VehicleVerdict

2019 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,282 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.9 times the median Outback year — the 2019 model ranks #1 of 32 Outback years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 36 injuries in total across these filings.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 389 reports (30% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

1,282

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

0

Investigations

50

Crash-involved

3

Fires reported

36

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted1,282 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 57 complaints1997: 94 complaints1998: 165 complaints1999: 150 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 172 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 404 complaints2007: 182 complaints2008: 281 complaints2009: 142 complaints2010: 466 complaints2011: 855 complaints2012: 367 complaints2013: 406 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 640 complaints2016: 769 complaints2017: 1,102 complaints2018: 986 complaints2019: 1,282 complaints2020: 1,126 complaints2021: 405 complaints2022: 543 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Subaru Outback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers38930%
Electrical System37529%
Other20216%
Driver Assistance756%
Engine403%
Steering353%
Fuel System302%
Body & Structure282%
Speed Control262%
Brakes212%
Transmission151%
Airbags131%
Lighting111%
Suspension71%
Seats50%
Tires & Wheels40%
Latches & Locks40%
Seat Belts20%

Does the 2019 Subaru Outback have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V587000Fuel SystemJuly 29, 2021 · 175,968 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

20V218000Fuel SystemApril 16, 2020 · 188,207 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Consequence

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.

19V493000Body & StructureJune 26, 2019 · 2,107 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the garage unattended, the front windshield cracked without impact. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · October 1, 2021

“I was in a parking lot pulling into a parking spot. My car sped with full power over a curb barrier and hit a parked car in front of me. The force was strong enough to push the car I hit back several inches. My airbag did not deploy. The forward obstacle collision detection did not work. My safety…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 24, 2022 · crash

“The contact's wife owned a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked for approximately 4 to 5 hours in the car port unattended, the contact noticed that the vehicle had caught fire near the rear driver's side and burned up a portion of the garage and house, The…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 13, 2024 · fire

“2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DESIGN OR MALFUNCTIONING OF TECHNOLOGY. THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADJUSTED SPEED. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET TO 45MPH AT WHICH POINT, THE VEHICLE SPEED UP AND CRASHED INTO THE CAR AHEAD. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · September 9, 2019 · crash

“Certain year models of Subaru vehicles suffer from ‘sudden and unexpected acceleration’. We know since it has happened to us and, research shows, many, many other people. Waiting for the automatic garage door to open, the vehicle experienced the sudden and uncontrollable acceleration. This…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 16, 2021 · crash

2019 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 2019 Subaru Outback reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,282 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 32 Outback years. It is one of the Outback years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (389 complaints), electrical system (375 complaints), other (202 complaints).

Does the 2019 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outback years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2011, 2016, 2015, 2022, 2010, 2013, 2021, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Outback years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2019 Subaru Outback?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Subaru Outback earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.