Is the 2019 Subaru OUTBACK reliable?

The 2019 Subaru OUTBACK has 1281 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.4x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: avoid. Most common issue: VISIBILITY problems.

What are common problems with the 2019 Subaru OUTBACK?

Top problems: VISIBILITY (389 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (364 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (209 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2019 Subaru OUTBACK?

Yes, there are 3 recall(s): STRUCTURE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Contact any Subaru dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2019 Subaru OUTBACK?

The 2019 Subaru OUTBACK gets 25 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1920. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

Is the 2019 Subaru OUTBACK often stolen?

Theft risk tier for the Subaru OUTBACK: very-low. HLDI insurance loss data suggests lower-than-average theft claims for this model.

How much does it cost to insure a 2019 Subaru OUTBACK?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2019 Subaru OUTBACK is approximately $1,494/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2019 Subaru OUTBACK

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Avoid This Year

Quick Summary

The 2019 Subaru OUTBACK has 1281 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.4x the segment average of 539. The most common issue is visibility problems (30% of all complaints), specifically: navigation system failure! i have 3200 miles on my 2019 outback and since day 1 have had problems using the nav system. the system freezes up completely causing everything not work radio back up camera etc. systems stays on at night draining battery. it sporadically works and works less and less. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 31 crash reports 14 injuries

1281

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.4x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

VISIBILITY

389 complaints

30%

• NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE! I HAVE 3200 MILES ON MY 2019 OUTBACK AND SINCE DAY 1 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS USING THE NAV SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP COMPLETELY CAUSING EVERYTHING NOT WORK RADIO BACK UP CAMERA ETC. SYSTEMS STAYS ON AT NIGHT DRAINING BATTERY. IT SPORADICALLY WORKS AND WORKS LESS AND LESS
• THE CAR WAS NOT USED OVER THE WEEKEND EXCEPT FOR A 5 MILE TRIP TO CHURCH WHERE IT DID NOT ENCOUNTER ANY ROCKS, HITS, ETC. DROVE HOME AND THE CAR WINDSHIELD WAS FIND. THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I GOT INTO THE CAR, AFTER I USED MY REMOTE TO START AND WARM UP MY OUTBACK, THERE WAS ABOUT AN 8-10 INCH CRACK
• WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED AT THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD, UNDER THE WIPER BLADE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I WAS NOT FOLLOWING ANY VEHICLES SO A ROCK CHIP COULD NOT BE THE CAUSE. THIS IS POOR WINDSHIELD QUALITY AND DESIGN BY SUBARU.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE! I HAVE 3200 MILES ON MY 2019 OUTBACK AND SINCE DAY 1 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS USING THE NAV SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP COMPLETELY CAUSING EVERYTHING NOT WORK RADIO BACK UP CAMERA ETC. SYSTEMS STAYS ON AT NIGHT DRAINING BATTERY. IT SPORADICALLY WORKS AND WORKS LESS AND LESS”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2019 Subaru OUTBACK

Based on 563 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 10K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

496

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

VISIBILITY

In line with typicalmedian 11K mi · 262 reports

0-30K

230

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 13K mi · 105 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 68 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 15K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 21 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SPEED CONTROL

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 18 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

STRUCTURE26/06/2019

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.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

Very low theft risk

Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2019 Subaru OUTBACK

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,920

Per month

$160

Per mile

16.0¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,500/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2019 Subaru OUTBACK

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,494

Full coverage / month

$125

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-11%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk0.85x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1494

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Subaru OUTBACK Service Intervals

Oil change

6K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

6K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

30K mi

Engine coolant

138K mi

Spark plugs

60K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

30K mi

Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2019 OUTBACK, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

VISIBILITY(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 1281 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
VISIBILITY: NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE! I HAVE 3200 MILES ON MY 2019 OUTBACK AND SINCE DAY 1 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS USING THE NAV SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP COMPLETELY CAUSING EVERYTHING NOT WORK RADIO BACK UP CAMERA ETC. SYSTEMS STAYS ON AT NIGHT DRAINING BATTERY. IT SPORADICALLY WORKS AND WORKS LESS AND LESS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: NAVIGATION SYSTEM FAILURE! I HAVE 3200 MILES ON MY 2019 OUTBACK AND SINCE DAY 1 HAVE HAD PROBLEMS USING THE NAV SYSTEM. THE SYSTEM FREEZES UP COMPLETELY CAUSING EVERYTHING NOT WORK RADIO BACK UP CAMERA ETC. SYSTEMS STAYS ON AT NIGHT DRAINING BATTERY. IT SPORADICALLY WORKS AND WORKS LESS AND LESS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: PURCHASED A BRAND NEW 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK 3.6R LIMITED WITH EYESIGHT. WITH LESS THAN 23 MILES ON IT, THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED JUST SITTING IN THE GARAGE. RESEARCHING THE WEB SHOWS THIS IS A PROBLEM WITH SUBARU OUTBACK.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO DESIGN OR MALFUNCTIONING OF TECHNOLOGY. THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL FAILED TO MAINTAIN ADJUSTED SPEED. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS SET TO 45MPH AT WHICH POINT, THE VEHICLE SPEED UP AND CRASHED INTO THE CAR AHEAD.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)