2019 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 1,023 complaints, with Electrical Faults as the top reported area.
2019 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2019 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2019 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Subaru Outback has 1,023 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Electrical Faults. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 1,023
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Electrical Faults
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 28
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 25 / 32
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Electrical Faults
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Electrical Faults, Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Subaru Outback?
The 2019 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and infotainment.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially electrical and wiper systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the electrical system, including battery, alternator, and infotainment.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially electrical and wiper systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 1023 complaints for the 2019 Subaru Outback, the data suggests that electrical faults and visibility/wiper issues are the most frequently reported problems. However, with only one model year analyzed and a low confidence level, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Electrical faults account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Visibility/wiper issues are the second most reported concern.
- Crash-related complaints are relatively low at 22 out of 1023 total complaints.
- Electrical faults are the most common complaint category.
- Visibility/wiper problems are frequently reported.
- Uncategorized issues also represent a significant portion of complaints.
All 2019 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical Faults | 361 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 326 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 201 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 62 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 38 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 36 | 8 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 35 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 26 | 10 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 21 | 8 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 21 | 3 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 5 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 9 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Insert | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Padding | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Windshield window crack without any reason couple month ago and it keep crack bigger
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the touch screen on the radio failed to properly operate. The screen was delaminated, causing unintended operation of the radio, distracting the driver. This failure caused the …
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after the vehicle was not started for approximately five days, the battery was completely drained. The battery was replaced two years previously because of the same issue. The vehicle remained at the residence and th…
Battery completely dead after 4 days of not driving; this is after I purchased a $210 brand new batteyr from Autozone. Looks like there is potential class action lawsuit based on the parasitic draw by the DCM unit. I need this repaired at Subaru's expense.
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 engi…
Today 13 Feb 2026, around 3pm I was following traffic it was slow (5 miles an hour) and the traffic light turned red so I pushed on my brake to stop the car and it surged forward I pushed down on the brake again and the my vehicle stopped. Lucy I was travel a couple car length…
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…
We were driving down an interstate highway going 70 mph on a foggy Christmas Eve 2025 approximately 7 a.m. No cars were close around us. We had been on the road for 30 minutes or so, and it was in the 50-60 degree temperature range. Suddenly we heard what sounded like a gunsho…
The car repeatedly drains the battery after being left for a short time (a day or 2). This has now happened at least four times and has destroyed multiple batteries. I have taken it to the dealer and complained multiple times. They check for software updates and sell me a new bat…
I was driving on I-95 South in Georgia on Thursday, 18 December at approximately 9:00 pm in my 2019 Subaru Outback (6 cylinder engine). There was good visiblity and dry road conditions. I did not have the cruise control on. I was traveling at 75 mph and wanted to pass a truck. As…
I was involved in a car crash where another car crashed into me at an angle and hit the driver side door and part of the front and the wheel air bag not deploy. The side air bags did. I was going 30, this other car was going 40-50 mph.
Windshield cracking for no reason.
While turning left from left turn lane, eyesight failed to detect oncoming traffic resulting in right front side impact. No warning, no braking action. This is an advertised safety system supposedly designed to prevent this type of accident. In addition, passenger side airbag de…
I was told by the dealer that my 2019 Outback had a cam carrier oil leak. At the time, my car had 50,700 miles on it. My drivetrain warrantee was for 5 years or 60,000 miles. I was over on the years but under on the miles. The repair was estimated to cost $4,500.00. The deale…
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the vehicle started reversing unintendedly while the gear shifter was in drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle reversed on a steep road, drove onto a curb, and onto the …
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 pu…
I was driving my 2019 Subaru Outback North on [XXX] just North of Alanson, Michigan on [XXX] when it applied the brakes and made a noise similar to driving on the rumble strip. There were no vehicles in front of me. Scary and now I am nervous driving this car. INFORMATION REDAC…
"Parasitic" draw. Battery replaced, less than year old, almost daily need to "jump" vehicle to start. Always have to have booster pack. Multiple mechanics trips. Dash screen touch option does not work, have videos of the screen randomly "fluttering" through various screens and…
Repeated battery drain within 48 hours use of the vehicle, to the point the battery will no longer start the car. I believe this has come to be known as a parasitic battery drain, and has been traced to the Data Communications Module in these Subarus.
My name is [XXX] [XXX] Phone Number: [XXX] My complaint is with Subaru of America, 1 Subaru Drive, Camden, NJ 08103 Phone Number: 800-782-2783 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…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Subaru Outback.
2019 Subaru Outback Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Subaru Outback. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 1,023 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Outback?▾
#1: Electrical Faults (361 complaints). #2: Visibility/Wiper (326 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (201 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Subaru Outback?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Subaru Outback?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 1,023 total complaints. 17 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is STRUCTURE. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2019 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Electrical Faults during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.