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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 25, 2024
I purchased this 2019 Subaru Outback new. In less than three months, the windshield cracked at the edge on the driver's side. I had the window replaced and two years later it cracked again in exactly the same place. I have not had the vehicle inspected since then and there were no warning lights or other symptoms prior to the crack appearing.
Air bags, Jan 25, 2024
After driving 5 miles or so, the Air Bag indicator light goes on. After stopping for 10 minutes for shopping, etc., Y starting the car again the light is out until I drive a few more miles & then the light comes on again. This started last week when it was very cold here. Today, it was in the 50s & the same thing happened. I have not contacted the dealer yet because of the inconsistency. I have to search the internet more to see if others are having the same problem.
Other or unspecified, Jan 23, 2024
The DCM Fuse was draining my battery. Which lead to me having a dead car battery. I had the battery replaced and paid out of pocket. The less than a week later it drained that new battery, which I had to pay for again. This lead to having my car dead on the side of the road because this DCM Fuse was draining power from my battery when the car was off. This is a major issue and should be a recalled part ASAP.
Electrical system, Jan 22, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start on several occasions due to the battery failing to retain the charge. The vehicle had to be jumpstarted. Additionally, the liftgate failed to open due to the low battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the DCM was draining the battery and determined that the DCM and battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
Electrical system, Jan 17, 2024
The touch screen on my head unit no longer works consistently. The screen flickers and changes menus constantly. When making hand's free calls, the call often goes on hold with no way of getting out of hold due to the broken touch screen. The knobs and side buttons also regularly don't work. Need to use the phone to cancel call or get out of hold. This is extremely distracting when driving and has almost caused an accident multiple times.
Visibility/wiper, Jan 6, 2024
Front windshield cracked without any impact. Was parked in my driveway for previous 3 days. Got in to drive and noticed the large crack right away. It started from the passenger mid lower edge and within a day it cracked halfway across passenger side. There was no divot or impact that caused this.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Lane departure, Jan 2, 2024
My 2019 Infotainment systems has begun delamination from the outer glass on the back side. It is causing ghost operations of the systems. Access to my safety features are through the system.
Other or unspecified, Dec 28, 2023
I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2020 and had never experienced any issues with the battery this year alone(2023) I have had to replace the battery 4 times. I would used the jump method leaving the to car running for at least 15 minutes before driving and then within the next month or two the battery is drained and dead again. When I took my vehicle to the dealership the mechanic already knew what the DCM would be the issue. I then called the manufacturer after doing more research and noticed that this is a very common issue and it has not been recalled yet. After performing the DCM test it was confirmed that was the issue and I am still being ask to pay the 1200.00 bill.
Electrical system, Dec 25, 2023
Battery started draining while parked when the car was about 3 years 8 months old. I got a new higher capacity battery and it also drained several times.
Other or unspecified, Dec 21, 2023
Windshield started to crack despite no incident and crack has rapidly expanded
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Dec 19, 2023
I have submitted for Extended Warranty Battery Service in the Subaru Battery Settlement confirmation number is SB68712430. This battery settlement should include the DCM as replacing the battery does not fix the problem. I believe this is an electrical fault (parasitic current draw) is caused by the the faulty DCM. There are hundreds of people posted the same issue. This should be a recall.
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the residential garage, the contact turned the ignition key to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact charged the battery for six hours and then was able to start the vehicle. The following day the contact attempted to start the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact was advised to purchase a new battery to replace the old battery. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the new battery lasted for only six weeks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed data control module. The contact was informed that the data control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,500.
Electrical system, Dec 14, 2023
Subarus have a battery drain problem. Frequently, my car would unexpectedly have a dead battery and not start. This is a safety issue for anyone needing to drive as part of an emergency response, to a hospital, to a doctor, etc. Being unexpectedly unable to drive at all could leave people stranded on cold nights, on the side of the road, or unable to get to necessary services/meals/warmth/ etc. The issue is a common one for Subaru owners like me, and there was a class action lawsuit on the issue for 2015-2020 Subarus. That lawsuit was settled with a battery replacement warranty extension, and a software update to the ECM. Replacing the battery and updating the ECM software did not solve the problem. Not for me and not for many others. The real source of the parasitic drain is the DCM. Subaru knows this and dealerships will readily admit it is a widespread common problem, with the DCM, an expensive part, on backorder, and weekly repairs being done at most Subaru dealerships to replace faulty DCMs. But it is not covered under the class action settlement, and there is still no recall for it. Subaru should be accountable to ensuring their car batteries are not unexpectedly dead, and that people can drive when needed, and their cars can start. This is a widely spread issue, and Subaru dealerships will try to hide the issue in the software update, which frequently doesn't fix the problem, when they know the real issue is that a replacement DCM is needed.
Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2023
Starlink system is malfunctioning. The radio spontaneously begins scanning through stations and will not stop even when "scan" icon is pressed or preset station pressed. Also, the bluetooth connectivity to my phone is randomly lost. This has caused distractions while driving and loss of "hands free" features for my phone and is a safety hazard.
