The 2019 Subaru Outback is associated with 1032 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Electrical System, accounting for 281 reports (27% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 2.5l 4-cyl and 3.6l 6-cyl configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 22 to 28 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 1032 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Electrical System (281 / 27%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 24 crash / 2 fire / 12 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 22–28 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Outback AWD | 2.5L 4-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 25 MPG | 32 MPG | 28 MPG | — | $2,200 / yr |
| Outback AWD | 3.6L 6-Cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S6) | 20 MPG | 27 MPG | 22 MPG | — | $2,800 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| SW AWD | | | | | 17.4% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2019 Subaru Outback models.
View complete 2019 Subaru Outback crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2019 Subaru Outback problems & component breakdown (115 categories) →
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Defect Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: STRUCTURE
Defect 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2019 Subaru Outback recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →