2019 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems

My complaint/safety issue is that while I was in my 2019 Subaru Outback, I experienced Unintentional acceleration. While waiting for the large chain-link fence at my storage unit to open, the Outback raced into the gate! I had one foot on the brake waiting for the gate, then I stomped the pedal with both feet, and I held that position while the car smashed through the gate. This happened in July of 2021. I don't recall if I shut the car off or if it just finally came to a stop. I was terrified to drive it for fear of it happening again, but this time hitting a person in a crosswalk! I did take the car to Subaru, and they said that they would go through it thoroughly. After one month, they said that there were no issues with the car and that my carpet must have caused the acceleration. I reminded them that my car had floor mats that clicked into place! It was a nightmare. Even big wigs from Headquarters called me to explain this was a one-time thing and mentioned the floor mats again! I hope no more people are injured by the corrupt managers.

NHTSA ID

11756599

Incident

Jun 7, 2021

Today 13 Feb 2026, around 3pm I was following traffic it was slow (5 miles an hour) and the traffic light turned red so I pushed on my brake to stop the car and it surged forward I pushed down on the brake again and the my vehicle stopped. Lucy I was travel a couple car lengths behind the vehicle in front of me or we would have ran into his back bumper. This is the second time this year this happen the other time was a couple of weeks back and I thought I did something wrong but my wife was in the car this time with me and she thought I did something I told her I pushed on the brake and the car surged forward. I told her I wasn't going nuts as this was the second time this year the car did this. I live in Central Florida and the weather was over 70 degrees, we were shopping and were heading home I estimate we were in the car traveling 4/5 minutes when this happened.

NHTSA ID

11717942

Incident

Feb 13, 2026

I was driving my 2019 Subaru Outback North on [XXX] just North of Alanson, Michigan on [XXX] when it applied the brakes and made a noise similar to driving on the rumble strip. There were no vehicles in front of me. Scary and now I am nervous driving this car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11683119

Incident

Aug 26, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The computer control system showed low tire pressures. While the passenger’s seat was occupied, there was an abnormal dinging sound detected. The message that the seat not activated message was displayed. The contact stated that the battery drained, and the vehicle failed to start. The starting system had drained the battery. The contact had Triple AAA check the vehicle, and the DCM made an abnormal popping sound. The ABS, radio, and CD warning lights were flashing. The transmission, GPS, and undercarriage messages were illuminated. The computer screen had burned out and was inoperable. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH, the vehicle abruptly stopped without driver input. The steering wheel became inoperable and was uncontrollable. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the DCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11631374

Incident

Dec 15, 2024

Mileage

55,000 mi

To the CA Automotive Repair Bureau, [XXX] complaint, In 2022, I bought a new Outback at Albany Subaru. In October 2024, my car has 33,000 miles and I've had all of my 3,000-mile oil changes, inspections, and Warranty repairs done by Albany Subaru. I pay $100 for each repair that's covered under Subaru's extended Warranty. In 2023, the car's Dashboard Computer/Radio Head Unit was repaired, I drove the car for a few days, but the Head Unit was defective, so Subaru changed the Head Unit. This cost me (3) three trips to Subaru, which is 7.8 miles from my home, UBER costs, and three $100 Warranty payments. I'm a small business owner and had to pay employees extra to remain at work so I could drop off and pick up my car. Most times Subaru didn't give me a loaner car. Weeks later, I was driving up a hill and could not correctly steer my car, I thought I might crash, so I stopped driving my new car. I only drive on paved roads and I bought my Subaru because of Subaru's quality and safety reputation. I returned my car to Albany Subaru. My car's Steering or front end seemed loose and not right. Subaru told me I needed an alignment. I paid for an alignment. I drove my car home, but again, the Steering didn’t seem right, it was still loose and shaking. A day later, I returned my car to Subaru and they readjusted and tightened the Steering Box. Subaru called me at home and stated I needed an oil change, an alignment, and (4) four new tires, and brakes, which I agreed to the oil change. The next day, I picked the car up and spoke to the Service Managers about my concerns with the new car Steering, and stated to them that Subaru Bloggers are sharing that there should be a Recall on Subaru Steering Columns and other repair issues that could result in Lemon Law Lawsuits against Subaru. The Service Manager Nikki Ali and a Mechanic stated that Subaru has Steering Column issues but that Subaru has not yet issued a National Recall, but may replace Steering Columns. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F

