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, May 10, 2024
While driving, paired radio randomly begins dialing phone numbers. Controls randomly do not work or activate wrong control. Significant distraction to driving when trying to halt random uninitiated calls or radio arbitrarily activates and the controls do not function properly.
Electrical system, May 8, 2024
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The head unit for my 2019 Subaru Outback has failed due to manufacturer error. The issue is screen delamination which renders the screen unusable and causes major distractions while driving due to "ghost touches" on the screen. This causes a loud beeping noise which coincides with the screen sporadically jumping. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Subaru of America refuses to assist. Shockingly, even if I was willing to pay out of my own pocket, there is a multi month/year wait list, leaving me without critical safety functions (back up cameras, etc) for an unknown amount of time.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, May 7, 2024
The radio and head unit is glitching and automatically doing crazy things. The lighting is also affected on the head unit. The radio volume will turn up loud for no reason. It is intermittent. The dealership says it’s bubbling and head would have to be replaced..but back ordered parts and 3,000 dollars. I’ve googled and this is a well known issue with 2019 Subarus, but it’s a safety issue if you are driving and volume/screen is not controlled.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 29, 2024
Within a year, my windshield has cracked 4 times with Subaru glass. These cracks are huge coming from either the top or bottom. With the crack, I feel like the eyesight feature is not accurate therefore causing weird serving. So I do not feel safe leaving my lane assist on. I have had 3 Subaru glass and one safelite glass, and this seems to be a reoccurring issue. what is the point of getting it fixed if it'll just keep cracking.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Apr 26, 2024
The head unit in my vehicle is malfunctioning and causing a safety issue. The unit will flash on and off and change displays with distracting noises with no apparent cause. It has also caused my phone to call random contacts without warning which is causes a safety issue as I need to pull over and disconnect my phone from wi-fi to address the issue. I am unable to use my maps feature because of this issue as well. Finally, I am unable to safely back up using my camera as the screen has bubbled / discolored causing me to not be able to safely view the traffic or obstacles behind my car.
Electrical system, Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, Apr 23, 2024
The infotainment system in my 2019 Subaru Outback glitched/ stops working randomly. I have a video of the touchscreen glitching and making selections betweens apps by itself. Also, I've started having random alerts pop up on the dash, such as: " obstacle ahead" when there is not an obstacle ahead or "roads may be icy" when it is 60 degrees outside. I reported it to Subaru, which they advised me to take it to Crown Subaru to have them take a look at it and they can submit a claim. I took it to the Crown Subaru & when I told them the problem, the lady that helped me stated, " yeah, this is common, I know exactly what your talking about." She then called another employee and told him she needed a quote for a infotainment center that was delaminating and was making selections on it's own. A week later I received a call from Subaru stating they would pay $500 of the bill as a one time goodwill gesture. The quote from Crown Subaru was for $900.
Other or unspecified, Apr 19, 2024, fire
The contact's wife owned a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked for approximately 4 to 5 hours in the car port unattended, the contact noticed that the vehicle had caught fire near the rear driver's side and burned up a portion of the garage and house, The fence, a Datsun truck, two golf carts, and trees were burned. The contact was previously at the local dealer for routine service. The fire department was able to aid in extinguishing the fire. There were no reported injuries, crash or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the junk yard. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted after the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.
Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2024
My complaint is the Outback head unit. This unit has a delaminated surface on the inside of the Outback touch screen. This was explained to me by the service manager, at the local Subaru dealer. The screen looks to have little bubbles inside the touch screen covering 45% of screen. During the daytime the sunlight shining on the screen and the bubbles, blocks the feed from the backup camera when the car is shifted in reverse. The head unit will also bounce the various apps in the unit, in a totally random pattern. From the radio (FM to Am to Sirius), then to the CD player, to car play and the blue tooth app. The head unit has added the navigation into the mix in the last week. The only way to negate this mess is to turn the head unit off while operating the vehicle. After talking with Subaru customer service and the Subaru dealer, my cost to replacement would be $345.90 and Subaru would cover the rest. This was discussed on March 5th. I have tried to get any updates for replacing the head unit and no one from the dealer or Subaru customer service have returned calls or text messages.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 17, 2024
Windshields crack easily. I was using the original windshield and it was cracked on the passenger side. Common error of subaru outback. My car is only 37000miles.
Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Apr 17, 2024
windshield cracked and replaced
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2024
The battery has a substantial drain on it when the car is not in use. The car is not reliable to get from one place to another, especially if it sits for 24+ hours. The danger comes in that we may be left stranded in a remote area where no cell service is available. We often go to remote areas to camp. The vehicle and battery have been inspected by the dealership and they recommended a larger battery due to a settlement in a class action lawsuit. However, this does not fix the battery drain. Another class action suit is in the process to address this situation. No symptoms or warnings for when the battery dies. Everything operates just fine until it does not. Absolutely unpredictable.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 11, 2024
Having dead battery issues due to DCM drain when vehicle parked in garage. I replaced 2 batteries since November 2023 and last dead battery issue March 2024. Took it to dealer Brilliance Subaru and they said they found no problem. Went to another mechanic and they said draining 150 or more milliamps from DCM fuse #9 when they take out milliamps returned to normal draw i think 20 or less but then i lose front speakers and bluetooth or more stuff. So thats not the fix.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 8, 2024
When defroster was turned on, a crack began on the windshield at the bottom, left of middle. As the days went on, the crack continued to spread when heat was on or sun heated up the windshield. In 3 months it went from a 4 inch to a 10 inch crack that obstructed view. We just had it replaced after paying a $500 deductible, with no guarantee it won’t recur.
