2019 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2019 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-09-02

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Outback Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2019 highlighted. 1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 46 complaints 1997: 79 complaints 1998: 127 complaints 1999: 111 complaints 1999 2000: 207 complaints 2001: 171 complaints 2002: 143 complaints 2003: 93 complaints 2003 2004: 90 complaints 2005: 273 complaints 2006: 276 complaints 2007: 129 complaints 2007 2008: 226 complaints 2009: 106 complaints 2010: 360 complaints 2011: 651 complaints 2011 2012: 292 complaints 2013: 296 complaints 2014: 208 complaints 2015: 509 complaints 2015 2016: 642 complaints 2017: 917 complaints 2018: 807 complaints 2019: 1032 complaints 2019 2020: 896 complaints 2021: 296 complaints 2022: 461 complaints 2023: 88 complaints 2023 2024: 96 complaints 2025: 75 complaints 2026: 13 complaints 2026
2019: 1032 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19952
199646
199779
1998127
1999111
2000207
2001171
2002143
200393
200490
2005273
2006276
2007129
2008226
2009106
2010360
2011651
2012292
2013296
2014208
2015509
2016642
2017917
2018807
20191032
2020896
2021296
2022461
202388
202496
202575
202613

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 35%

35% of complaints: electrical system — 365 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and fuses and circuit breakers.

CRASH
VISIBILITY/WIPER 32%

32% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 326 distinct reports on file.

VISIBILITY 6%

6% of complaints: visibility — 64 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and electrical heating element.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 4%

4% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 46 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASH INJURY
ENGINE 4%

4% of complaints: engine — 39 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

2019 — complaint volume: 1032
R 20190726 — structure

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.

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.

Campaign 19V493000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20200604 — fuel system, gasoline

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

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.

Campaign 20V218000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210924 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

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.

Campaign 21V587000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2019 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (365 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (326 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for visibility issues (64 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V493000 (structure) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V218000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V587000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 2025 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2017 ■ 2020 ■ 2018

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2019 Subaru Outback reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Outback?

The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Outback have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.