2019 Subaru Outback: common problems and reliability

The 2019 Subaru Outback has 1028 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and visibility/wiper. Owners most often flag infotainment system failures (6th gen: 2020-2025) — buggy, laggy, unresponsive touchscreen, frequent crashes, screen delamination, connectivity problems with carplay/android auto. requires dealership updates or unit replacement. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2019 model year

1,028
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
23
Crash reports
2
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2019 Subaru Outback vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

electrical system
362
visibility/wiper
326
visibility
62
engine
39
forward collision avoidance
36

Recalls affecting the 2019 Outback

structure

Campaign 19V493000

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.

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 21V587000

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 f…

fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump

Campaign 20V218000

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

What owners say across generations

Mixed sentiment with a strong generational divide. Long-term reliability is a core positive, with many owners reporting vehicles reaching 200,000+ miles with proper maintenance, particularly for non-turbo models. The Outback is consistently praised for its pra

  • Infotainment system failures (6th gen: 2020-2025) — Buggy, laggy, unresponsive touchscreen, frequent crashes, screen delamination, connectivity problems with CarPlay/Android Auto. Requires dealership updates or unit replacement. Frequency: very frequent.
  • CVT transmission concerns — Long-term reliability doubts, specific reports of torque converter and clutch pack failures requiring replacement under warranty, fluid migration issues in turbo models (TR690 transmission). "Lifetime fluid" claim is disputed. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Driver's side window regulator failure — Window sticks open, especially in cold/wet weather, fails to close. Known service bulletin for warped channels/regulators. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Battery premature failure — Batteries dying around the 3-year mark, potentially linked to start/stop system and parasitic drain. Known service bulletin (07-213-22R) for 2020-2023 models. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Oil consumption — Engines, particularly older 4-cylinder models (e.g., 2010-2012), noted for consuming oil. Requires regular level checks. Newer FB engines have cam carrier and oil pan leaks. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Outback.

Typical used price

Used Outback listings typically run $18,424–$29,686 across 2013 to 2026 model years.

Other Outback model years

2025 Outback2022 Outback2021 Outback2018 Outback2014 Outback2013 Outback2010 Outback2009 Outback2007 Outback2003 Outback1999 Outback
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