Electrical system, Dec 11, 2023
Battery dies on a consistent basis and appears to be a trickle drain on the battery. After reading numerous online forums this appears to be a consistent issue that has not been addressed by Subaru of America. It appears the drain is caused by the DCM fuse being faulty. I have recently had the vehicle inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership with no issues noted. While this issue does not create any immediate safety concerns, it could place individuals at risk if they found themselves in remote and/or dangerous locations with no ability to start their vehicle. According to online forums this issue has been observed by multiple Subaru dealers. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of this issue other than a dead battery.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Dec 10, 2023
Cracked windshield (2nd incident in less than 18 months). Windshield cracked without any impact with rocks or other objects. This is an OEM windshield that was installed and calibrated at Sheehy Subaru Springfield, VA. This windshield easily cracks or is damage (impacts blemishes) by minor/small objects, which is unreasonable. This latest incident that I am reporting is a hair line crack, about 14” in length that runs from the edge of the windshield to the middle; there was no impact; this appears to be a temperature change like crack. It adversely affects visibility. This is a very expensive repair $1,500 for OEM and calibration.
Other or unspecified, Dec 7, 2023
2019 Subaru Outback, 3.6R limited, approx. 3.5 years old with around 36000 miles, when I noticed small bubbles forming near the upper right hand corner of the infotainment touch screen. Shortly thereafter, the number of bubbles increased, the radio would change stations on its own, sometimes turn on by itself, and the navigation would not work. Took it to the dealer and was told I would need a new info system at my expense and they were on back order.
Equipment, Dec 4, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the head unit had delaminated, and the GPS unit was inoperable. The contact stated that the radio volume increased to high independently. Additionally, the GPS made phantom calls. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the GPS unit was delaminated and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to assist with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000.
Electrical system, Dec 4, 2023
There is a persistent battery issue that, after repeated periods of short-trip-driving, results in a dead battery. There is a parasitic drain on the battery. We've had the battery replaced twice, and the issue still continues. We're worried that this will leave us stranded somewhere with a vehicle that won't start.
Visibility, Nov 28, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he noticed that the front windshield was cracked. The crack began on the passenger’s side and went towards the middle of the windshield. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000.
Electrical system, Nov 26, 2023
I had a sudden dead battery in January 2023. My mechanic replaced it, and told me that Subaru had a service bulletin about a parasitic drain issue. In October, my battery died again, so my mechanic kept the car for several days, discovered that it would drain after charging, so he pulled all the fuses, individually, based on his hunch from the service bulletin, and found that the Starlink fuse was the problem. (I believe it’s DCM #9). So, he pulled it, and replaced the battery again (under warranty) as it had been totally drained. He talked to Subaru, who said the fuse is back ordered around the country, and he will notify me when the part is available. He estimates it will cost about $600 to fix. My car seems fine, now, except I’ve also lost the hands free phone capability and had to buy a phone holder in the meantime, to be safe and legal. And I always have jumper cables in my car so I don’t get stuck somewhere. It seems to me that Subaru must be aware of this problem, and I think they should pay for replacing this part, as it is a very expensive fix.
Structure, Latches/locks/linkages, Nov 26, 2023
The hood popped open at 35 mph causing loss of sight. I was in traffic and luckily was able to pull the car off the road. I am taking it to the dealer as soon as I can get an appointment. There were no warning lights or messages prior. I will secure the hood with something before I drive it to the dealer. If I had been driving on the Interstate I am sure the hood would have smashed into windshield. I consider this a very dangerous problem.
Electrical system, Nov 21, 2023
I have a 2019 Subaru Outback. I bought it used in June 2023 and all warranties have expired. My battery has been drained multiple times. I have to get it jumped to start the car. There is a long Reddit thread that explains that a fuse powering the Subaru Starlink system (its version of OnStar) drains the battery even when the car is off. See --> [XXX] My dealership has pushed back that my problem is the DCM fuse--they say the radio unit is draining my battery. Their only solution is to find either (1) a used radio or (2) order a new radio which costs $1500 and it on a 6-12 month back order. I've contacted Subaru of America for help and I am awaiting for one of their specialists to contact me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 4, 2023
At this point I dont know what to do. This has been a reoccurring problem since I initially purchased the car. - Electrical Issues have been a problem since the day we purchased the vehicle. Initially thought it was our toddlers fault. Raised multiple times at multiple dealerships. I have yet to find a service center that can tell me why my car will not start other than they can tell something is draining the battery. No warnings. Safety is of concern, because one never knows when the issue will occur. For example, brand new battery died in parking lot of my kids school. - Fuel pump issues - took car on drive from LA to Las Vegas, with child. Car struggled to maintain speed. Exited in Barstow, CA. Parked at a Midas, which was closed, and was stranded with a toddler. After 3 hours of waiting in parking lot, was able to get car started. Drove to closest hotel. The following day, was able to get car back to midas where it was determined the fuel pump broke. Safety was at risk as my 3 year had to sit in 110 degree weather heat. Subaru did tow the car back to the closest dealership and fixed the fuel pump, and reimbursed me for the rental car. Car was in shop for over 2 weeks. Was not reimbursed for hotel or midas diagnostics.
Electrical system, Oct 31, 2023
BATTERY DRAIN AFTER SITTING FOR 2 WEEKS. NEW BATTERY. DEAD AGAIN.