2019 Subaru Outback Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2019 Subaru Outback has a complaint index of 95 and ranks 2nd-worst out of 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 1,034 complaints, 3 recalls, and 24 crashes, with Visibility & Wipers and Electrical System issues making up most of the reports.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 95/100
- #2 of 21 Outback years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 1,034
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 24
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 2
- Injuries
- 18
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 25
- 22.5 city / 29.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 18 / 0
Top 2019 Subaru Outback problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers386 (37%)
- Electrical System367 (35%)
- Other211 (20%)
- Engine64 (6%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras40 (4%)
- Steering36 (3%)
- Structure & Body34 (3%)
- Fuel System32 (3%)
- Brakes25 (2%)
- Lane Departure18 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration or the car lurching forward while braking at low speed, including while parking.
- Some report the automatic emergency braking or adaptive cruise control failing to slow the car, leading to collisions.
- Airbags reportedly did not deploy in some rear-end or frontal crashes despite visible impact damage.
- Several complaints describe the engine seizing or brakes losing effectiveness without warning lights illuminating.
- Owners report losing confidence in the braking system after episodes where braking force could not overcome acceleration.
2019 Subaru Outback recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021Fuel System175,968 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
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.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 20V218000Apr 16, 2020Fuel System188,207 vehicles
Fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 19V493000Jun 26, 2019Structure & Body2,107 vehicles
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.
Risk: 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.
2019 Subaru Outback fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 22.5 MPG
- Highway
- 29.5 MPG
- Combined
- 25 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,625
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2019 Outback ranks 2nd-worst among 21 model years with a complaint index of 95, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Outback years.
- What problems does the 2019 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are Visibility & Wipers (386 complaints, 37% share) and Electrical System (367 complaints, 35% share), followed by smaller shares in Engine, Collision Avoidance, Steering, and Brakes.
- Does the 2019 Subaru Outback have a recall?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Outback, covering a low-pressure fuel pump that may fail and improperly applied spot welds on the cowl panel duct affecting body strength.
- What mileage do 2019 Outback problems typically show up at?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 10,188 miles overall, with Visibility & Wipers issues around 11,000 miles and Electrical System issues around 12,500 miles.
- How does the 2019 Outback compare to other years?
- The 2019 model's complaint index of 95 is higher than most other Outback years; only 2020 (index 100) ranks worse, while years like 2006, 2023, and 2024 earn Good verdicts.