2019 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2019 Subaru Outback: Excellent crash ratings, but plagued by electrical issues, windshield cracks, and fuel pump recalls.
AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2019 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2019 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parasitic Battery Drain Numerous complaints (e.g., 'Battery completely dead after 4 days of not driving') indicate a significant parasitic draw, often linked to the Data Communications Module (DCM), leading to repeated battery failures and stranding drivers. |
Medium | Common | all miles |
| Spontaneous Windshield Cracking Many owners report windshields cracking without impact, starting from the frame and spreading, sometimes requiring multiple replacements. |
Medium | Common | all miles |
| Infotainment System Malfunctions The touchscreen often delaminates, leading to unintended operations, random phone calls, map changes, and frozen or black screens, creating significant driver distraction. |
Medium | Common | all miles |
| Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure Subject to two recalls, this issue can cause the engine to stall while driving or prevent restarting, increasing the risk of a crash. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Engine Hesitation/Stalling Some drivers report the vehicle hesitating, almost stalling, or completely stalling while driving, with check engine lights illuminating. |
High | Occasional | all miles |
| Unintended Acceleration/Braking Reports of the vehicle surging forward when braking or applying brakes unexpectedly without obstacles, potentially linked to vehicle speed control or EyeSight system. |
High | Rare | all miles |
| Cam Carrier Oil Leak Oil leaks from the cam carrier have been reported at relatively low mileage, leading to expensive repairs (e.g., $4,500-$6,000) and potential engine damage if not monitored. |
High | Occasional | 40000-60000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Subaru Outback:
Predominantly related to parasitic battery drain, leading to dead batteries and repeated replacements, often attributed to the DCM.
Primarily concerns spontaneous windshield cracking without impact, requiring frequent and costly replacements.
Covers a range of miscellaneous issues, including general vehicle defects and 'lemon' complaints.
Often related to the infotainment screen delamination and malfunction, impacting visibility of controls and navigation.
Includes issues like unintended vehicle movement or difficulty controlling the vehicle.
Reports include hesitation, stalling, and specific component failures like the Tumble Generator Valve (TGV) or cam carrier leaks.
Concerns about unintended acceleration or sudden, unwarranted braking by the vehicle's safety systems.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Subaru Outback
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Subaru Outback received excellent crash test ratings (5-star overall, frontal, and side, 4-star rollover). However, it has a high volume of owner complaints (1023 total) and three recalls, two for critical fuel pump issues that can cause engine stalling, and one for structural integrity. While it performs well in crash tests, operational reliability and certain component failures are significant concerns.
What are common problems with the 2019 Subaru Outback?
The most reported issues for the 2019 Subaru Outback are related to the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (280 complaints), primarily parasitic battery drain, and VISIBILITY/WIPER (271 complaints), mainly spontaneous windshield cracking. Infotainment system malfunctions, engine hesitation, and cam carrier oil leaks are also frequently cited problems. Additionally, there are recalls for low-pressure fuel pump failure and structural spot weld issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Subaru Outback?
Yes, the 2019 Subaru Outback has three recalls. Two recalls address a low-pressure fuel pump issue that can lead to engine stalling. The third recall is for improperly applied spot welds on the vehicle's structure, which could reduce body strength in a crash and increase injury risk.
How does the 2019 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Subaru Outback received excellent safety ratings from NHTSA, achieving a 5-star overall vehicle score. It earned 5 stars for both frontal crash and side crash tests, and 4 stars for the rollover resistance test.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Subaru Outback?
When considering a used 2019 Subaru Outback, pay close attention to the battery's health and history, as parasitic drain is a common issue. Inspect the windshield thoroughly for any cracks, especially near the edges. Test the infotainment system for responsiveness and any signs of delamination. Ensure all recall repairs, particularly for the fuel pump and structural welds, have been completed.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test performance, potential buyers should be aware of widespread electrical issues, spontaneous windshield cracking, and critical fuel pump recalls. Thoroughly check service records for battery replacements, windshield history, and recall completion before purchasing.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Subaru Outback. The data includes 1023 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 22 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 17 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.