2019 Subaru Outback Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report steering issues, with symptoms such as the vehicle pulling to the left or right unexpectedly, a loose or shaky steering feel, and difficulty maintaining lane control at highway speeds. These issues are often described as occurring at various speeds, particularly above 40 MPH, and some owners indicate the problems began shortly after purchase or around 20,000 to 55,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as one complaint involves a crash and multiple reports suggest a loss of control. Additionally, some owners mention the manual lever adjustment for the steering column collapsing intermittently, further contributing to steering instability. This information is particularly relevant for used car buyers considering this model.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with unintended acceleration, often occurring when the vehicle is at low speeds or while attempting to park. Common symptoms include the car accelerating suddenly while the brake is depressed, with no warning lights or system alerts preceding the incidents. These events have led to several crashes, typically at low mileage ranges, with some reports indicating damage to property or other vehicles. Complaints also mention potential malfunctions with the adaptive cruise control system, where the vehicle either accelerates unexpectedly or fails to maintain set speeds, contributing to collisions. Used car buyers should be aware of these patterns, especially given the reported crashes and potential safety risks associated with loss of control.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report issues related to the power train, notably involving unintended acceleration and transmission problems. Several complaints describe sudden acceleration incidents, sometimes leading to crashes, with one resulting in injury. Transmission issues include slippage, getting stuck in gear, and complete failure to move, often occurring around 50,000 to 80,000 miles. There is also a report of a fire starting between the engine and transmission. These issues present significant safety implications, including loss of vehicle control and potential fire hazards, which are critical considerations for used car buyers.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report issues related to unintended acceleration and engine component failures. Complaints describe symptoms such as rapid unintended acceleration, often requiring drivers to shift into park to stop the vehicle from lunging forward, as well as a lack of acceleration when needed, which has led to a crash in one instance. Engine component issues include failures of the Tumble Generator Valve and cam carrier seepage, with some owners experiencing these problems as early as 42,000 miles. Additionally, multiple owners note exhaust leaks and abnormal coolant odors, with symptoms appearing at various mileages, sometimes as low as 4 miles. These issues could pose safety risks, including potential exposure to carbon monoxide and loss of vehicle control.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes, with five incidents involving collisions and nine injuries noted. Complaints often describe situations where the airbag warning light illuminates intermittently, sometimes linked to cold weather or specific electronic devices like phone chargers. Several reports indicate faulty occupant detection control modules or seat sensors, leading to airbag deactivation even when seats are occupied. These issues arise at varying mileages, with no consistent pattern, and have significant safety implications, especially in crash scenarios where airbags fail to deploy. Prospective buyers should be aware of these reported airbag system malfunctions and their potential impact on vehicle safety.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the vehicle's braking system, including unintended acceleration and brake pedal sinking. Several complaints describe scenarios where the vehicle accelerates unexpectedly, even when the brake pedal is pressed, leading to crashes and injuries. Additionally, some owners note that the brake pedal sinks to the floor under light to medium pressure, requiring the pedal to be pumped to restore functionality. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some incidents occurring around 24,000 miles. The reports highlight significant safety implications, including five crashes and three injuries, suggesting potential risks for loss of control.

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Outback frequently report issues related to the fuel pump, with symptoms including the vehicle stalling or not starting, often accompanied by a gasoline odor and, in some cases, visible fuel leaks. These problems occur at varying mileages, with some reports around 30,000 to 38,500 miles. Several complaints highlight that the vehicle loses power while driving, posing potential safety risks, especially when this occurs on highways or in heavy traffic. Some owners mention that their vehicles were not covered by existing recalls, despite experiencing similar issues, and others report problems persisting even after recall-related repairs. These issues suggest a notable concern for potential buyers regarding the reliability of the fuel system in this model year.