Complaint volume
1025 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2019 Subaru Outback Complaints
1025 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Subaru Outback, grouped by component category.
1025 Total complaints
22 Crash reports
2 Fire reports
11 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are electrical system, visibility/wiper, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 22 crash reports, 2 fire reports, 11 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 466 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 15,557 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to electrical system, visibility/wiper, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2019 Subaru Outback?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2019 Subaru Outback
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2019 Subaru Outback complaints?
22 Crash
2 Fire
11 Injury
0 Fatality
22 Towed
7 Medical attention
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Outback complaint categories?
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 280
VISIBILITY/WIPER 271
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 124
VISIBILITY 55
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 27
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER 23
STEERING 22
ENGINE 14
STRUCTURE 14
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 11
1,025 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | DCM battery drain and bad head unit display. The class action law suit does not cover the fix for the battery drain problem. Just a new battery. My is the battery continues to drain. I cannot afford to replace the problem DCM. I had to pull that fuse as a fix. I now do not have fro t speakers or Bluetooth. My CarPlay maps no longer tell me where I need to turn. Causing me to looks at the display more frequently. This is not good in busy areas. The other issue is with the head unit. When it gets warm and humid, the display doesn’t work. It clicks all over causing issues with CarPlay, Bluetooth and the radio. This is due to moisture getting in the display. Again causing problems and distractions. This will cause accidents if it hasn’t already. There are a lot of complaints out there for this as well as the DCM battery drain. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Head unit delaminating after Data Control Module repair in 2023. Head unit is entirely inoperable and poses a safety risk to driver by turning radio on and off, switching stations, raising and lowering volume level, and affecting the eyesight periodically. Head unit can be turned off after multiple attempts, however powers back up on its own continuing the previously mentioned issues. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | TIRES | See attached document for complaint. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES | To the CA Automotive Repair Bureau, [XXX] complaint, In 2022, I bought a new Outback at Albany Subaru. In October 2024, my car has 33,000 miles and I've had all of my 3,000-mile oil changes, inspections, and Warranty repairs done by Albany Subaru. I pay $100 for each repair that's covered under Subaru's extended Warranty. In 2023, the car's Dashboard Computer/Radio Head Unit was repaired, I drove the car for a few days, but the Head Unit was defective, so Subaru changed the Head Unit. This cost me (3) three trips to Subaru, which is 7.8 miles from my home, UBER costs, and three $100 Warranty payments. I'm a small business owner and had to pay employees extra to remain at work so I could drop off and pick up my car. Most times Subaru didn't give me a loaner car. Weeks later, I was driving up a hill and could not correctly steer my car, I thought I might crash, so I stopped driving my new car. I only drive on paved roads and I bought my Subaru because of Subaru's quality and safety reputation. I returned my car to Albany Subaru. My car's Steering or front end seemed loose and not right. Subaru told me I needed an alignment. I paid for an alignment. I drove my car home, but again, the Steering didn’t seem right, it was still loose and shaking. A day later, I returned my car to Subaru and they readjusted and tightened the Steering Box. Subaru called me at home and stated I needed an oil change, an alignment, and (4) four new tires, and brakes, which I agreed to the oil change. The next day, I picked the car up and spoke to the Service Managers about my concerns with the new car Steering, and stated to them that Subaru Bloggers are sharing that there should be a Recall on Subaru Steering Columns and other repair issues that could result in Lemon Law Lawsuits against Subaru. The Service Manager Nikki Ali and a Mechanic stated that Subaru has Steering Column issues but that Subaru has not yet issued a National Recall, but may replace Steering Columns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This morning, while stopped at a red light, my foot on the brake, my car suddenly revved and jolted forward. Luckily, no one was in front of me, and I quickly put the car in neutral and pressed harder on the brake pedal. The car was then ok. I see that there is a Class Action Suit filed by the law firm of Berger Montague, since many other owners of Subaru have had this complaint. You need to have Subaru recall these vehicles ASAP. