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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Windshield started to crack despite no incident and crack has rapidly expanded | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have submitted for Extended Warranty Battery Service in the Subaru Battery Settlement confirmation number is SB68712430. This battery settlement should include the DCM as replacing the battery does not fix the problem. I believe this is an electrical fault (parasitic current draw) is caused by the the faulty DCM. There are hundreds of people posted the same issue. This should be a recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Subarus have a battery drain problem. Frequently, my car would unexpectedly have a dead battery and not start. This is a safety issue for anyone needing to drive as part of an emergency response, to a hospital, to a doctor, etc. Being unexpectedly unable to drive at all could leave people stranded on cold nights, on the side of the road, or unable to get to necessary services/meals/warmth/ etc. The issue is a common one for Subaru owners like me, and there was a class action lawsuit on the issue for 2015-2020 Subarus. That lawsuit was settled with a battery replacement warranty extension, and a software update to the ECM. Replacing the battery and updating the ECM software did not solve the problem. Not for me and not for many others. The real source of the parasitic drain is the DCM. Subaru knows this and dealerships will readily admit it is a widespread common problem, with the DCM, an expensive part, on backorder, and weekly repairs being done at most Subaru dealerships to replace faulty DCMs. But it is not covered under the class action settlement, and there is still no recall for it. Subaru should be accountable to ensuring their car batteries are not unexpectedly dead, and that people can drive when needed, and their cars can start. This is a widely spread issue, and Subaru dealerships will try to hide the issue in the software update, which frequently doesn't fix the problem, when they know the real issue is that a replacement DCM is needed. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the residential garage, the contact turned the ignition key to start the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact charged the battery for six hours and then was able to start the vehicle. The following day the contact attempted to start the vehicle and the vehicle failed to start. The contact was advised to purchase a new battery to replace the old battery. The contact stated that the battery was replaced; however, the new battery lasted for only six weeks. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a failed data control module. The contact was informed that the data control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,500. | Crash: No Fire: No | 51,500 |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Starlink system is malfunctioning. The radio spontaneously begins scanning through stations and will not stop even when "scan" icon is pressed or preset station pressed. Also, the bluetooth connectivity to my phone is randomly lost. This has caused distractions while driving and loss of "hands free" features for my phone and is a safety hazard. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Battery dies on a consistent basis and appears to be a trickle drain on the battery. After reading numerous online forums this appears to be a consistent issue that has not been addressed by Subaru of America. It appears the drain is caused by the DCM fuse being faulty. I have recently had the vehicle inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership with no issues noted. While this issue does not create any immediate safety concerns, it could place individuals at risk if they found themselves in remote and/or dangerous locations with no ability to start their vehicle. According to online forums this issue has been observed by multiple Subaru dealers. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of this issue other than a dead battery. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER | Cracked windshield (2nd incident in less than 18 months). Windshield cracked without any impact with rocks or other objects. This is an OEM windshield that was installed and calibrated at Sheehy Subaru Springfield, VA. This windshield easily cracks or is damage (impacts blemishes) by minor/small objects, which is unreasonable. This latest incident that I am reporting is a hair line crack, about 14” in length that runs from the edge of the windshield to the middle; there was no impact; this appears to be a temperature change like crack. It adversely affects visibility. This is a very expensive repair $1,500 for OEM and calibration. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2019 Subaru Outback, 3.6R limited, approx. 3.5 years old with around 36000 miles, when I noticed small bubbles forming near the upper right hand corner of the infotainment touch screen. Shortly thereafter, the number of bubbles increased, the radio would change stations on its own, sometimes turn on by itself, and the navigation would not work. Took it to the dealer and was told I would need a new info system at my expense and they were on back order. