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, Mar 4, 2024
The DCM component failed and is available for inspection by the dealer. When a manufacture has knowledge of a component that has a record of failure but ignores the need for replacement; it becomes a safety concern. Any problem when neglected is a potential safety issue. The dealer has confirmed the DCM is responsible for causing the engine battery to fail. No warning. No mention in vehicles regular maintenance schedule. The dealer reports SOA advised the service department to stock DCM's.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 2, 2024
My windshield cracked for the 6th time with nothing hitting on this occasion. It immediately shattered and even lost a piece of glass from where it cracked. I believe this to be a safety issue as it could immediately inter with my safety and radar equipment. I am worried if the glass cracks without contact what would happen if something significant hit it. Additionally since this is the 6th time I am concerned that something could be wrong with the design of the vehicle. I have contacted Subaru multiple times without resolve.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 1, 2024
Windshield has cracked (large about 10 inches or more) 2 times within a year for no apparent reason. Both times the weather did not have fast shifting changes and the car was sitting in the driveway or in the garage at my residence.
Power train, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Feb 28, 2024
I have had 3 dead battery issues with this car. Something is draining the battery while the car is off.
Visibility, Feb 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front windshield fractured without impact. The contact stated that it was the second time that the failure had occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was due to the impact of a possible rock chip. The contact was also advised that the failure was not a factory defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 50,535.
Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 28, 2024
I subscribe to Subaru Star Link from the time I first purchased our Outback in 2019. The system does not continuously perform correctly. I have taken our Outback to the dealer and they try to recalibrate the unit, but it does not continue to perform correctly. In March of 2023 I was in an accident and Star Link did not notify the police. When we called the police they stated that they received no notification from Star Link. On February 23, 2024 youngsters tried to break into our Outback the Police saw this incident and expressed surprise that Star Link gave them no notification. Can not manage to get Star Link to continuously work. Unit does not give traffic warnings.
Electrical system, Feb 26, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the entertainment system randomly restarted without warning, froze, and then became unresponsive. The system was uncontrollable and was transitioning from one program to another independently. The entertainment system affected Eyesight warnings, back up camera, and the GPS. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.
Electrical system, Feb 25, 2024
Repeatedly DEAD BATTERY. Experiencing premature parasitic battery drain in Outback, I had to jump the car every morning.
Other or unspecified, Feb 24, 2024
My subaru outback has been having an issue with a dead battery, every month for the past 4 months. My dealership has done 2 complete diagnostics, overloading the system, etc. They have come up with nothing on why my battery dies. When I have taken my car in to be checked, it's always with a new battery that is still good. I have had 3 new batteries in the past 4 months, plus multiple charges. Something drains the battery within a month's time. This past visit to the dealership, I have refused to pick up my vehicle because I know it's going to die in a month. I can't live like this, not knowing when it will die. I am most particular about making sure doors and tailgate are completely closed. Is there anything more the dealership should be checking into? Any advice would be appreciated.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 21, 2024
My 2019 Subaru outback has a defective screen. The screen has begun to delaminate from the inside and causes the screen to jump around and not be able to stay on one screen. The power button also seems to not be working and is cause the radio to turn on and off. Because of those two issues, the radio screen jumps around and turns off and on, posing a major safety risk. I tried taking the car to the place I bought it and a Subaru dealer, and they will not help financially or with the repair even though they have this issue with other year models of the same car. Picture is attached. Has sense gotten worse.
Electrical system, Feb 21, 2024
DCM is a parasitic drain on the battery according to the dealership. Replaced battery twice. The "fix" online is to pull the fuse but starlink and hands free won't work without it.
Electrical system, Feb 13, 2024
Faulty dcm causing parasitic drain on battery causing dead battery every two days. New battery did not solve problem.
Electrical system, Feb 8, 2024
Repeated dead battery. Have replaced battery to no avail.