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback. nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. this outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. owned by enterprise rent a car and subaru santa monica prior as grey in 2019 then tungsten metallic 2019-2020. unsure of vehicle history accident reported 2022. subaru of america and san bernardino states aftermarket bolt installed carmax has the vehicle for $1400-1750 in repairs they did not notice @ sale [XXX]. to me [XXX] [XXX]. they are currently repairing radiator cooling system suspension. and i believe the vehicle has never gone a 125point inspection and may have other issues elsewhere. the battery is caved in indented bulging out on plastic and subaru and carmax both say it meits their specifications as it holds a charge. and will not replace it. the electrical system flickers lights. and carmax allowed me to drive the vehicle for 3 weeks 2000 miles. ynknowing the suspension and right tire wobble before and after carmax alignment. stating the vehicle was safe and operable as subaru of san bernardino stated it may be dangerous and american tire depot san bernardino showed and said the same as subaru of san bernardino suspension defects that carmax never noticed before or after sale and said the vehicle was fine. been to carmax 10 times over 3 weeks 300 miles in the car. gas time etc. michael service manager carmax ontario and pedro of subaru of san bernardino preston of subaru ontario both service techs know me well as of now the vehicle is at carmax ontario. and i believe the vin may have been reprogrammed swapped and mileage incorrect on the vehicle. as loose and missing nuts under glove box gad pedal. and plastic housing under steering wheel dash is missing clips like some precious got into elec system?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: Yes Fire: No Towed | Unknown |
| Oct 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Battery dies multiple times per week. I have already had the battery replaced under the Subaru Battery Settlement, but it is still dying regularly. This is absolutely a safety issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | delay from time accelerate until car moves. This has happened 10 or more times. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | After driving approximately 240 miles since our last stop, we stopped for gas. The car would not start. It sounded like it was trying to turn over but couldn't. Even when we let up on the start button the vehicle was still trying to start until we hit the button again (this is not normal). All battery functions were still working. The car only had about 38,500 miles on it. After trying multiple times to start it and googling, we suspected a fuel issue. We had the car towed to a local Subaru dealer. The dealer confirmed the fuel pump was the problem and replaced the part. More research revealed a fuel pump recall for certain production dates of the 2019 Subaru Outback, but ours is not currently part of the recall. We contacted Subaru and reported the issue. They opened a case for it. When we picked up the car, Subaru had paid for the repair. In hindsight, we are lucky the car did not stall while driving on the interstate at 70mph as that could have caused serious issues and injury to ourselves and/or others. There were no warning lights or other symptoms on that day. There had been some starting issues approximately 1-2 months earlier, but we had replaced the battery and thought that fixed it. We asked for the part but the Subaru dealer where the repair was made kept the part. In addition to the safety concerns, this incident also resulted in personal financial burden as we were around 600 miles from home enroute to a vacation destination and had to uber to a car rental place, rent a car and pay for one night in a hotel. We believe the recall needs to be expanded to include more production dates. By expanding the recall, we hope this would prevent others from having to go through this situation and be at risk. We also hope Subaru would be required to reimburse us for the out-of-pocket expenses that resulted from this issue and provide an extended warranty. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE | BATTERY failures and being stranded due to parasitic loads from DCM. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | A crack in the windshield suddenly appeared with no apparent cause starting at the very upper edge about a third of the way across from the driver side and traveled about half way down and then turned to the right for about eight inches. It is available for inspection upon request. As of this date it has not been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center. It has been reported to insurance representatives, but not inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. There was no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | STRUCTURE | continues issue with windshield cracks, cracks will spread over night across the windshield. car windshield will be replaced for a fourth time on [XXX]. I initially replaced it with in a year of purchase in North Carolina and will replace for a third time here in San Diego at the dealer Kearny Mesa Subaru address 4797 Convoy St. San Diego, CA 92111 phone number 858-278-7100. Kearny Mesa has replaced my windshield for the last two times, first time was in spring of 2022, second time was in February 2024 and now again for a third time tomorrow [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The computer I think it's a starlink system has gone haywire and does not work at all to a point to where you cannot use it. Touch screen will not respond or goes from one thing to the other on its own. Totally unusual. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | Parasitic drain cause by the CAN system, which causes the battery to randomly die, batter has been replaced, alternator and starter have been tested. When the battery has low voltage this also shuts down the cars safety features like forward Collision and cruise control. The head unit in the car is also malfunctioning, causing it randomly turn on and off while driving, button s being pressed on their own which is a huge distraction while driving. Subaru has not been willing to assist. