2019 Subaru Outback Complaint Log

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The head unit for my 2019 Subaru Outback has failed due to manufacturer error. The issue is screen delamination which renders the screen unusable and causes major distractions while driving due to "ghost touches" on the screen. This causes a loud beeping noise which coincides with the screen sporadically jumping. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No. Subaru of America refuses to assist. Shockingly, even if I was willing to pay out of my own pocket, there is a multi month/year wait list, leaving me without critical safety functions (back up cameras, etc) for an unknown amount of time.

Navigation console formed a multiple bubbles underneath the display randomly calling people, going into different function screens, radio changing to different stations randomly.

My complaint is the Outback head unit. This unit has a delaminated surface on the inside of the Outback touch screen. This was explained to me by the service manager, at the local Subaru dealer. The screen looks to have little bubbles inside the touch screen covering 45% of screen. During the daytime the sunlight shining on the screen and the bubbles, blocks the feed from the backup camera when the car is shifted in reverse. The head unit will also bounce the various apps in the unit, in a totally random pattern. From the radio (FM to Am to Sirius), then to the CD player, to car play and the blue tooth app. The head unit has added the navigation into the mix in the last week. The only way to negate this mess is to turn the head unit off while operating the vehicle. After talking with Subaru customer service and the Subaru dealer, my cost to replacement would be $345.90 and Subaru would cover the rest. This was discussed on March 5th. I have tried to get any updates for replacing the head unit and no one from the dealer or Subaru customer service have returned calls or text messages.

Windshields crack easily. I was using the original windshield and it was cracked on the passenger side. Common error of subaru outback. My car is only 37000miles.

The infotainment system in my 2019 Subaru Outback glitched/ stops working randomly. I have a video of the touchscreen glitching and making selections betweens apps by itself. Also, I've started having random alerts pop up on the dash, such as: " obstacle ahead" when there is not an obstacle ahead or "roads may be icy" when it is 60 degrees outside. I reported it to Subaru, which they advised me to take it to Crown Subaru to have them take a look at it and they can submit a claim. I took it to the Crown Subaru & when I told them the problem, the lady that helped me stated, " yeah, this is common, I know exactly what your talking about." She then called another employee and told him she needed a quote for a infotainment center that was delaminating and was making selections on it's own. A week later I received a call from Subaru stating they would pay $500 of the bill as a one time goodwill gesture. The quote from Crown Subaru was for $900.

The contact's wife owned a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked for approximately 4 to 5 hours in the car port unattended, the contact noticed that the vehicle had caught fire near the rear driver's side and burned up a portion of the garage and house, The fence, a Datsun truck, two golf carts, and trees were burned. The contact was previously at the local dealer for routine service. The fire department was able to aid in extinguishing the fire. There were no reported injuries, crash or air bag deployment. The vehicle was towed to the junk yard. A police report was filed. The local dealer was not contacted after the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.  The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

The battery has a substantial drain on it when the car is not in use. The car is not reliable to get from one place to another, especially if it sits for 24+ hours. The danger comes in that we may be left stranded in a remote area where no cell service is available. We often go to remote areas to camp. The vehicle and battery have been inspected by the dealership and they recommended a larger battery due to a settlement in a class action lawsuit. However, this does not fix the battery drain. Another class action suit is in the process to address this situation. No symptoms or warnings for when the battery dies. Everything operates just fine until it does not. Absolutely unpredictable.

Starlink system not have service. SOS button doesn't work. My safety and life after an accident may be at risk because the SOS system will not call for help

Windshield cracked spontaneously while parked, March 29, 2024. Temperature was approx 28°F. This was the second time in 11 months this has happened. Safelite technician said it was caused by faulty windshield heater. The first one I paid for the replacement, the second one was under warranty from Safelite. But was told if it happened again they would not be responsible.

