES IN LENGTH. NOTHING HAD HIT THE WINDSIELD WHILE DRIVING AND I HAD NOT DRIVEN ON ANY ROUGH ROADS.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 11, 2020
THE DAY I DROVE THE CAR OFF THE LOT, I NOTICED A CHIP ON THE WINDSHIELD RIGHT IN THE LINE OF VIEW THAT I DID NOT SEE DURING THE TEST DRIVE. I TOOK IT TO GET REPAIRED BY A REPUTABLE COMPANY AND THEY NOTICED 4 SEPERATE CHIPS. THEY PERFORMED THE RECOMMENDED REPAIRS AND REPLACED MY WINDSHIELD WIPERS. WHEN THE WEATHER BECAME COLD IN HOUSTON, I NOTICED A NEW CHIP THAT HAD A CRACK FORM DOWN THE UPPER RIGHT QUADRANT ON THE WINDSHIELD. I THOUGHT SOMEONE HAD PHYSICALLY DAMAGED THE CAR, BUT UPON EXAMINATION THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF SUCH A THING HAVING HAPPENED.
Power train, Visibility/wiper, Dec 11, 2020
ON THE MORNING OF DECEMBER 9TH, 2020 I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE FREEWAY AND WAS ON AN INTERCHANGE FROM ONE FREEWAY TO ANOTHER WHEN I SUDDENLY HEARD A 'CRACK'. AS I ARRIVED TO WORK A FEW MINUTES LATER I NOTICED THAT MY WINDSHIELD NOW HAD A LARGE CRACK IN IT. I LOOKED FOR A POINT OF IMPACT THINKING A PROJECTILE MIGHT HAVE HIT IT BUT I DID NOT FIND ONE. AT THAT POINT I REMEMBERED THAT I WAS THE ONLY ONE ON THE INTERCHANGE AT THE TIME AND THAT THERE WAS NO CAR IN FRONT OF ME TO SEND ANY PROJECTILES FLYING BACK. I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO A FAULTY WINDSHIELD AS THERE WAS NO OTHER CAUSE FOR THE CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, ENGINE FEELS LIKE IT SPUTTERS OR AS IF TRANSMISSION DOES NOT CHANGE GEARS CAUSING A DELAY IN PICK UP AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS LACK OF ACCELERATION.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 8, 2020
RANDOM LACK OF ACCELERATION AND ENGINE STUMBLE; FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM SIDE STREET NEARLY BEING HIT BY ON-COMING CAR. SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME MORE FREQUENT AFTER ENGINE FUEL PUMP WAS CHANGED DUE TO RECALL.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 8, 2020
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE.
Suspension, Dec 5, 2020
MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE RIGHT REAR STABILIZER BRACKET OUTSIDE WELD. THE WELD IS IMPROPERLY PLACED AND DOES NOT ACTUALLY ATTACH PART OF THE BRACKET TO THE SUBFRAME. (NOTE, THE WELD ON THE LEFT REAR STABILIZER BRACKET IS PROPERLY PLACED AND DOES ATTACH THE BRACKET TO THE SUBFRAME.) IT'S CLEAR THAT THE BRACKET OR WELD WERE OUT OF POSITION BECAUSE THE WELD BEAD HAS NO PENETRATION ON THE STABILIZER BAR BRACKET. THE LACK OF WELD ON THIS SIDE OF THE BRACKET WILL PLACE THE BRACKET UNDER A TORSIONAL LOAD THEREBY PLACING GREATER STRESS ON THE WELD ON THE INSIDE TAB OF THE BRACKET. FAIILURE OF THIS BRACKET COULD LEAD TO REDUCE VEHICLE STABILITY. CHANCES ARE IF MY VEHICLE WAS PRODUCED LIKE THIS THEN OTHER VEHICLES WERE ALSO PRODUCED LIKE THIS. IT'S NOT SOMETHING WHICH YOU WOULD NORMALLY NOTICE BECAUSE THIS ISN'T A ROUTINE INSPECTION ITEM.
Visibility, Dec 4, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN HIS DRIVEWAY HE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED FROM THE PASSENGER'S SIDE ALL THE WAY ACROSS TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND VIRTUALLY STRAIGHT UP THE MIDDLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PREMIER SUBARU OF FREMONT (5601 CUSHING PKWY, FREMONT, CA 94538, (510) 319-5500) WHERE IT WAS INSPECTED AND IT WAS DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,000.