Steering, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
2019 Subaru outback many issues bought the car for safety for my newborn child in 2019. Has had multiple issues windshield keeps cracking. The steering column manual lever keeps collapsing causing unreliable steering and safety issues could possibly cause injury/death due to accident. The other major issue is there is now a head gasket leak in a car that only has 55,000 miles it's under on the miles for warranty but 3 months over for time. Try to work with the dealership and Subaru America to no resolve of the issue they offered a minor discount they should be covering the whole thing I have owned many cars brand new going over 100,000 miles plus with no such issue of a head gasket. I am a disabled Marine corps military veteran and the cooperation from Subaru as supposedly number one safest vehicle was not what I expected. If Subaru doesn't fix this it will be my last Subaru ever and this was my first not a great impression by any means.
Steering, Engine, Feb 8, 2024
2019 Subaru outback with 55,000 miles has a head gasket leaking 3 months over the warranty. But within the mileage. Also the steering column manual lever adjustment collapses intermittently causing severe safety issues and/or an accident.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Feb 5, 2024
Windshield has been cracked and replaced 3 times and currently has another crack, all within 17 months. Also head unit has internal malfunction and must be replaced at cost of $1700 +/-
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2024
Starling system that also controls the hands free voice control for phone and navigation has a data control module that is trying to connect to an out dated relay or 3g phone tower. Because the system cannot connect the car continues to loop itself in its programming to keep trying. The continuous retrying eventually drains the battery causing the car to not start. The fix within the Subaru Outback forum has a fix to remove the data control module fuse. When this fuse is remove the hands free calling and navigation is also disabled. Repeated attempts for Subaru to replace or update the starlink system is not acknowledged and it’s claimed that Subaru does not recognize that there is an error in the starlink programming or system that causes a battery drain.
Electrical system, Feb 1, 2024
2019 SUBARU OUTBACK Purchased new 10/10/2018. December 13, 2021 Original Battery Dead Replaced by Firestone cost $164.51 - 53,931 miles. June 8, 2023 Dead Battery - Towed to Firestone - Replaced Battery. December 28, 2023 - Dead Battery Vehicle wouldn’t start - Recharged Battery. January 7, 2024 - Dead Battery Vehicle wouldn’t start - Recharged Battery. January 9, 2024 - Firestone Tested Battery - Could not diagnose problem cost $37.99. January 12,2024 - Subaru Dealer performed Battery Draw Test Cost $170.00 - Concluded DCM (Data Communications Module needed to be replaced) - 88,009 miles. February 1, 2024 Currently still waiting on DCM Back-order to arrive at the Subaru Dealer. Cost to replace DCM $800. Subaru has many class action lawsuits on its 2015 - 2020 Vehicles over dead battery failures but is not offering a recall replacement of the DCM causing the failures. Also, the reimbursement for a dead battery has expired leaving owners of these vehicles to replace this DCM part on their own expense. Without replacing this part leaves the owner waking up every day not knowing if their vehicle will start.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 31, 2024
As of Today 1-31-24 I have to replace my windshield for the 3rd time. The first windshield was broken when a rock from a semi the rock stuck the windshield (7K miles). I paid for that one b/C that rock would have cracked any windshield. The 2nd windshield cracked for what seemed to me to be no apparent reason (36 K miles). And the fourth Windshield (48K miles) has now cracked in two places for no apparent reason. Subaru paid for the 3rd windshield but Subaru Customer Advocacy says they won't pay for another windshield b/c they paid for the 3rd windshield as a matter of "courtesy". My wife and I have owned 10-13 Subaru's and many other vehicles since the 1980's and have never had any windshield problems like this before. There has to be something wrong with the design or materials in these windshields.
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2024
Battery failure! Something is draining the battery constantly causing it to fail and the vehicle will not start without a jump. We have owned the vehicle since it was new and have been dealing with the battery failing ever since. We have gone through several new batteries and the batteries continue to get depleted and fail...