3rd battery in 2019 Outback. Park car and next day battery is dead. And fully dead. Does not even want to take a charge at times…. 39000 on vehicle. Dealer could not find anything. Coincidently the passenger front window quits working also. There is no warning to this just next day vehicle will not start. All work is done at the Mandan nd Subaru dealership.

We own a 2019 outback, and have had the windshield replaced twice prior this event. The first was a year ago with about 70K miles after the windshield suddenly cracked while going about 70MPH, this happen when no other cares where around. The second time was 2 weeks later when we came outside in the morning and the windshield was cracked while parked in a parking lot. Now for the 3rd time the windshield has cracked while parked in the garage, the windshield has cracked more each night, and has not grown is size while driving. Coincidental all the cracks have started in the same spot, lower portion of the windshield by the wiper, just to the right of the driver. We have been told every time by the dealer that it has been a rock chip, but its hard to get a rock chip when teh vehicle is in the garage and not moving.

I am writing to bring to your attention a concerning matter regarding a 2019 Subaru Outback. This vehicle has a known factory defect that results in excessive electrical draw from one of the factory-installed systems (DCM), leading to drained car batteries. This issue poses a significant risk, especially in situations where the vehicle may fail in dangerous environments. Subaru has previously issued a recall for the same issue on earlier model years, indicating awareness of the problem. However, they have failed to extend this recall to the 2019 model, despite it being part of the same manufacturing series. This inconsistency in addressing the issue is deeply concerning and potentially puts consumers at risk. Given the potential safety implications and the manufacturer's failure to take adequate action, I urge your office to investigate this matter thoroughly. Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to your prompt action in resolving this issue and ensuring the safety of consumers.

My battery continually dies leaving me stranded. I have to carry a jumper box to be sure I can start my car and safely get home . From doing research, Subaru is aware of this problem from the tech bulletins they have posted . They should replace the DCM for their customers and update the program as well.

The head unit is malfunctioning due to bubbles behind the screen, causing various systems to act up. When a phone is plugged in for guidance it will randomly change the settings and guidance goes away. It will automatically call people. Radio stations and music turn on and off, and change by themselves. All of these are distractions while driving, and negate the safety features of the in dash guidance and hands free phone features. This is a continuous problem.

Within a year, my windshield has cracked 4 times with Subaru glass. These cracks are huge coming from either the top or bottom. With the crack, I feel like the eyesight feature is not accurate therefore causing weird serving. So I do not feel safe leaving my lane assist on. I have had 3 Subaru glass and one safelite glass, and this seems to be a reoccurring issue. what is the point of getting it fixed if it'll just keep cracking.

The DCM component failed and is available for inspection by the dealer. When a manufacture has knowledge of a component that has a record of failure but ignores the need for replacement; it becomes a safety concern. Any problem when neglected is a potential safety issue. The dealer has confirmed the DCM is responsible for causing the engine battery to fail. No warning. No mention in vehicles regular maintenance schedule. The dealer reports SOA advised the service department to stock DCM's.

The battery keeps draining/dying and I need to constantly jump start the car. I’ve replaced the battery and it keeps happening.

Having dead battery issues due to DCM drain when vehicle parked in garage. I replaced 2 batteries since November 2023 and last dead battery issue March 2024. Took it to dealer Brilliance Subaru and they said they found no problem. Went to another mechanic and they said draining 150 or more milliamps from DCM fuse #9 when they take out milliamps returned to normal draw i think 20 or less but then i lose front speakers and bluetooth or more stuff. So thats not the fix.

Delamination on radio screen causing head unit to go crazy on its own. Identical issues reported in 2017/2018 models resulting in class suit vs Subaru… at this time Subaru dealership advised Subaru is not addressing the known defective head unit issue and quoting $2000 for replacement which is ridiculous for a 4-5 year old car. Assistance needed to have Subaru issue a recall and take ownership for its defective product.

I have had 3 dead battery issues with this car. Something is draining the battery while the car is off.

Repeatedly DEAD BATTERY. Experiencing premature parasitic battery drain in Outback, I had to jump the car every morning.

