2019 Subaru Outback Problems And Complaints

User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Problems

• Fuel Pump - The crossover is prone to fuel pump failures. This leads to engine stalling while moving from a complete stop. Users also report sluggish acceleration under driving conditions. The issue has forced recalls on the SUV. Sudden loss of drive power increases the chances of rear-ended collisions.
• Brakes - Subaru Outback complaints report braking failures. The SUV does not slow down on applying brakes. Few instances report the car speeding up on depressing the brake pedal. Braking issues increase the chances of a crash.
• Powertrain - User complaints report instances of rogue acceleration while moving from a standstill. Unintended acceleration increases the chances of crashing. Chain slippage is another common powertrain issue with the Outback. This results in engine stalling. Resolving powertrain issues is hefty upkeep and time-consuming. 
• Suspension - Users report the SUV experiences a pull towards right under driving conditions. The issue does not relate to wheel alignment. This can increase the chances of a crash.
• Steering - Users report cases of the SUV veering off without any driver input. Few instances report that the steering wheel feels ‘loose’ after a clanking sound. These steering issues can compromise vehicle control and increase the chances of crashing.

Electrical Problems 

• Driver aids - Auto Emergency Brake (AEB) malfunction is a common issue with the SUV. This results in unprompted braking under driving conditions without any potential threat. This increases the chances of rear-ended collisions. Lane departure assist malfunction results in veering off the vehicle under driving conditions. This increases the risk of crashing.
• Battery - Parasitic battery drain is a common issue with the SUV. User complaints report dead batteries with parked vehicles. Parasitic battery drains can result in an abrupt loss of power. This increases the chances of a crash. The solution requires replacing the battery. The parasitic battery drain is the most common complaint with the Subaru Outback.
• Headlights - The headlights of the SUV offer dimmed illumination. Users report the headlight position to be higher than the road surface. This can distract oncoming vehicle drivers. These headlights increase the chances of a crash.

Safety Problems

• Airbags - The SUV is prone to airbag deployment failures in the event of a crash. This compromises user safety and increases the risk of injury. 

Structural Problems

• Windshield - Shattering or cracking of the windshield without any damage is common with the SUV. Subaru claims environmental temperature and pressure to be the cause of the issue. However, the manufacturer fails to find a fix.

Logistic Problems

• Recalled parts - User complaints report multiple cases of unavailability of recalled fuel pumps. Faulty fuel pumps are a major concern with the SUV. Unavailability of recalled parts results in delayed recalls. This renders the vehicle ‘unsafe’ to use.

Recalls 

S. No	Date	NHTSA ID	Issues Noticed	Additional Remarks	Remedy
1	June 29,  2021	21V587000	The fuel pump may fail.	A fuel pump failure can cause engine stalling under driving conditions. This increases the chances of a crash.	Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on 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.
2	April 16,  2020	20V218000	The fuel pump may become inoperative/cause an engine stall.	If the low-pressure fuel pump sails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle. This increases the chances of a crash.	Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June on 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
3	June 26,  2019	19V493000	Improperly applied spot welds.	In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle's body can increase the chances of injury.	Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.

Should you buy the 2019 Subaru Outback?

Subaru brings attempts to bring in an ideal outdoor vehicle with the Outback. The Subaru Outback offers a versatile and comfortable experience as a family wagon. The wagon shows the capability to adapt to both paved tarmac and gravel trails. However, the Subaru Outback struggles with major reliability concerns. These issues with the car vary in magnitude from brake defects to fuel pump failures.

Despite offering versatility and practical economy, the reliability concerns work against the car. This discourages the 2019 Subaru Outback as a choice for a family vehicle. We recommend considering the Audi A4 Allroad and the Volvo V60 Cross Country over the Outback. Although these options push the budget higher, the returns are worth it.