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2024
Touchscreen has delaminated and bubbled, and it begins to operate on its own, and is unresponsive to correction. This affects the Settings, Navigation, and Infotainment systems. At worst, it causes Navigation and Maps to be inoperative at critical times. At best, it is distracting to the driver while trying to get it responsive, back in control. Dealership wants $3K TO REPLACE ENTIRE SCREEN SYSTEM, which is excessive for a new vehicle.
Electrical system, Apr 7, 2024
Starlink system not have service. SOS button doesn't work. My safety and life after an accident may be at risk because the SOS system will not call for help
Other or unspecified, Apr 6, 2024
While traveling early morning on [XXX] heading for Fall Vacation, we heard a loud pop in the car. Unsure as to what happened, my daughter who was in the back seat, noticed a crack in the windshield. The crack started in the lower corner on the passenger side. As we traveled the crack kept getting longer. This seemed strange because it was very early morning and no other cars were around us at the time we heard the loud pop. Where we vacation is actually with some friends at their place on beach. Our friend had seen my car right after I had purchased it and she purchased her a Subaru Outback as well. When we finally arrived, we mentioned about our windshield and the same thing had happened to her car in the very same spot. I had this replaced when we returned home in Tennessee. Which cost me a $500.00 deductible. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Visibility/wiper, Apr 1, 2024
We own a 2019 outback, and have had the windshield replaced twice prior this event. The first was a year ago with about 70K miles after the windshield suddenly cracked while going about 70MPH, this happen when no other cares where around. The second time was 2 weeks later when we came outside in the morning and the windshield was cracked while parked in a parking lot. Now for the 3rd time the windshield has cracked while parked in the garage, the windshield has cracked more each night, and has not grown is size while driving. Coincidental all the cracks have started in the same spot, lower portion of the windshield by the wiper, just to the right of the driver. We have been told every time by the dealer that it has been a rock chip, but its hard to get a rock chip when teh vehicle is in the garage and not moving.
Electrical system, Engine, Mar 24, 2024
3rd battery in 2019 Outback. Park car and next day battery is dead. And fully dead. Does not even want to take a charge at times…. 39000 on vehicle. Dealer could not find anything. Coincidently the passenger front window quits working also. There is no warning to this just next day vehicle will not start. All work is done at the Mandan nd Subaru dealership.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Mar 23, 2024
I put my 2019 Subaru Outback in park, stepped out of my car and the car proceeded to unexpeectedly roll forward with the door knocking me to the ground. The back wheels of the car then ran over both my legs. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance company or anyone else. I sent a letter January 1, 2024 to Subaru's Customer Advocacy Department, but have not received a response. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the car unexpectedly going out of gear after being placed in park. prior to this occuring.
Electrical system, Mar 22, 2024
I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding a 2019 Subaru Outback. This vehicle has a known factory defect that results in excessive electrical draw from one of the factory-installed systems (DCM), leading to drained car batteries. This issue poses a significant risk, especially in situations where the vehicle may fail in dangerous environments. Subaru has previously issued a recall for the same issue on earlier model years, indicating awareness of the problem. However, they have failed to extend this recall to the 2019 model, despite it being part of the same manufacturing series. This inconsistency in addressing the issue is deeply concerning and potentially puts consumers at risk. Given the potential safety implications and the manufacturer's failure to take adequate action, I urge your office to investigate this matter thoroughly. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt action in resolving this issue and ensuring the safety of consumers.
Electrical system, Mar 14, 2024
My battery continually dies leaving me stranded. I have to carry a jumper box to be sure I can start my car and safely get home . From doing research, Subaru is aware of this problem from the tech bulletins they have posted . They should replace the DCM for their customers and update the program as well.
Suspension, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 14, 2024
Broken axle, ECM or engine control module, Replaced with third battery with only 77,000 miles. This car is a lemon and a total,piece of junk My wife’s 2020 Subaru Forrester has a console which is a complete hazard on the road. If you put anything on the console it doesn’t stay and slides off Talk about a complete distraction and safety danger just because of lazy manufacturing and stupid engineers who can’t think their way out of a wet paperbag
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2024
The head unit is malfunctioning due to bubbles behind the screen, causing various systems to act up. When a phone is plugged in for guidance it will randomly change the settings and guidance goes away. It will automatically call people. Radio stations and music turn on and off, and change by themselves. All of these are distractions while driving, and negate the safety features of the in dash guidance and hands free phone features. This is a continuous problem.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 9, 2024
Delamination on radio screen causing head unit to go crazy on its own. Identical issues reported in 2017/2018 models resulting in class suit vs Subaru… at this time Subaru dealership advised Subaru is not addressing the known defective head unit issue and quoting $2000 for replacement which is ridiculous for a 4-5 year old car. Assistance needed to have Subaru issue a recall and take ownership for its defective product.
Electrical system, Mar 5, 2024
The battery keeps draining/dying and I need to constantly jump start the car. I’ve replaced the battery and it keeps happening.