I subscribe to Subaru Star Link from the time I first purchased our Outback in 2019. The system does not continuously perform correctly. I have taken our Outback to the dealer and they try to recalibrate the unit, but it does not continue to perform correctly. In March of 2023 I was in an accident and Star Link did not notify the police. When we called the police they stated that they received no notification from Star Link. On February 23, 2024 youngsters tried to break into our Outback the Police saw this incident and expressed surprise that Star Link gave them no notification. Can not manage to get Star Link to continuously work. Unit does not give traffic warnings.

My windshield cracked for the 6th time with nothing hitting on this occasion. It immediately shattered and even lost a piece of glass from where it cracked. I believe this to be a safety issue as it could immediately inter with my safety and radar equipment. I am worried if the glass cracks without contact what would happen if something significant hit it. Additionally since this is the 6th time I am concerned that something could be wrong with the design of the vehicle. I have contacted Subaru multiple times without resolve.

My subaru outback has been having an issue with a dead battery, every month for the past 4 months. My dealership has done 2 complete diagnostics, overloading the system, etc. They have come up with nothing on why my battery dies. When I have taken my car in to be checked, it's always with a new battery that is still good. I have had 3 new batteries in the past 4 months, plus multiple charges. Something drains the battery within a month's time. This past visit to the dealership, I have refused to pick up my vehicle because I know it's going to die in a month. I can't live like this, not knowing when it will die. I am most particular about making sure doors and tailgate are completely closed. Is there anything more the dealership should be checking into? Any advice would be appreciated.

DCM is a parasitic drain on the battery according to the dealership. Replaced battery twice. The "fix" online is to pull the fuse but starlink and hands free won't work without it.

Repeated dead battery. Have replaced battery to no avail.

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the front windshield fractured without impact. The contact stated that it was the second time that the failure had occurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the contact was informed that the failure was due to the impact of a possible rock chip. The contact was also advised that the failure was not a factory defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not assist. The failure mileage was approximately 50,535.

Windshield has cracked (large about 10 inches or more) 2 times within a year for no apparent reason. Both times the weather did not have fast shifting changes and the car was sitting in the driveway or in the garage at my residence.

"Parasitic" draw. Battery replaced, less than year old, almost daily need to "jump" vehicle to start. Always have to have booster pack. Multiple mechanics trips. Dash screen touch option does not work, have videos of the screen randomly "fluttering" through various screens and or radio stations. Leave the radio off, will randomly come on, on its own.

I have 2019 Outback Subaru. I just paid 5k to get the cam carrier fixed in November, now i am being told my motor is going out and i have to get additional work done to the cam carrier. I got my car in October of 2019 with 3/miles, my car has a little of 91k miles. Why do i have to come out my pocket almost 10k with this car being a 2019. I am very angry, beyond words. Subaru is coating people alot of money. I would never tell anyone took get a Subaru.

Battery has been dead,if sitting acouple of days of not driving,charge it up and in acouple of days it's is dead again,seem the data communication module(DCM) IS what is drawing the Battery dead

As of Today 1-31-24 I have to replace my windshield for the 3rd time. The first windshield was broken when a rock from a semi the rock stuck the windshield (7K miles). I paid for that one b/C that rock would have cracked any windshield. The 2nd windshield cracked for what seemed to me to be no apparent reason (36 K miles). And the fourth Windshield (48K miles) has now cracked in two places for no apparent reason. Subaru paid for the 3rd windshield but Subaru Customer Advocacy says they won't pay for another windshield b/c they paid for the 3rd windshield as a matter of "courtesy". My wife and I have owned 10-13 Subaru's and many other vehicles since the 1980's and have never had any windshield problems like this before. There has to be something wrong with the design or materials in these windshields.

My 2019 Subaru outback has a defective screen. The screen has begun to delaminate from the inside and causes the screen to jump around and not be able to stay on one screen. The power button also seems to not be working and is cause the radio to turn on and off. Because of those two issues, the radio screen jumps around and turns off and on, posing a major safety risk. I tried taking the car to the place I bought it and a Subaru dealer, and they will not help financially or with the repair even though they have this issue with other year models of the same car. Picture is attached. Has sense gotten worse.

Ignition and battery failure - unable to unlock certain parts of the car, all electrical is dead This is the second incidence in 6 months. Not weather dependent. One incidence in June and another in January. Entered car, pressed ignition button, no ignition, the icons all lit up in red on the indicator dash. Previously AAA indicated that the battery was totally dead, no amps, appeared to be an electrical problem and not strictly a battery problem according to AAA. At dealership they performed a "drain test." They told me that is all they could do. Customer Service gave me a battery for "free." I don't know if it was a used battery or a new one. This time I will pay for the battery to make sure it is new. No words of why this occurred to my car were stated. They just pushed the repair invoice towards me with the keys and said I was ready to go. This time when I called they told me they could only do the "drain" test again. I knew I had to investigate since they were not helping me find the source of the problem. This could be a major problem if one was locked in the car and the electrical failed. Worse yet if a fire occurred and one could not get out, death could occur. When I left the car after the ignition did not work, the ignition light on the ignition button stayed on. (lit up in red) Please help me out with this. The auto is a Touring Outback - year 2019.

After driving 5 miles or so, the Air Bag indicator light goes on. After stopping for 10 minutes for shopping, etc., Y starting the car again the light is out until I drive a few more miles & then the light comes on again. This started last week when it was very cold here. Today, it was in the 50s & the same thing happened. I have not contacted the dealer yet because of the inconsistency. I have to search the internet more to see if others are having the same problem.

The head unit (radio) on my 2019 Subaru Outback began developing "bubbles" behind the touch screen which is causing phantom touches. Without any human interference, the radio will suddenly start switching channels and functions on the radio in a very rapid sequence. When this occurs while driving, it is EXTREMELY distracting for the driver. The only solution is to turn the entire head unit off and go without radio, navigation, nor bluetooth capabilities. Subaru prides itself on safety, and yet Subaru of America seems to not take this issue seriously. I have filed a case with Subaru of America, but they seem satisfied to make customers foot the bills for diagnostic testing, meanwhile the head unit in question is on a backorder and simply not available. Harman Kardon is the maker of the head unit and should be made to pay for the development of a new head unit without serious defects. But if Subaru is truly the company they say there are, then they need to take responsibility as well and provide the replacement of the defective units regardless of warranty status. At first this may appear as a "cosmetic issue," but I can honestly say that my initial experience was so distracting and confusing, and occurred in an area where I was not able to pull over. I consider myself very lucky that I was involved in any kind of accident.

Broken axle, ECM or engine control module, Replaced with third battery with only 77,000 miles. This car is a lemon and a total,piece of junk My wife’s 2020 Subaru Forrester has a console which is a complete hazard on the road. If you put anything on the console it doesn’t stay and slides off Talk about a complete distraction and safety danger just because of lazy manufacturing and stupid engineers who can’t think their way out of a wet paperbag

I have experienced two separate incidents of spontaneous windshield cracking on my 2019 Subaru Outback, with no external impact or road debris involved. The first windshield crack occurred, and Subaru replaced it under warranty after inspection showed no signs of impact. The second crack occurred again without any collision or impact. However, Subaru has now refused to cover the second incident, even though it clearly follows the same pattern. There is no visible point of impact. The cracks appear to originate near the bottom edge of the windshield and spread rapidly. I park the vehicle in a safe residential area and have not driven over rough terrain or been involved in any accidents. I have also referenced a known class action lawsuit involving similar spontaneous cracking issues with windshields in Subaru vehicles, including the 2017–2020 Outback and Legacy models. This suggests a manufacturing or design defect affecting structural integrity. This issue creates a serious visibility and safety hazard for drivers and passengers, especially if the windshield fails further while the vehicle is in motion. Subaru’s failure to cover a known defect and repeated issue puts drivers at risk. I am requesting that the NHTSA investigate this recurring defect in Subaru windshields to determine whether a recall or broader corrective action is necessary.