Engine, Jan 29, 2024
I have 2019 Outback Subaru. I just paid 5k to get the cam carrier fixed in November, now i am being told my motor is going out and i have to get additional work done to the cam carrier. I got my car in October of 2019 with 3/miles, my car has a little of 91k miles. Why do i have to come out my pocket almost 10k with this car being a 2019. I am very angry, beyond words. Subaru is coating people alot of money. I would never tell anyone took get a Subaru.
Other or unspecified, Jan 29, 2024
The head unit (radio) on my 2019 Subaru Outback began developing "bubbles" behind the touch screen which is causing phantom touches. Without any human interference, the radio will suddenly start switching channels and functions on the radio in a very rapid sequence. When this occurs while driving, it is EXTREMELY distracting for the driver. The only solution is to turn the entire head unit off and go without radio, navigation, nor bluetooth capabilities. Subaru prides itself on safety, and yet Subaru of America seems to not take this issue seriously. I have filed a case with Subaru of America, but they seem satisfied to make customers foot the bills for diagnostic testing, meanwhile the head unit in question is on a backorder and simply not available. Harman Kardon is the maker of the head unit and should be made to pay for the development of a new head unit without serious defects. But if Subaru is truly the company they say there are, then they need to take responsibility as well and provide the replacement of the defective units regardless of warranty status. At first this may appear as a "cosmetic issue," but I can honestly say that my initial experience was so distracting and confusing, and occurred in an area where I was not able to pull over. I consider myself very lucky that I was involved in any kind of accident.
Electrical system, Jan 28, 2024
Battery has been dead,if sitting acouple of days of not driving,charge it up and in acouple of days it's is dead again,seem the data communication module(DCM) IS what is drawing the Battery dead
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 26, 2024
Ignition and battery failure - unable to unlock certain parts of the car, all electrical is dead This is the second incidence in 6 months. Not weather dependent. One incidence in June and another in January. Entered car, pressed ignition button, no ignition, the icons all lit up in red on the indicator dash. Previously AAA indicated that the battery was totally dead, no amps, appeared to be an electrical problem and not strictly a battery problem according to AAA. At dealership they performed a "drain test." They told me that is all they could do. Customer Service gave me a battery for "free." I don't know if it was a used battery or a new one. This time I will pay for the battery to make sure it is new. No words of why this occurred to my car were stated. They just pushed the repair invoice towards me with the keys and said I was ready to go. This time when I called they told me they could only do the "drain" test again. I knew I had to investigate since they were not helping me find the source of the problem. This could be a major problem if one was locked in the car and the electrical failed. Worse yet if a fire occurred and one could not get out, death could occur. When I left the car after the ignition did not work, the ignition light on the ignition button stayed on. (lit up in red) Please help me out with this. The auto is a Touring Outback - year 2019.
Electrical system, Jan 26, 2024
The radio receiver is defective as it experiences ghost touches and changes screens by itself while driving. This causes it to change settings, remove paired devices, open apps, change the radio stations, and several other things. As one could imagine, this is a major distraction while driving. I purchased the car working flawlessly in June of 2023. The issues did not arise until after a few hot days happened in FL around August of 2023 and I noticed the screen started to form bubbles. The touch screen is now inoperable so I am unable to change the clock, use navigation, reset maintenance reminders, or use any other built-in functions. Luckily the backup camera still works but can be hard to see in certain lighting. Previous model year Subarus were covered under a class action lawsuit for experiencing similar issues but not 2019. The last time I took my vehicle in for service, the service rep had mentioned they were unable to reset my maintenance reminder due to the touchscreen being unresponsive. I reached out to Subaru of America to ask for assistance in getting it resolved. They offered to pay $1,000 of the over $2,800 repair quote I received from my local Subaru dealer. Since an OEM unit will most likely do the same thing after a period of time, I looked into an aftermarket replacement as well. I was quoted around $1,100 to get a new aftermarket receiver and maintain majority of the factory "creature comforts" like steering wheel controls, backup camera, and vehicle information. I have attached pictures that are from September 2023, December 2023, and January 2024.