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | There is a persistent battery issue that, after repeated periods of short-trip-driving, results in a dead battery. There is a parasitic drain on the battery. We've had the battery replaced twice, and the issue still continues. We're worried that this will leave us stranded somewhere with a vehicle that won't start. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2023 | EQUIPMENT | The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the head unit had delaminated, and the GPS unit was inoperable. The contact stated that the radio volume increased to high independently. Additionally, the GPS made phantom calls. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the GPS unit was delaminated and needed to be replaced. The contact was informed that the part was on backorder. The manufacturer was contacted and offered to assist with the cost of the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 63,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 63,000 |
| Nov 2023 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked unattended, he noticed that the front windshield was cracked. The crack began on the passenger’s side and went towards the middle of the windshield. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 46,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I had a sudden dead battery in January 2023. My mechanic replaced it, and told me that Subaru had a service bulletin about a parasitic drain issue. In October, my battery died again, so my mechanic kept the car for several days, discovered that it would drain after charging, so he pulled all the fuses, individually, based on his hunch from the service bulletin, and found that the Starlink fuse was the problem. (I believe it’s DCM #9). So, he pulled it, and replaced the battery again (under warranty) as it had been totally drained. He talked to Subaru, who said the fuse is back ordered around the country, and he will notify me when the part is available. He estimates it will cost about $600 to fix. My car seems fine, now, except I’ve also lost the hands free phone capability and had to buy a phone holder in the meantime, to be safe and legal. And I always have jumper cables in my car so I don’t get stuck somewhere. It seems to me that Subaru must be aware of this problem, and I think they should pay for replacing this part, as it is a very expensive fix. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | The hood popped open at 35 mph causing loss of sight. I was in traffic and luckily was able to pull the car off the road. I am taking it to the dealer as soon as I can get an appointment. There were no warning lights or messages prior. I will secure the hood with something before I drive it to the dealer. If I had been driving on the Interstate I am sure the hood would have smashed into windshield. I consider this a very dangerous problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | I have a 2019 Subaru Outback. I bought it used in June 2023 and all warranties have expired. My battery has been drained multiple times. I have to get it jumped to start the car. There is a long Reddit thread that explains that a fuse powering the Subaru Starlink system (its version of OnStar) drains the battery even when the car is off. See --> [XXX] My dealership has pushed back that my problem is the DCM fuse--they say the radio unit is draining my battery. Their only solution is to find either (1) a used radio or (2) order a new radio which costs $1500 and it on a 6-12 month back order. I've contacted Subaru of America for help and I am awaiting for one of their specialists to contact me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | At this point I dont know what to do. This has been a reoccurring problem since I initially purchased the car. - Electrical Issues have been a problem since the day we purchased the vehicle. Initially thought it was our toddlers fault. Raised multiple times at multiple dealerships. I have yet to find a service center that can tell me why my car will not start other than they can tell something is draining the battery. No warnings. Safety is of concern, because one never knows when the issue will occur. For example, brand new battery died in parking lot of my kids school. - Fuel pump issues - took car on drive from LA to Las Vegas, with child. Car struggled to maintain speed. Exited in Barstow, CA. Parked at a Midas, which was closed, and was stranded with a toddler. After 3 hours of waiting in parking lot, was able to get car started. Drove to closest hotel. The following day, was able to get car back to midas where it was determined the fuel pump broke. Safety was at risk as my 3 year had to sit in 110 degree weather heat. Subaru did tow the car back to the closest dealership and fixed the fuel pump, and reimbursed me for the rental car. Car was in shop for over 2 weeks. Was not reimbursed for hotel or midas diagnostics. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | BATTERY DRAIN AFTER SITTING FOR 2 WEEKS. NEW BATTERY. DEAD AGAIN. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Defective Infotainment System. There is a known issue with the touchscreen Starlink system that can experience the dynamic or phantom input, i.e. a “ghost touch” that causes the system to change sources, shut off, reboot, or work intermittently or not at all. Even when the input does not change, the system emits the audible beep sound as if changes are being selecting via the touch screen. The distraction resulted in me taking my eyes off the road. The touch screen has ghost blobs or prints on the underside of the touch screen. Reported the issue to Subaru of America, who was already aware of the issue; they have received complaints for 2019-2023 models. The same issue was resolved via a class action suit for previous models. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, it was discovered that the battery power was drained. The battery was recharged; however, later the failure reoccurred. The battery was replaced but the failure continued to occur. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet notified of the failure. The contact stated that after removing the DCM fuse the failure was remedied however, other electrical features became inoperable. The failure mileage was 20,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 20,000 |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | THE CAR HAS HAD 4 BATTERIES IN FOUR YEARS. THERE IS A VOLTAGE DRAIN TO THE "CAM" COMPUTER MODULE, AS IT FAILS TO GO INTO FULL SLEEP MODE. i WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS ISSUE THINKING THEY WER BAD BATTERIES. YESTERDAY IT WAS DEAD AGAIN BUT THE BATTERY WAS GOOD JUST NEEDED CHARGING. HOWEVER, THE REAR HATCH WOULD NOT OPEN AND BEEPER ALARM WOULD GO OFF WHILE DRIVING. THE ALARM WOULD GO OFF IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AND STOP WHEN THE CAR STOPPED. IF I CONTINUE DRIVING IT STOPS AFTER ABOUT TWO MINUTES, BUT WILL SOUND OFF ONCE I STOP AND START DRIVING AGAIN FOR ANOTHER 2 MINUTES. THERE ARE NO SUBARU DEALERS WITHIN 100 MILES. THE LOCAL CHEVY DEALER DIAGNOISTED THE PROBLEM STATING IT WAS A KNOWN PROBLEM FOR 2018-21 OUTBACKS. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Battery keeps draining. Was reading about a known issue with DCM | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE | I previously reported the deteriorating state of my head unit (which controls all features relating to the screen in my vehicle--including the backup camera). The head unit spontaneously "delaminated" in early August and now has a persistent "ghost touch" that has escalated to the point that the car now rapidly cycles through screen movements and features--all while making a persistent beeping noise that cannot be turned off (even if you adjust the volume knob down to zero). This is distracting beyond belief, and renders the car virtually undriveable. This is known issue to Subaru, and a class action lawsuit has been filed, but they appear to want to wait to see if they lawsuit is successful before they rectify the issue with owners. They have told me repairs would run close to 4k and the parts to fix the car are backordered for over a year. In the meantime, the car essentially cannot be driven, as loud and random beeping coupled with a constantly zooming and moving screen is highly distracting. The backup camera is also intermittently affected by the screen's delamination, rendering it unuseable. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Failing and malfunctioning head unit. This is a known problem with Subaru Outbacks. The inside is delaminating causing bubbles inside screen. The touch screen thinks you are touching it so it will skip stations, press all kinds of buttons on the menu screen, and even call contacts on your phone. I had to shut the radio off completely to a black screen as it’s dangerous while driving. I’ve been waiting almost a year for a replacement with no ETA from Subaru, told on “indefinite back order”. I paid the car off intending to keep it many years and purchased an extended warranty that is useless. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The 2019 Subaru Outbacks have a Data Communication Module (DCM) which allows hands-free access to audio features of the car. The DCM (Generation 1) was designed to work on 3G networks and also provides access to Starlink which could be used in an emergency. With the deactivation of the 3G network, the DCM drains the car's main battery. Thus the car will not start if left unattended for any length of time. If the DCM is disabled by pulling the fuse, the hands-free features of the car are also disabled as well as Starlink. There is a class action lawsuit regarding this problem, however, it only covers the batteries that are damaged due to being drained and does NOT address the root cause of the problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE | This is known issue with the electrical system that is associated with the touch screen controls. Without any driver input, the EyeSight driver assist system was shutoff. That system controls adaptive cruise control, collision avoidance, and lane departure features. Rebooting the Starlink touch screen restored those functions. The safety issue is that no audible warning gave indication that the safety features were disabled. Two icons appeared on the dash. There appears to be a class action suit that applies to the Starlink system for my model year. It is important to understand that this more than merely a problem with the entertainment features. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2023 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the vehicle failed to start-up. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due the battery not operating as designed. The battery was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the Data Control Module (DCM) had failed and needed to be replaced. The DCM was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,941. | Crash: No Fire: No | 24,941 |