Front windshield cracked without any impact. Was parked in my driveway for previous 3 days. Got in to drive and noticed the large crack right away. It started from the passenger mid lower edge and within a day it cracked halfway across passenger side. There was no divot or impact that caused this.

Windshield has been cracked and replaced 3 times and currently has another crack, all within 17 months. Also head unit has internal malfunction and must be replaced at cost of $1700 +/-

When defroster was turned on, a crack began on the windshield at the bottom, left of middle. As the days went on, the crack continued to spread when heat was on or sun heated up the windshield. In 3 months it went from a 4 inch to a 10 inch crack that obstructed view. We just had it replaced after paying a $500 deductible, with no guarantee it won’t recur.

I purchased this vehicle brand new in 2020 and had never experienced any issues with the battery this year alone(2023) I have had to replace the battery 4 times. I would used the jump method leaving the to car running for at least 15 minutes before driving and then within the next month or two the battery is drained and dead again. When I took my vehicle to the dealership the mechanic already knew what the DCM would be the issue. I then called the manufacturer after doing more research and noticed that this is a very common issue and it has not been recalled yet. After performing the DCM test it was confirmed that was the issue and I am still being ask to pay the 1200.00 bill.

I have submitted for Extended Warranty Battery Service in the Subaru Battery Settlement confirmation number is SB68712430. This battery settlement should include the DCM as replacing the battery does not fix the problem. I believe this is an electrical fault (parasitic current draw) is caused by the the faulty DCM. There are hundreds of people posted the same issue. This should be a recall.

Windshield started to crack despite no incident and crack has rapidly expanded

My 2019 Infotainment systems has begun delamination from the outer glass on the back side. It is causing ghost operations of the systems. Access to my safety features are through the system.

Touchscreen has delaminated and bubbled, and it begins to operate on its own, and is unresponsive to correction. This affects the Settings, Navigation, and Infotainment systems. At worst, it causes Navigation and Maps to be inoperative at critical times. At best, it is distracting to the driver while trying to get it responsive, back in control. Dealership wants $3K TO REPLACE ENTIRE SCREEN SYSTEM, which is excessive for a new vehicle.

Battery dies on a consistent basis and appears to be a trickle drain on the battery. After reading numerous online forums this appears to be a consistent issue that has not been addressed by Subaru of America. It appears the drain is caused by the DCM fuse being faulty. I have recently had the vehicle inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership with no issues noted. While this issue does not create any immediate safety concerns, it could place individuals at risk if they found themselves in remote and/or dangerous locations with no ability to start their vehicle. According to online forums this issue has been observed by multiple Subaru dealers. There are no warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of this issue other than a dead battery.

Cracked windshield (2nd incident in less than 18 months). Windshield cracked without any impact with rocks or other objects. This is an OEM windshield that was installed and calibrated at Sheehy Subaru Springfield, VA. This windshield easily cracks or is damage (impacts blemishes) by minor/small objects, which is unreasonable. This latest incident that I am reporting is a hair line crack, about 14” in length that runs from the edge of the windshield to the middle; there was no impact; this appears to be a temperature change like crack. It adversely affects visibility. This is a very expensive repair $1,500 for OEM and calibration.

There is a persistent battery issue that, after repeated periods of short-trip-driving, results in a dead battery. There is a parasitic drain on the battery. We've had the battery replaced twice, and the issue still continues. We're worried that this will leave us stranded somewhere with a vehicle that won't start.

The hood popped open at 35 mph causing loss of sight. I was in traffic and luckily was able to pull the car off the road. I am taking it to the dealer as soon as I can get an appointment. There were no warning lights or messages prior. I will secure the hood with something before I drive it to the dealer. If I had been driving on the Interstate I am sure the hood would have smashed into windshield. I consider this a very dangerous problem.