NHTSA has received 1,033 owner complaints about the 2019 Subaru Outback, or 134.6 per year on the road — far more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 3.20, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #72 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 241% higher; against other Midsize SUVs it is 154% higher.
Counts are normalized by time on the road, not by sales volume: a popular model generates more reports than a rare one, and complaints are not verified individually. How we count
Complaints filed between 2018-08-18 and 2026-09-02. Median delay from incident to filing: 9 days.
1,033Complaints
134.6Complaints per year on the road
3.2Complaint index vs. all tracked vehicles
3Recalls
2.5%Share involving a crash or fire
25Last 12 months
Analysis
The previous model year (2018) drew 93.0 complaints per year, fewer than this one. The following model year (2020) drew 134.2 per year, about the same. In its first two years on the road the 2019 model collected 352 complaints, 336% higher than the average vehicle of the same model year.
The most common problem area is Body & structure (36.5% of complaints), followed by Electrical (34.4%) and Interior & equipment (12.7%). Body & structure complaints are 4.0 times as common here as across all tracked vehicles. Within Body & structure reports, owners most often mention “windshield”, “crack”, “impact”, “rock” and “chip”. 26 reports (2.5%) describe a crash or fire; owners mention 18 injuries and 0 deaths.
Half of the reported incidents happened within 29 months of the model year's start; the busiest period was years three to five (28% of incidents). In the last 12 months 25 new complaints were filed, versus 74 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for this model year. 38% of the complaints fall in component areas that a recall addresses.
Complaint index
vs. all tracked vehicles3.2
vs. other Subaru models3.41
vs. other 2019 models2.94
vs. other Midsize SUVs2.54
Complaints in first 2 years on the road · vs. same-year average (352)4.36
My complaint/safety issue is that while I was in my 2019 Subaru Outback, I experienced Unintentional acceleration. While waiting for the large chain-link fence at my storage unit to open, the Outback raced into the gate!
Brakes · 2026-08-12 · ODI 11756599 · Crash
The driver lost control of the vehicle, possibly due to a failure involving the rear driver's-side tire. The vehicle initially made contact with the guardrail, causing moderate damage to the driver's side.
The Starlink infotainment touchscreen in my 2019 Subaru Outback Touring has progressively failed. Visible bubbles have formed under the glass, consistent with screen delamination.
Electrical · 2026-09-02 · ODI 11761781
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 70 MPH the front windshield cracked approximately 6 inches from the heat sensor, no warning lights were illuminated.
Body & structure · 2026-08-03 · ODI 11754601
Driver controls for windows do not work for front windows .. Can not put windows down. Therefore if window on passenger side or driver side gets foggy, can not lower to see out Dealer has stated that there is dirt in window.
Interior & equipment · 2026-07-20 · ODI 11751582
Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, trimmed for length. The ODI number is NHTSA's record identifier.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
Summary: 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.
No NHTSA investigation covers the tracked model years.
Frequently asked questions
How many complaints were filed for the 2019 Subaru Outback?
1,033 complaints were filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Subaru Outback, or about 134.6 per year on the road.
What is the most common problem reported for the 2019 Subaru Outback?
The most common category is Body & structure, accounting for 36.5% of complaints.
Does the 2019 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 3 safety recall(s) for this model year.
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback still generating complaints?
In the last 12 months 25 new complaints were filed, versus 74 in the 12 months before — the pace is falling.
How does the 2019 Subaru Outback compare with similar vehicles?
NHTSA has received 1,033 owner complaints about the 2019 Subaru Outback, or 134.6 per year on the road — far more complaints than typical for a vehicle of its age (complaint index 3.20, where 1.00 is the average of all tracked vehicles). Among the 76 model-year 2019 vehicles we track, it ranks #72 for fewest complaints per year. Against other Subaru models its rate is 241% higher; against other Midsize SUVs it is 154% higher.