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, Dec 1, 2020
SINCE PURCHASING CAR NEW IN 08/19, I HAVE BEEN STRANDED WITH A DEAD BATTERY 10 TIMES IN 12,000 MILES. THIS IS DUE TO 4 THINGS: 1. A POORLY DESIGNED KEY FOB WITH A HYPERSENSITIVE BUTTON THAT OPENS THE HATCH UNINTENTIONALLY WHICH KILLS BATTERY; 2. COMPUTER MODULES THAT REMAIN FULLY 'ON', DRAWING AT LEAST 3.6 AMPS (MUCH MORE IF INTERIOR LIGHTS ARE ON) WHEN HATCH IS OPEN AND/OR DOOR IS OPEN OR AJAR WITHOUT MITIGATION FROM A TIMER AS LONG AS KEY FOB IS DETECTED. SO IF I OPEN HATCH FOR DAY USE ACTIVITY, THE THE BATTERY DIES UNLESS I FIND A WAY TO DEACTIVATE THE FOB. IF THE UNINTENTIONALLY BUMP THE HATCH BUTTON WHILE CAR IS IN SECURE GARAGE, HATCH IS OPEN AND BATTERY IS DEAD NEXT MORNING; 3. AFTER AN UNINTENDED HATCH OPENING RESULTING IN A DEAD BATTERY, MANUALLY CLOSING THE HATCH, JUMPING THE BATTERY, AND DRIVING RESULTS IN A LOUD, CONTINUOUS ALARM WITH NO DASH LIGHT IDENTIFICATION IN THE CAR FOR ONE MINUTE OR UNTIL CAR COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP, THEN ALARM RESUMES CAUSING GREAT ANXIETY AND DISTRACTION! ; AND 4. THESE PROBLEMS AND WHAT YOU MUST DO TO COMBAT THEM ARE NOT REVEALED IN THE OWNER'S MANUAL NOR IN THE SALES AND PURCHASE PROCESS WHICH I FIND VERY DECEPTIVE! DEALER SERVICE DEPARTMENT IS EITHER NOT INFORMED OR NOT FORTHCOMING UNTIL BACKED INTO A CORNER BY SPECIFIC QUESTIONS. SUBARU OF AMERICA HAS BEEN CONTACTED BUT WILL NOT RESPOND. THEY CLAIM 'OPERATOR ERROR'. I CLAIM DESIGN DEFECT. I HAVE TO CARRY MY OWN JUMP START BATTERY BEHIND THE DRIVER'S SEAT BECAUSE CARGO AREA IS NOT ACCESSIBLE WITH A DEAD BATTERY, AND I MUST TREAT MY KEY FOB LIKE A HAND GRENADE IN ORDER TO KEEP FROM BEING STRANDED. I CANNOT TRUST THIS CAR, NOR DO I HAVE MY WIFE DRIVE IT ANYMORE.
Visibility, Dec 1, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD FRACTURED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE WITHOUT IMPACT. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MAPLE HILL AUTO GROUP (5622 WEST MAIN STREET KALAMAZOO, MI, 49009, (269) 342-6600) TO BE INSPECTED. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE WINDSHIELD WITH A MAGNIFYING LENS AND FOUND A TINY CRACK ON THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,708.*DT*JB
Visibility/wiper, Nov 30, 2020
WINDSHIELD BROKE WHILE PARKED. RESULTING IN A $1000 COST TO REPLACE AND RECALIBRATE SAFETY CAMERAS. CAR WAS STATIONARY, PARKED IN MY GARAGE. CAR NEVER STRUCK BY STONES OR OTHER DEBRIS. WINDSHIELD WAS LESS THAN 12 MONTHS OLD. CRACK STARTED FROM THE OUTSIDE MOLDING ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 28, 2020
FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE CAR WAS PARKED AND NOT IN MOTION. SPIDER CRACKS RADIATE OUT FROM UNDER THE REARVIEW MIRROR ASSEMBLY. NO EVIDENCE OF ANY DAMAGE FROM EXTERNAL SOURCE (I.E. FLYING DEBRIS).
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2020
I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED SUBARU OUTBACK 2019 IN FEBRUARY 2020 WITH 4500 ODOMETERS READING. WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE HIGHWAY ON MARCH 15, 2020, A TINY STONE HIT ON MY WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED MY WINDSHIELD. I REPLACED IT ON JUNE 17, 2020 WHICH COST ME $960.
Electrical system, Nov 27, 2020
I PURCHASED THIS PRE-OWNED (BY THE DEALERSHIP) 2019 OUTBACK BOUGHT FROM RAMSEY SUBARU, NJ IN MAY 2020 WITH 3366 TOTAL MILEAGE. IN THE 6 MONTHS SINCE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, IT HAS FAILED TO START TWICE, ONCE REQUIRING TOWING TO THE DEALER SERVICE CENTER AND ONCE REQUIRING A JUMP START. I AM NOW QUITE CONCERNED ABOUT WIFE AND KIDS BEING STRANDED.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON ITS OWN (CLEARLY NO POINT OF IMPACT). STARTED AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD, ABOUT 3 INCHES TO THE RIGHT (PASSANGER) SIDE OF THE MIDLINE. PROPAGATED THROUHGOUT THE WHOLE WINDSHIELD AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2020
DRIVER'S SIDE VENT WINDOW SHATTERED WITHOUT IMPACT ON 10/31/2020 WHILE IN TRANSIT SOUTHBOUND ON ROUTE 28 NEAR HIGHLANDS PARK BRIDGE NEAR PITTSBURGH, PA., MOVING AT APPROX. 55MPH. DRIVER'S SIDE WAS FACING TOWARDS A RIVER SEPARATED FROM NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC BY AN APPROX. 40 FOOT DROP. NO TRAFFIC WAS IN FRONT/BEHIND/TO THE PASSENGER'S SIDE AT THE TIME.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2020
I JUST EXPERIENCED MY SECOND WINDSHIELD BREAKAGE AND WAS NOT HIT BY A ROCK, OBJECT, ETC. BOTH TIMES I WAS DRIVING ON AN INTERSTATE (I95 IN FLORIDA). THE FIRST TIME (2019) WAS MID AFTERNOON, LOW TRAFFIC PATTERN. THE MOST RECENT TIME (NOV 2020) WAS APPROX 5:45AM ON INTERSTATE 95 NORTH HEADED TO WORK. THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC IN EITHER DIRECTION FOR MILES.
Electrical system, Visibility/wiper, Nov 27, 2020
PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW STOPPED WORKING AND THE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED FOR NO REASON AND I HAD TO REPLACE IT.
Electrical system, Nov 23, 2020
AFTER 1.5 YEAR OWNERSHIP OF NEW 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK, NOW HAS 17,000 MILES, BATTERY DIED. CAR STARTED FINE IN THE MORNING, DROVE TO RESTAURANT FOR BREAKFAST, CAME OUT AFTER EATING, CAR DIDN'T START. CALLED SUBARU FOR JUMP START. THE FOLLOWING DAY, TOOK CAR TO SUBARU DEALER; BATTERY TESTED NORMAL.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Nov 18, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 75 MPH, THE HEADLIGHTS FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE INSTRUMENT PANEL ALSO BECAME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND COASTED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED HOWEVER, ONLY RUNNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED A SECOND TIME. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE HIGH-BEAM AND REAR TAILLIGHTS ILLUMINATED HOWEVER, THE LOW-BEAMS FAILED TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT DROVE THE VEHICLE TO HER RESIDENCE WITH THE HIGH-BEAM HEADLIGHT ACTIVATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER ARRIVING TO HER RESIDENCE, THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND RESTARTED AND ALL THE LIGHTS STARTED WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 27,275.
Electrical system, Nov 17, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN THE DRIVEWAY, THE BATTERY DRAINED, CAUSING THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM TO BECOME INOPERABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED EIGHT TIMES. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE WAS CALLED OUT TO JUMP START THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO ENTER THE VEHICLE WHEN THE BATTERY WAS DRAINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE EACH TIME. GRAND JUNCTION SUBARU (651 MARKET ST, GRAND JUNCTION, CO 81505, 970-208-0110) WAS CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE BATTERY WAS REPLACED SEVERAL TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 2,013.
Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 14, 2020, crash
UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVENT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE AT SLOW SPEED, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. BRAKING FORCE WAS UNABLE TO OVER COME THE ACCELERATION. FORTUNATELY NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE. A SCARY SITUATION, CONFIDENCE LOST IN THE VEHICLE.SUBARU NORTH AMERICA CLAIMS "THE VEHICLE IS SAFE AND OPERATING AS DESIGNED."
Visibility, Nov 4, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE WITHOUT IMPACT WHILE PARKED IN THE GARAGE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE INSURANCE PROVIDER SCHEDULED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE WINDSHIELD WHICH WAS STILL PENDING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,900.
