2019 Subaru Legacy electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Mar 30, 2026MAElectrical System

   Due to a dead battery issue in 2025, I bought a new battery. A year later, the car wouldn't start & I finally got it jumped. Ran fine for 3 weeks, then wouldn't start again. I brought car back to the Interstate battery shop, who tested the alternator, which was fine, but he said the battery was appearing low. After researching this problem, I discovered there's a known issue that the battery dies due to a parasitic draw. Subaru knows there is a problem but refuses to correct…

   NHTSA complaint #11728063 · source
2. Filed Mar 13, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Unintended acceleration, on 2 occasions. First occasion, car was in DRIVE waiting at a traffic stop and the engine radically increased it's RPM from idle to over 6000 RPM, remaining there. Braking control maintained the automobile's position. Shifting the car into neutral caused RPM to increase further. The car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to function normally. On the second occasion, which occurred later the same day, the car was off and then started, and while still…

   NHTSA complaint #11724063 · source
3. Filed Feb 4, 2025NJElectrical System

   If the car is not driven every day the battery dies due to a parasitic draw. Subaru knows there is a problem with the DCM from these years but refuses to correct the issues which there are 3 that are known. Dcm constantly searches for 3g network that is no longer killing the battery, Subaru changed the recommended cold cranking amperage of the battery well after manufacture, and won't test without a new battery being installed, and they expect the consumer to pay for both…

   NHTSA complaint #11640591 · source
4. Filed Jan 5, 2025WAElectrical System

   Parasitic drain on battery leaves the car dead and unable to start with out a jump. Battery is only six months old. Replaced old battery because of this same issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11634226 · source
5. Filed Dec 9, 2024NYElectrical System

   The Starlink screen becomes uncontrollable and begins changing screens on its own making driving very distracting and losing all control of vital functions such as radio, gps and phone. I have no control over it. I have video of the incident but cannot figure out how to upload it. I k low previous year models were recalled for the same situation and I believe there is a class action lawsuit.

   NHTSA complaint #11629599 · source
6. Filed Nov 21, 2024PAElectrical System

   Infotainment system touchscreen failed and it became unstable. Bluetooth connected to phone failed, gos failed Yes Yes No

   NHTSA complaint #11626593 · source
7. Filed Sep 13, 2024PAElectrical System

   Radio is delaminating and causing random calls and radio changes while driving. Serious safety issue. Subaru covered a portion of the replacement but entire cost should be covered due to it being an obvious manufacturer defect.

   NHTSA complaint #11614471 · source
8. Filed Aug 9, 2024CAElectrical System

   Battery dies over and over again. I drive every day, I never leave lights on, and I am having to purchase a battery over and over again.

   NHTSA complaint #11607603 · source
9. Filed Jul 29, 2024ILElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   Infotainment system screen began bubbling. Then it started randomly selection icons by itself. Then it got to the point where it is unusable and constantly is making selections on its own. I can’t even make selections if I want to. Whole screen is effected. Subaru of America is aware and my dealer first denied knowing it was an issue but later admitted to me they have gotten several complaints of the same. Dealer ordered a replacement over a year ago and I have still not…

   NHTSA complaint #11605122 · source
10. Filed May 30, 2024ILElectrical System

    The Subaru models from 2019 have a known parasitic battery drain problem. My car will have a dead battery after a week not driving it, or even just 2 days in winter. The problem is confirmed by Subaru but not addressed in any way.

    NHTSA complaint #11591567 · source
11. Filed Apr 25, 2024VAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    There is a recall for this issue in Subaru vehicles through 2018 but our 2019 Legacy has the same issue. The head unit very soon after purchase (brand new from dealer) started to delaminate and not respond to touchscreen interaction. Now it is so bad that it is as if the head unit is possessed. It changes radio and settings randomly, cycles the screen, makes random phone calls if a phone is connected, changes navigation (Android Auto) on its own and suddenly it's navigating…

    NHTSA complaint #11585135 · source
12. Filed Feb 24, 2024VAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    Stereo head unit has white spots all over screen. Radio skips stations, calls numbers on my phone when connected to the car, touch screen does not work properly not allowing to turn it on or off or stop random skipping of stations or activity. Unable to see back camera when in reverse due to multiple spots on touchscreen.

    NHTSA complaint #11573750 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology