2019 Subaru Outback problems, complaints & recalls
Updated from NHTSA data · How we count
Owners have filed 913 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Subaru Outback, most often about electrical system. There are 3 recalls for this model year.
- Complaints
- 913
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes
- 21
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 16
- Median mileage
- 14,500 mi at time of problem
Key facts
- Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 360 of 913 complaints (39%).
- Visibility & Wipers (316) and driver assistance & safety tech (48) follow.
- Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 14,500 mi.
- Owners reported 21 crashes, 2 fires and 16 injuries.
- The 2019 Subaru Outback has 3 recalls on file.
- It has the most serious complaint record of all 22 Subaru Outback model years we track.
- That is 60% more complaints than the 2018 model year (571).
2019 Subaru Outback problems by category
- Electrical System · 1 crash360 complaints
- 316 complaints
- Other / Unknown · 1 crash186 complaints
- Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 7 crashes48 complaints
- Engine · 4 crashes38 complaints
- Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 4 crashes31 complaints
- Body & Structure · 1 crash25 complaints
- Steering · 1 crash21 complaints
- Acceleration & Cruise Control · 8 crashes20 complaints
- Brakes · 7 crashes19 complaints
- Transmission & Drivetrain · 1 crash13 complaints
- Airbags · 5 crashes11 complaints
- Lighting10 complaints
- Seats & Seat Belts · 2 crashes7 complaints
- Suspension · 1 crash6 complaints
- Wheels & Tires4 complaints
A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.
Most-reported components
| Component (as filed with NHTSA) | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical system | 350 |
| Visibility/wiper | 256 |
| Unknown or other | 180 |
| Visibility:windshield | 58 |
| Engine | 37 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 22 |
| Structure:body | 22 |
| Steering | 21 |
When problems happen (mileage)
2019 Subaru Outback recalls (3)
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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.
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Risk: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
- STRUCTURE
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Outback SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Recent 2019 Subaru Outback complaints
Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
- Filed Oct 1, 2026156,000 miMIElectrical System
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The battery was replaced, but the failure persisted the following day. The contact associated the failure with the Data Communication Module. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by email. The failure mileage was approximately 156,000.
NHTSA complaint #11768331 · source - Filed Sep 2, 2026SCElectrical SystemOther / Unknown
The Starlink infotainment touchscreen in my 2019 Subaru Outback Touring has progressively failed. Visible bubbles have formed under the glass, consistent with screen delamination. The screen registers phantom inputs on its own without being touched ("ghost touch"), changing settings, and interrupting functions while the vehicle is being driven. The touchscreen has now become completely unresponsive to actual touch input. Because the head unit controls and displays the backup…
NHTSA complaint #11761781 · source - Filed Aug 12, 2026RICrashTowedBrakesFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
My complaint/safety issue is that while I was in my 2019 Subaru Outback, I experienced Unintentional acceleration. While waiting for the large chain-link fence at my storage unit to open, the Outback raced into the gate! I had one foot on the brake waiting for the gate, then I stomped the pedal with both feet, and I held that position while the car smashed through the gate. This happened in July of 2021. I don't recall if I shut the car off or if it just finally came to a…
NHTSA complaint #11756599 · source - Filed Aug 3, 202640,250 miWIVisibility & Wipers
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH the front windshield cracked approximately 6 inches from the heat sensor, no warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted however the vehicle was not diagnosed as the contact was advised that the vehicles VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,250.
NHTSA complaint #11754601 · source - Filed Jul 20, 2026FLOther / Unknown
Driver controls for windows do not work for front windows .. Can not put windows down. Therefore if window on passenger side or driver side gets foggy, can not lower to see out Dealer has stated that there is dirt in window. Not dirt , bad window motor per my experience. This has been occurring for about 2/3 years.
NHTSA complaint #11751582 · source - Filed Jul 6, 2026WVOther / Unknown
The touch screen monitor which controls the audio system, navigation, phone, and other car systems has delaminated. It turns on and off, makes phone calls, switches car systems like the audio, and turns off navigation. At best, it is a very annoying distraction. At worst, it is a safety issue when the screen is making emergency phone calls, canceling navigation, or turning on and off constantly and beeping and causing distraction to the driver. It is possible to turn the…
NHTSA complaint #11748449 · source - Filed Jul 3, 2026CAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
Car wouldn't start in parking lot, 40k miles. I never took the car in to the dealer and received a notice about a fuel pump replacement/recall/repair. I diagnosed this problem myself. The vin lookup on subarus website says that the problem was addressed/repaired when it clearly was not and i never received any paperwork or verbal statement from subaru saying they performed that work when i went in for an oil change or to repair the battery problem. The battery still drains…
NHTSA complaint #11748189 · source - Filed Jun 24, 2026FLElectrical System
Vehicle battery continues to drain. Since I have owned the vehicle, it has had 4 batteries. It has had 2 batteries within the last year and half. Installed another battery a 2 weeks ago, vehicle was completely dead after a week of not driving. The last 3 batteries were all purchased (or warranty replaced, new. All forums are pointing to DCM for other years. Yet, 2019's have the same issue, and I haven't received any service bulletin regarding such issues. I presume they need…
NHTSA complaint #11746098 · source
Compare the 2019 Subaru Outback with another vehicle →
Other 2019 Subaru models
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. 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