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/wiper, Oct 28, 2019
PURCHASED OUTBACK WITH 6K MILES 8/2019 HAVE HAD TO REPLACE 3 WINDSHIELDS 1ST WAS SMALL CHIP WHEN DRIVING THAT GREW ALMOST INSTANTLY TO APPROX 2 FEET AFTER 2ND REPLACEMENT DROVE HOME PARKED IN GARAGE WOKE UP TO CRACK ACROSS MIDDLE OF WINDOW ORIGINATING DRIVER SIDE A PILLAR HALF WAY UP WENT BACK TO SAFELITE THEY SUGGESTED TO CONTACT SUBARU . I FEEL THIS IS POOR QUALITY MATERIAL WINDSHIELD
Visibility/wiper, Oct 28, 2019
WHILE PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY WITH NO TREES OR CARS NEARBY, MY WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED FROM THE DRIVER SIDE ALL THE WAY TO THE PASSENGER SIDE. I HAVE FOUND THIS IS AN ONGOING ISSUES WITH SUBARU INVOLVING A LOST LAW SUIT IN 2018, AND A CURRENT 2019 LAW SUIT ON GOING. THERE ARE NEARLY 100 COMPLAINTS ON NHTSA.GOV, COUNTLESS ARTICLES, AND FORUMS FROM 2019 SUBARU OWNERS. IN ADDITION, MY REAR WINDSHIELD FLUID DOESN'T WORK. I HAVE HAD SEVERAL ELECTRONIC ISSUES INCLUDING THE TOUCH SCREEN CONSTANTLY RESETTING, THE VOICE ACTIVATION TURNING ON BY SELF ITSELF, AND NOTIFICATION ALARMS GOING OFF FOR NO REASON (LIKE OBSTACLE IN ROAD WITH NOTHING THERE) JUST TO NAME A FEW. WHEN I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THEM HELP WITH THE WINDSHIELD THEY WERE VERY RUDE AND DISMISSIVE, THEY WOULDN'T EVEN BEGIN TO LISTEN TO ME OFTEN INTERRUPTING ME WHEN I SPOKE AND REFUSING TO HELP ME WITH MY ISSUES. THEY INSTRUCTED ME TO CONTACT SUBARU DIRECTLY SINCE THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING TO HELP ME. I AM BEGINNING TO WONDER IF I NEED TO PURSUE A LEMON LAW CASE OR IF I CAN ACTUALLY BE HELPED AT ALL WITH THESE ISSUES. I AM A LONGTIME FAN OF SUBARU AND WAS GREATLY LOOKING FORWARD TO OWNING MY OWN FOR THE FIRST TIME.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 28, 2019
THE WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A LARGE CRACK STARTING FROM THE TOP-CENTER EDGE WITHOUT KNOWLEDGE OR SIGNS OF IMPACT. THE CRACK WAS NOT THERE IN THE EVENING AND WAS OVER 6" LONG IN THE MORNING (VEHICLE PARKED IN FULLY ENCLOSED GARAGE OVERNIGHT).
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2019
CRACK APPEARED IN WINDSHIELD WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE AND QUICKLY EXPANDED, REQUIRING REPLACEMENT. FIRST NOTICED CRACK WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREET. NO VISIBLE NICK, NOTHING APPEARED TO HAVE HIT WINDSHIELD PRIOR TO APPEARANCE OF CRACK.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 28, 2019
THE WINDSHIELD OF MY CAR CRACKED BY ITSELF WHILE IT WAS PARKED AT THE PARKING RAMP AT WORK.
Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, Oct 28, 2019, crash
2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DESIGN OR MALFUNCTIONING OF TECHNOLOGY. THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADJUSTED SPEED. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET TO 45MPH AT WHICH POINT, THE VEHICLE SPEED UP AND CRASHED INTO THE CAR AHEAD. THE PRE-COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM DID NOT ACTIVATE. *JS
Visibility/wiper, Oct 27, 2019
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, NO CARS IN FRONT OF ME, AND I HEARD A CLICK. I LOOKED AROUND AND NOTICED A 3' CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK HAS SINCE GROWN TO 24'
Other or unspecified, Oct 27, 2019
HAD MY NEW CAR FOR 2 MONTHS AND WAS DRIVING ABOUT 50 MILES AN HOUR ON THE FREEWAY, IN THE FAR RIGHT LANE TO PREPARE TO EXIT. HEARD A SOUND FROM THE RIGHT FRONT OF THE CAR, THEN NOTICED A VERY SMALL CRACK IN THE UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF FRONT WINDSHIELD AND THOUGHT A ROCK WAS KICKED UP BY ANOTHER CAR BUT SAW NO OBJECTS AND THERE WERE FEW CARS DRIVING NEAR ME. IT SEEMED ODD AND UNSAFE THAT A WINDSHIELD COULD CRACK FROM LITTLE TO NO IMPACT. OVER THE NEXT DAY, THE SMALL CRACK EXPANDED TO ABOUT 12 INCHES. SPENT $847 TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD AND RE-CALIBRATE EYESIGHT.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 27, 2019
EYESIGHT WINDSHIELD BROKE WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY IN LIGHT RAIN. NO KNOWN CAUSE. CRACK CONTINUED EXPANDING FOR 2 DAYS IN WARM, DRY WEATHER. HAD WINDSHIELD REPLACED ON AN INSURANCE CLAIM WITH SAFELITE AND THEY ALSO CALIBRATED THE EYESIGHT CAMERAS.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 27, 2019
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. PARKED AT A CONVENIENCE STORE, NOTHING AROUND THE VEHICLE, CAME OUT AND NOTICED A CRACK FROM THE A POST INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. HAPPENED ON A SATURDAY, ATTEMPTED TO CALL INSURANCE COMPANY AND WAS TOLD I HAD TO WAIT UNTIL MONDAY.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 27, 2019
WINDSHIELD CRACK APPEARED NEAR THE TOP, BY THE DRIVER ASSIST CAMERA. UNKNOWN HOW IT OCCURRED. OWNER ASSUMED CAUSED BY ROCK SLUNG BY ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY, BUT CRACK WAS NOT NOTICED UNTIL MANY DAYS LATER. INSURANCE REPLACED THE WINDSHIELD, BUT A SUBARU DEALERSHIP CHARGED $270 FOR EYESIGHT RE-CALIBRATION.
Steering, Oct 27, 2019
I HAVE NOTICED THAT WHEN DRIVING ABOVE 40 MPH THE STEERING SEEMS TO "SLIP" AND PULL THE CAR TO THE RIGHT. AT THAT TIME THE STEERING WHEEL HAS ADDITIONAL PLAY MAKING AN IMMEDIATE CORRECTION IMPOSSIBLE. HIGHWAYS HAVE BEEN CLEAR HOWEVER I AM CONCERNED WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN ROADS ARE SLICK W INCLEMENT WEATHER. TOOK BACK TO DEALER; THEY ADJUSTED TOE RODS. PROBLEM STILL PERSISTS. I AM CONCERNED THAT THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 25, 2019
MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A RAMP. THE CRACK IS AT THE LOWER PASSENGER SIDE.
Other or unspecified, Oct 14, 2019
OUR WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED TWICE IN ONE YEAR. THE SECOND CRACK OCCURRED SIX WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT OVERNIGHT WHILE PARKED IN A GARAGE. IT EXTENDS THROUGH THE REAR VIEW MIRROR ATTACHMENT.
Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2019
FRONT WINDSHIELD JUST CRACKED ON A PARKED VEHICLE FROM THE MID LEVEL ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. SEARCHING ONLINE FOUND MANY COMPLAINTS FROM OTHER USERS HAVING SIMILAR PROBLEM. HAVE JUST 6000 MILES ON THE CAR AND IT HAS BEEN JUST 5 MONTHS SINCE I BROUGHT THE NEW CAR.
Vehicle speed control, Sep 6, 2019
A COUPLE DAYS AGO WHEN I WAS DRIVING ON A BACK ROAD AND USING CRUISE @35MPH, THE CAR FOR NO REASON SUDDENLY STARTED BREAKING AS IF TO AVOID A COLLISION. NOTHING WAS IN FRONT OF ME, NOT EVEN AN ONCOMING CAR AT A DISTANCE. NO ONE WAS BEHIND ME. MY RESPONSE WAS TO MANUALLY APPLY THE BRAKE AND THAT KICKED OUT CRUISE. I HAVEN'T HAD IT HAPPEN AGAIN. IS THAT SOMETHING THAT CAN HAPPEN WHEN USING CRUISE AT LOW SPEEDS? IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, IT COULD BE QUITE DANGEROUS...