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION | The infotainment system on my 2019 Subaru Outback has failed. The problem arose suddenly. The system is randomly cycling through radio stations, the touch screen has stopped responding to being touched, the gps apps stopped working properly and across the board the unit no longer works. The touchscreen also appears to have bubbling under the surface of the screen, which may be contributing to the problem. This failure has deprived me of access to important apps -- gps, vehicle maintenance records, bluetooth phone calls. The constant beeping and cycling is an unwanted distraction. For now, the rear back up camera still seems to be working, but if I'm forced to turn off the touch screen, it obviously won't be of any help. I am bringing the car to the dealership tomorrow. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | We had dealt with a parasitic battery drain issue related to the DCM, which was improperly addressed by Johnson Subaru of Cary. The dealership bypassed the problem, which was not what we requested or expected. While they have stated they will replace the DCM once parts become available, this is unacceptable, given that we paid for this part with the initial purchase. If they follow through with the replacement, that would resolve one issue, but their initial response seemed like an attempt to avoid responsibility. After the DCM was replaced, a new issue arose: the radio head unit became inoperable, experiencing severe malfunctions. The seems like it could also be related to the replacement of the DCM bypass. The head unit changes radio stations and screens on its own, making it inoperable to control or even shut off. This is clearly a safety concern, particularly since the delamination and malfunctioning unit registers random touches, which could cause changes to any of the settings. The head unit serves as the primary control interface, and this unpredictability is highly distracting—especially with a [XXX] using the vehicle. Subaru of America has offered $1,000 towards the replacement, but this is insufficient, considering the widespread nature of this issue across many models. The quote from the dealer is 1415.00 and the 1000.00 will not cover the cost. This problem should be addressed through a recall, as safety is a major concern. Additionally, we incurred unrecovered battery costs from the DCM issue and had to purchase a jump-start kit after being stranded multiple times. Subaru's delay in addressing these issues with a recall is troubling, and their offer of $1,000 suggests they acknowledge responsibility, but this issue requires a formal recall rather than piecemeal compensation. The head unit failure has been diagnosed as the specific issue with my 2019 Subaru Outback and must be added to the recall list. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | While turning into a parking spot my wife had foot on the brake and vehicle accelerated over parking bumpers and into a fence and ultimately was stopped by a combination of a tree and the fence car drove through. This collision prevented her from crossing pedestrian sidewalk and continuing into Southbound traffic lane of state hwy. This incident put not only my wife at risk but also potentially any pedestrians or southbound vehicles. There were no system failures or warnings prior to my wife's arrival to her appointment. As mentioned this occurred within an approximate 5 second time frame. It is unknown as to what if any warnings occurred prior to/during the crash as my wife was pushing the brake to park when the sudden acceleration occurred. The braking system seems to have failed along with the sudden acceleration. The Automatic Braking System didn't engage, nor did the parking collision system. All our other Subaru's (including this vehicle have the collision warning and automatic braking systems) The dealership did not try to replicate the incident but all warning systems appear to be functioning correctly at this time. Following the accident I first reported the incident to my dealership where I purchased the vehicle. The initial damage estimate is forthcoming but Subaru tech indicated it will be may thousands of dollars to repair. I will follow-up next with Subaru's National Customer Care (per conversation with dealer) At the dealership (Southern Oregon Subaru) I had a safety/drive-ability inspection performed. Vehicle was given a clearance to drive, but obviously my wife refuses to drive it. Subsequent to the accident, we learned there are over 200 similar reports to NHTSA for this exact issue. We will also submit claim to insurance provider USAA. | Crash: Yes Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Battery drains where car will not start. Apparently connected with Subaru Starlink system and Apparently has been a continual problem with Subaru without recall action. People could be stranded without any assistance available. Real safety issue to families. Experience a non-Start situation 4 times within the past month. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The infotainment / touch screen system in my vehicle is malfunctioning and causing a safety issue. Due to bubbles on the screen I can not effectively use the back up camera. Additionally, the system will randomly make noises, make phone calls and change settings without warning. When this happens it creates a substantial distraction the the driver and causes me to have to pick up my phone to disconnect and address the concerns. I also need to turn the system on and off repeatedly. In the current state, I’m unable to use any navigation features as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The StarLink touchscreen (which controls radio, etc. and includes vehicle systems monitoring) delaminates and then the system goes crazy If iPhone is plugged in, system starts randomly calling people, all the icons flash on and off as if being pushed, it pulls up random maps, and brings up vehicle maintenance information. All the weird flashing is very distracting and dangerous. I know Subaru was sued on this issue for 2015-2018 models but the 2019s still have the same problem and Subaru won't recall or fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Issue with bubbles forming on information/tech screen which then causes it to flick to different screens, and radio stations. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | While driving in the fast lane on Interstate 5 at a speed of approximately 70MPH, with cruise control on, during clear dry conditions, my automatic emergency brake system engaged and made my vehicle come to an abrupt and complete stop in the fast lane. I lost complete control of my vehicle. I was unable to steer or accelerate. Once I stopped, I was able to use my accelerator, but very quickly my vehicle abruptly stopped again and I could not steer it. After I stopped for the second time, I was then able to then accelerate slowly and pull off the freeway into the wide left shoulder. When I turned the car off and then back on again to get out of danger, I disengaged the cruise control, and I was able to get back on the freeway and out of the fast lane. It was a clear day, no clouds, no shadows, no birds, no vehicles right in front of me or next to me. There was NO warning lamp or alarms prior to the braking. There was no debris or excessive dirt on my windshield. My husband and I were certainly in danger of being rear ended at a high speed, but miraculously, the vehicles behind us were able to stop and/or pull into the left shoulder to avoid a collision. Not only were we at risk of serious injury or death, but there very easily could have been a multi-car pile up on the freeway with many people at risk of injury. My car is currently at my local Subaru dealership and they are investigating the problem. They have not been able to reproduce the issue yet, but are bringing in another specialist tomorrow. I felt this issue absolutely needed to be reported as it is a very serious safety issue. I do not trust my vehicle any more. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The head unit developed what appear to be bubbles under the screen. Now, it's barely usable. It randomly responds to touch. It turns itself on and off randomly. None of this sounds like a safety issue until you're driving down the freeway at speed and the radio randomly comes on blaring loud music. It's incredibly jarring and could easily cause an accident. We reached out to the dealer who inspected it and was very aware of the problem as it seems to affect a very large number of people. Following that, they reached out to Subaru of America who admitted there was a problem and offered to pay for slightly more than half of the repair. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Another for the list of many, many windshield cracking complaints. My 2019 Outback 2.5i Limited has had 3 replacements since I purchased it new in late 2018. The cost to replace each has certainly increased each time and is very expensive as it has to include the eyesight calibration. I'm told this is not covered in my extended warranty I purchased when the vehicle was new. Subaru needs to take ownership of the quality issue and compensate the countless owners who have had this same issue, multiple times! I've read the glass is too thin, may be intentional because of the eyesight feature. Mileage and date below are from the most recent crack I had to repair. Please let me know if you'd like more details on the first two occurances as well. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | VISIBILITY/WIPER | Severe windshield cracking requiring replacement. 2 in 6 month period. 1st was November 2023. Extremely cold temperatures. Cracked directly above heater vents on both sides same time. I watched it go from outer lower edges and move all the way to the center, entire length of the shield. I did not see anything hit the windshield, but they were iced and snow covered. I felt the temperature difference outside compared to in the cabin may have caused the crack. 2nd occurred July 12 2024. Extreme heat ( 100 plus) air-conditioning blasting cold air. Low traffic, at least 4 car lengths between mine and the car ahead. I did not see any debris. I did hear a noise, and then watched the windshield crack from the same location (lower outside edge) this time only the passenger side. The crack started approximately 6 inches. The following morning that crack had moved past midway of the windshield. This is not normal for any other vehicle I have driven. I have been driving 45 years. I have had a rock hit the windshield, some large rocks. In only one case I suffered a chip that was fixed with resin. There is a problem (safety) with this windshield. Installation, glass, design flaw?? I don't know the cause, but It is hazardous. The dealer's mechanic that replaced the 1st one told me "it is a KNOWN issue for my model" someone needs to address and correct an issue that is known which could be catastrophic. I was driving 35 mph in November incident, and 70 mph in July. I can provide documentation re: 1st replacement. I did not take pictures of that one. I can provide photos of 2nd one. I have not done 2nd replacement. I may just trade it out. That is how concerning this issue is to me. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |