Flat batteries and cracked glass top the complaints
The 2019 Outback has the most complaints of any recent model year. Owners report dead batteries after a day or two parked, windshields cracking on their own and touch screens that bubble and press buttons by themselves. Two fuel pump recalls also cover this year. A well-kept one can be fine, but a 2021 costs little more and has far fewer reports.
Updated November 2026 · based on 1,036 owner complaints and 3 recalls
572 1.6x the Outback average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Outback year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2019 Outback
Top problems and what they cost
Battery drains while parked
The battery goes flat overnight or after a few days, leaving owners needing a jump start.
Fix: Larger battery $180 to $280 plus software update at the dealer.
Electrical
Windshield cracks with no impact
Cracks appear from the edge or spread from a tiny chip, often in the first few years.
Fix: Windshield plus EyeSight calibration $800 to $1,500.
Visibility
Touch screen delamination
The screen surface bubbles and registers phantom touches, changing stations or calling contacts on its own.
Fix: Head unit replacement $600 to $1,200 if out of warranty.
Electrical
Recalls
In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Subaru Outback
- Confirm fuel pump recalls 20V218 and 21V587 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Outback has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
- Ask how old the battery is and whether it has been upgraded.Many electrical glitches on these cars trace back to a weak 12-volt battery or a failing alternator. A battery older than about four years is worth replacing.Owners filed 202 complaints about battery keeps dying on the 2019 Outback, one of the worst years for it.
- Look closely at the windshield edges for cracks, and check the screen for bubbles.Infotainment screens on these cars can freeze, reboot or go black. On many cars the backup camera and climate controls run through the same screen.Owners filed 202 complaints about battery keeps dying on the 2019 Outback, one of the worst years for it.
- Leave the car locked for a few minutes, then check that everything starts normally.Small electrical and driver-assist faults often show up only as a message on the dash or a feature that quietly stops working. Watching for them on the drive catches problems the seller may not mention.Owners filed 202 complaints about battery keeps dying on the 2019 Outback, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2019 Subaru Outback reliable?
Flat batteries and cracked glass top the complaints. The 2019 Outback has the most complaints of any recent model year. Owners report dead batteries after a day or two parked, windshields cracking on their own and touch screens that bubble and press buttons by themselves. Two fuel pump recalls also cover this year. A well-kept one can be fine, but a 2021 costs little more and has far fewer reports.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Outback have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru Outback problems?
Battery drains while parked; Windshield cracks with no impact; Touch screen delamination.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Subaru Outback SW AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.