Electrical system, Nov 4, 2020
DEAD BATTERY PROBLEM. HAVING THE BATTERY GO DEAD IN A PARKING LOT, HAD TO HAVE IT JUMP STARTED TO GET HOME.HAD THE BATTERY REPLACED AFTER A FEW MORE CASES OF SLOW STARTING, BATTERY WAS REPLACE BY DEALER. HAD TO JUMP START THE NEW BATTERY IN GARAGE TWO MORE TIME IN THE PART WEEK. HAD TO BUY A BATTERY STARTER BOX TO CARRY IN THE CAR TO BE SURE I CAN GET HOME IF I DRIVE THIS CAR.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 27, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WITH NO EXPLANATION OR IMPACT LEAVING AN 8" LONG CRACK AND NOTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD TO CAUSE THIS TO HAPPEN.
Visibility, Oct 26, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT, WHEN SHE HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE AND SAW THE WINDSHIELD CRACK SPONTANEOUSLY FROM THE DRIVER SIDE TO THE CENTER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CHILSON SUBARU LOCATED AT 3443 WI-93 TRUNK, EAU CLAIRE, WI 54701, (715) 834-0701, AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED BY THE INSURANCE PROVIDER. THE CONTACT STATED SHE HAD EXPERIENCED THE SAME FAILURE THREE TIMES ON SEPARATE OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF*JB
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2020
BATTERY DRAINS AND IS DEAD AFTER A COUPLE OF DAYS IF NOT STARTED OR DRIVEN
Electrical system, Oct 19, 2020
THE BATTERY DIED WITHOUT WARNING ON SEPTEMBER 17. THE CAR WAS JUMPED AND BROUGHT TO DEALER. DEALER SAID TESTED BATTERY AND FOUND TO BE 477 CCA. DID NOT REPLACE BATTERY. THEN ON OCTOBER 16TH THE BATTERY DIED AGAIN. THIS TIME CORROSION AND LEAK FOUND ON POSITIVE PART OF BATTERY. TOOK TO THE SAME DEALER, TOLD BATTERY WAS INDEED BAD AND REPLACED BATTERY. THERE IS NO WARNING OF LOW VOLTAGE IN BATTERY.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 12, 2020
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 2 WINDSHIELDS IN 6 MOS. I HAVE NEVER EXPERIENCED THIS MANY DAMAGED WINDSHIELDS. THE OFFENDING INCIDENTS BOTH TOOK PLACE ON THE HIGHWAY.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 12, 2020
WHEN STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION ON 9/27/2020, THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. NEITHER MY WIFE NOR I SAW ANYTHING PHYSICALLY STRIKE THE GLASS.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 9, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, A PEBBLE HIT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND CRACKED ABOUT 10 INCHES OF THE PASSENGER SIDE GLASS. THE CONTACT FELT THAT THE MATERIAL OF THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT SAFE. THE CONTACT CALLED AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PROVIDED A QUOTE FOR GLASS REPAIR. THE LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,500.
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2020
SECOND TIME BATTERY WAS DRAINED. ALTERNATOR IS OK. IT IS DRIVEN EVERY WEEK INCLUDING HIGHWAY MILES. DEALERSHIP SAYS THERE ARE NO ISSUES WITH THE CAR. IT HAD BEEN PARKED IN DRIVEWAY 1 1/2 DAYS. PREVIOUSLY HAD A PROBLEM WITH RADIO CHANGING VOLUME BY IT SELF AND HORN HONKING WITHOUT TOUCHING THE CENTER OF DRIVING WHEEL.
Electrical system, Oct 1, 2020
THE CAR HAD ONLY 6817 MILES ON IT WHEN WE BOUGHT IT ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO. THE CAR RAN FINE WHEN IT WAS DELIVERED, BUT TODAY, AFTER FINALLY REGISTERING AND RECEIVING THE NY PLATES (DELAYED BY COVID-19), WE TRIED TO START IT AND NOTHING HAPPENED. CHECKING THE BATTERY WITH MY VOLTMETER INDICATED ONLY 4 VOLTS REMAINING. THIS IS AFTER JUST SITTING IN OUR DRIVEWAY FOR THE PAST THREE WEEKS NOT USING THE CAR AT ALL. EITHER THE BATTERY IS FAULTY OR SOMETHING IN THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM IS SLOWLY DRAINING THE BATTERY.