2019 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2019 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 1,036 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and engine.
1,036 complaints 3 recalls, 1 crash risk 1st worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2019 Subaru Outback problems
Wiper and visibility problems
387 complaints (37%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and electrical heating element.
Electrical problems
364 complaints (35%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and horn.
Engine problems
40 complaints (4%) name the engine.
Steering problems
36 complaints (4%) name the steering.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (455 of 1,036). The amber line is the middle value, about 11,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2019 Subaru Outback recalls
Fuel pump
Can stallThe low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge.
Recall 21V587000 · Jul 2021Fuel pump
Can stallThe low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative. If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge.
Recall 20V218000 · Apr 2020Weak spot welds could reduce crash protection
Crash riskSome spot welds on a duct below the cowl panel may not have been applied properly, which weakens the vehicle's body structure. In a crash, this reduced strength could increase the risk of injury to occupants.
Fix: The dealer will inspect your vehicle and repair or repurchase it as needed, free of charge.
Recall 19V493000 · Jun 2019Get an email when your 2019 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2019 Subaru Outback, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2019 Subaru Outback problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 1,036 complaints with NHTSA, the 1st most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and engine.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the wipers and visibility, electrical system, engine and steering. 387 complaints (37%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and electrical heating element.
At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Outback wipers and visibility problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 6,000–22,000 miles, with a middle value near 11,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Outback have?
3. Fuel pump (21V587000); Fuel pump (20V218000); Weak spot welds could reduce crash protection (19V493000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2019 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the wipers and visibility, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.