Visibility/wiper, Sep 3, 2019
I GOT A BRAND NEW SUBARU 2019 SUV IN SECOND WEEK OF MAY 2019. CAR HAS AROUND 5500 MILES ON IT. WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK THAT I OBSERVED WHEN I GOT INTO MY CAR NEXT MORNING. OVERNIGHT CAR WAS PARKED ON MY DRIVE WAY. THERE ARE NO TREES AND I DONT SEE ANY ROCKS HITTING. IT CRACKED OUT OF NO WHERE
Visibility/wiper, Aug 30, 2019
DRIVING DOWN NORMAL HIGHWAY AND NOTICED A CRACK FORMING. WINDSHIELD CRACKED NEAR WIPER FROM MAYBE SOME ROAD DUST HIT IT THAT IS COMMON ON ANY HIGHWAY. NEVER HAD SUCH A BIG CRACK FROM NORMAL ROAD DUST BEFORE.
Structure, Aug 27, 2019
THE REAR LIFTGATE ONLY HAS THE EXTERIOR ELECTRIC BUTTON TO OPEN LIFTGATE. A PANEL INSIDE THE GATE HAS TO BE REMOVED IN ORDER TO GIVE ANYONE TRAPPED INSIDE A SAFE EXIT. THE PANEL REQUIRES A TOOL TO PRY IT OFF IN ORDER TO GET TO THE LATCH INSIDE. THE KEY REMOTE FOB WILL ONLY UNLOCK THE ELECTRIC SWITCH, NOT RELEASE THE LATCH. ANYONE TRAPPED INSIDE WOULD STILL NOT BE ABLE TO ESCAPE THE BACK OF THE CAR.
Power train, Engine, Aug 23, 2019
FIRST OIL CHANGE AT 5,850 MILES NO PROBLEM. AFTER SECOND OIL CHANGE AT 11,948 MILES, VEHICLE BECAME UNDRIVABLE AS IT STUMBLES AND LOSES POWER BETWEEN 2,000-2,700 RPM. DEALER HAS REPEATED OIL CHANGE 3 ADDITIONAL TIMES AS THEY ARE NOT CERTAIN IF THEY MAY HAVE OVERFILLED THE ENGINE (KNOWN SUBARU ISSUE). THEY HAVE ALSO REPLACED THE EXHAUST, CATALYTIC CONVERTER, AIR FILTER, INTAKE SYSTEM, AND TRANSMISSION, ALL TO NO AVAIL. DISCONNECTING THE BATTERY AND GROUNDING THE CABLES TO DISCHARGE ALL CAPACITORS PROVIDED TEMPORARY RELIEF, BUT THE PROBLEM RETURNED WITHIN 36 HOURS AND 200 MILES. NOW ENTERING 3 WEEKS AND 600 MILES OF TROUBLESHOOTING AND TEST DRIVING BY THE DEALER, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR IS STILL UNSAFE AND UNDRIVABLE, AS 2000-2700 RPM IS THE HEART OF THE POWER BAND THAT IS ALWAYS USED WHEN DRIVING.
Steering, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 23, 2019
PURCHASED VEHICLE IN MARCH 2019, SINCE OWNING VEHICLE MY MILES PER GALLON HAS BEEN OFF RANGING FROM 6 MILES TO 99 MILES PER GALLON AND THE SUBARU DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS. ALSO, WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, YOU HAVE TO APPLY THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS A SOFT PEDAL AND A BURNT SMELL IN THE ENGINE.
Vehicle speed control, Aug 21, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS EXITING A CAR WASH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND DROVE OVER A CURB. THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE WHEEL WAS FLATTENED AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED AFTER THE CONTACT TURNED TO AVOID CRASHING INTO A WALL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE REPAIRED AFTER THE CLAIM BECOMES APPROVED BY THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE CONTACT SPOKE WITH SUBARU OF KINGS AUTOMALL (9536 KINGS AUTOMALL RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249, (513) 583-9300) AND WAS INFORMED TO HAVE THE TIRE REPAIRED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. AFTERWARDS, THE DEALER WOULD HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THEM FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT BACK TO THE DEALER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,300. *DT *TR
Visibility/wiper, Aug 21, 2019
CRACK APPEARED ON WINDSHIELD WITHOUT ANY PRIOR DAMAGE TO THE AREA WHILE DRIVING. STARTED BELOW WINDSHIELD WIPER ON DRIVERSIDE AND CONTINUES FOR 24" ACROSS THE CENTER OF THE GLASS IN A CURVED 40 DEG ANGLE.
Visibility, Aug 19, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A SMALL CRACK IN THE MIDDLE OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK EXPANDED IN HOT WEATHER. THE CONTACT CALLED LANCASTER COUNTY MOTORS SUBARU (1705 MANHEIM PIKE, LANCASTER, PA 717-569-4514), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE INSURANCE COMPANY, BUT NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE WAS PROVIDED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000. *TT*JB
Visibility/wiper, Aug 18, 2019
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUS CRACK UNDER WIPER DEICER CONNECTION VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY