2019 Subaru Outback engine problems

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

38 owners have reported engine problems with the 2019 Subaru Outback, 4% of all complaints about this model year. The typical problem appeared around 9,629 mi.

Engine complaints
38
Crashes
4
Fires
1
Injuries
1
Related recalls
0
Median mileage
9,629 mi

Specific components reported

Engine covers: stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating.

ComponentComplaints
Engine37
Engine and engine cooling1

Engine complaints across Subaru Outback years

1200521200736200993620112525201392920154631201724382019502320212412023762025
Engine complaints by model year. The 2019 is highlighted.

Mileage when the problem appeared

7Under 10k210k–30k230k–60k160k–100k100k–150k150k+
Complaints that list mileage, grouped by odometer reading.

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

  1. Filed May 7, 2026CAEngine
    I am reaching out regarding the cam carrier leak on my 2019 Subaru Outback. After researching this issue, I discovered that cam carrier leaks are extremely common among Subaru vehicles equipped with the boxer engine, especially Outbacks from this generation. Many owners have reported the same exact issue, often at relatively low mileage, with repair costs commonly ranging between $3000 - 5000 What has been most discouraging is learning that Subaru dealerships and technicians…
    NHTSA complaint #11736217 · source
  2. Filed Apr 28, 2026WAEngine
    Front exhaust pipe bellows cracked, allowing exhaust gases including carbon monoxide to enter the passenger cabin. This is the same defect Subaru acknowledged in Service Program WUJ-95R (2015-2016 models) and Warranty Extension WI22-013 (2017-2018 Foresters). The failure pattern extends to 2019 model year vehicles and should be investigated for a recall expansion. This is a design flaw, consistent problem across multiple years, and a dangerous problem that needs to be…
    NHTSA complaint #11734436 · source
  3. Filed Feb 19, 202682,000 miTXEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated and almost stalled. The failure was intermittent but caused the vehicle to stall on several occasions. The check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning lights recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that oil was leaking from the upper and lower oil…
    NHTSA complaint #11719040 · source
  4. Filed Jan 23, 2026ILEngine
    The Tumble Generator Valve (TGV) assembly within the intake manifold failed on my 2019 Subaru Outback at only 48,000 miles causing catastrophic engine failure. This is a critical engine component that is expected to last significantly longer than the vehicle's current low mileage. The premature failure of this part triggers engine warning lights and disables key driver-assist safety features (such as EyeSight), creating a distraction and potential hazard while driving. This…
    NHTSA complaint #11712860 · source
  5. Filed Sep 1, 2025PAElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    Good Morning. I am the victim of a lemon of a car, a 2019 Subaru Outback and no one, I mean no one wants to get involved with exposing this disgraceful uncaring car manufacturer. I am forwarding the 10, yes 10 issues with this dangerous piece of junk I am unfortunately driving putting our lives at risk!! Please see the information below and my hope is that you will care enough to expose and help us get a resolution with this horrible company manufacturing rolling death…
    NHTSA complaint #11684247 · source
  6. Filed Jul 25, 2025PAEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain
    My name is [XXX] [XXX] Phone Number: [XXX] My complaint is with Subaru of America, 1 Subaru Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 Phone Number: [phone removed] I would like the Pennsylvania State Attorney General’s Office to become involved with the two lemons/pieces of junk my wife and I have been sold. My Subaru is a 2019 Outback and my wife’s Subaru is a 2020 Forester. My ongoing problems with my 2019 Subaru Outback are as follows and in my opinion, I am driving a very unsafe car…
    NHTSA complaint #11676150 · source
  7. Filed Jul 8, 2025WAEngine
    2019 Subaru Outback passenger side cam carrier started to seep at 42k miles. 63K continues to seep and Subaru suggested monitoring oil levels. Estimated cost to fix $6k. If leak gets worse and/or proper monitoring of oil in the engine is not done could lead to engine failure and costly repairs.
    NHTSA complaint #11671848 · source
  8. Filed Dec 18, 202455,000 miAZTowedBrakesElectrical SystemEngine
    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The computer control system showed low tire pressures. While the passenger’s seat was occupied, there was an abnormal dinging sound detected. The message that the seat not activated message was displayed. The contact stated that the battery drained, and the vehicle failed to start. The starting system had drained the battery. The contact had Triple AAA check the…
    NHTSA complaint #11631374 · source
  9. Filed Mar 24, 2024NDElectrical SystemEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11579197 · source
  10. Filed Feb 8, 2024CAEngineSteering
    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…
    NHTSA complaint #11570774 · source
  11. Filed Feb 8, 2024CAEngineSteering
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11570770 · source
  12. Filed Jan 29, 2024WAEngine
    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.
    NHTSA complaint #11568630 · source

Other 2019 Subaru Outback problem areas

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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