2019 Subaru Outback

The 2019 Subaru Outback is a popular wagon/SUV known for its standard all-wheel drive, spacious interior, and strong safety ratings. It was offered with two engine options: a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 175 horsepower and 174 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.6-liter six-cylinder engine producing 256 horsepower and 247 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission). Owners often praise the Outback for its reliability, practicality, and off-road capabilities. However, some common complaints include the sometimes sluggish acceleration of the 2.5L engine, infotainment system quirks, and wind noise at highway speeds.

Engine

2.5L Four-Cylinder

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners reported excessive oil consumption, requiring frequent top-offs between oil changes. The Subaru oil consumption class action lawsuit primarily addresses models produced before 2019, however, some issues do persist in the 2019 model.
  • Solution: Monitoring oil levels regularly and potentially performing an oil consumption test at a Subaru dealer. The solution varies depending on severity, it could be a software update, replacing PCV valve or piston ring replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: The solution varies, it could be a software update that costs around $150. Piston ring replacement can cost $2,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

3.6L Six-Cylinder

• No Issues Found

Transmission

Lineartronic CVT (Both Engine Options)

• CVT Hesitation/Jerking
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported experiencing hesitation or jerking during acceleration, particularly from a stop or at low speeds. This can be more pronounced in colder weather.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update from the dealer can improve the CVT’s performance. In more severe cases, valve body replacement or complete CVT replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically $100-$200. Valve body replacement can range from $1,000-$2,000. Full CVT replacement can cost $5,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• No Issues Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Crashing
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can freeze, crash, or become unresponsive, requiring a restart of the vehicle.
  • Solution: Software updates from the dealer are often released to address these issues. In some cases, the head unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software updates are typically covered under warranty or cost $100-$200. Head unit replacement can cost $500 - $1,500+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have experienced premature battery drain, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Ensuring all accessories are turned off when the vehicle is not in use, checking for parasitic drains, and potentially replacing the battery with a higher-capacity AGM battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Battery replacement $150-$300. Diagnostic work for parasitic drain $100+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Cracked Windshield
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported that the windshields are prone to cracking easily from small impacts.
  • Solution: Windshield Replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $500+ depending on aftermarket vs OEM windshield.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Excessive Wind Noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have complained about excessive wind noise at highway speeds, particularly around the door seals.
  • Solution: Replacing or adjusting door seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $200+ per door depending on the severity.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Subaru Outback generally enjoys a good reputation for reliability. The most frequently reported issues involve the infotainment system, CVT transmission and engine oil consumption, particularly the 2.5L engine and Lineartronic CVT. While some problems can be addressed with relatively inexpensive software updates, others, like CVT or head unit replacements, can be more costly. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential issues and thoroughly inspect the vehicle, checking its maintenance history, and considering a pre-purchase inspection before making a purchase.