NHTSA ID

11619244

Incident

Oct 4, 2024

While turning into a parking spot my wife had foot on the brake and vehicle accelerated over parking bumpers and into a fence and ultimately was stopped by a combination of a tree and the fence car drove through. This collision prevented her from crossing pedestrian sidewalk and continuing into Southbound traffic lane of state hwy. This incident put not only my wife at risk but also potentially any pedestrians or southbound vehicles. There were no system failures or warnings prior to my wife's arrival to her appointment. As mentioned this occurred within an approximate 5 second time frame. It is unknown as to what if any warnings occurred prior to/during the crash as my wife was pushing the brake to park when the sudden acceleration occurred. The braking system seems to have failed along with the sudden acceleration. The Automatic Braking System didn't engage, nor did the parking collision system. All our other Subaru's (including this vehicle have the collision warning and automatic braking systems) The dealership did not try to replicate the incident but all warning systems appear to be functioning correctly at this time. Following the accident I first reported the incident to my dealership where I purchased the vehicle. The initial damage estimate is forthcoming but Subaru tech indicated it will be may thousands of dollars to repair. I will follow-up next with Subaru's National Customer Care (per conversation with dealer) At the dealership (Southern Oregon Subaru) I had a safety/drive-ability inspection performed. Vehicle was given a clearance to drive, but obviously my wife refuses to drive it. Subsequent to the accident, we learned there are over 200 similar reports to NHTSA for this exact issue. We will also submit claim to insurance provider USAA.

NHTSA ID

11611077

Incident

Aug 24, 2024

I put my 2019 Subaru Outback in park, stepped out of my car and the car proceeded to unexpeectedly roll forward with the door knocking me to the ground. The back wheels of the car then ran over both my legs. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance company or anyone else. I sent a letter January 1, 2024 to Subaru's Customer Advocacy Department, but have not received a response. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the car unexpectedly going out of gear after being placed in park. prior to this occuring.

NHTSA ID

11579087

Incident

Nov 8, 2023

I went to reverse, then drive and Left turn into a parking spot inside a small flattop parking lot. My car made a popping noise and grating sounds after the reverse and turning of the steering wheel. I turned off my car once in the spot and looked under the car is it sounded like something was grating against the ground. I didn’t see anything. Upon restarting the car, the sounds continued when I tried to accelerate or turn. I could not accelerate past 10 mph and all my warning lights lit in the dash. I turned the car off and put in park. The car would roll forward unless I had the emergency brake on.

NHTSA ID

11504194

Incident

Jan 28, 2023

Driving the car from the dealer where was repaired for faulty fuel pump, I noticed the brake pedal was going to the floor when pressing on it. I got scared driving it on highway as I would not be able to stop in time if I had to brake hard. I took the car to the dealer, and he confirmed the brake master cylinder has leaks. The car has been in service for 6 weeks as brake master cylinder is on backorder. The last update is to have the part available early December.

NHTSA ID

11493202

Incident

Sep 28, 2022

The car's battery is draining fast and the car's electric system stopped working after I replaced the battery three times. The car is currently inoperable.

NHTSA ID

11493165

Incident

Oct 2, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow rate of speed and parking the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration causing the driver to lose control and crash into a brick wall. During the incident, the brake pedal was pressed but the vehicle did not stop. The driver sustained a left shoulder injury. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was not yet towed. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The contact indicated that previously the vehicle had experienced unintended acceleration problems while driving at highway speeds with and without cruise control activated. In addition on several occasions, the collision avoidance system had erroneously activated while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failures and no service was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 24,000.

NHTSA ID

11436780

Incident

Aug 5, 2021

Mileage

24,000 mi

My 2019 Subaru Outback unintentionally accelerated. I was sitting in my SUV waiting for an electronic gate to open at my storage unit. I was about 10-15 feet in front of the gate. My foot was firmly on the brake and the car was in drive. I have been at this gate many times. This time, before the gate could fully open, the car raced forward at top speed into the gate. Damaging my bumper and terrifying me! The gate did stop the car. I felt like a ghost had slammed a foot on the gas pedal!!! The breaks did nothing. The Subaru floor mat was attached with 2 pegs and sticks like velcro to the carpet. Thank God I was not at a crosswalk or in front of a building - I would have killed myself or someone else! I reported this to my local dealer and they referred me to Subaru of America. The dealer had my car for 6 weeks and S.O.A. sent a team to inspect the car for 6 hours. Customer service after 6 weeks said my car was fine. That no issues were found! They will not provide me with a list of tests completed or what was reported by the "Black Box" on board. All I have is a email from Peter at Customer Service (that was my 3rd and final rep.) that that is all the information that he has or can get and the care is fine to drive! If that is so, why is there a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against them!

NHTSA ID

11427658

Incident

Apr 11, 2021

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, FACING FORWARD ON HER INCLINED ICED DRIVEWAY, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ROLL DOWN. THE CONTACT STATED SHE DID NOT USE THE EMERGENCY BRAKES WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LOCAL DEALER RIVERHEAD BAY SUBARU (1521 OLD COUNTRY RD, RIVERHEAD, NY 11901: (631) 727-4000) AND SHE WAS INFORMED THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE ICE AND THE NO USE OF EMERGENCY BRAKES. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 26,214.

NHTSA ID

11412986

Incident

Feb 19, 2021

Mileage

26,214 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE PARALLEL PARKING, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND CRASHED INTO A POWER POLE. THE CONTACT PLACED THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE AND THE VEHICLE LURGED FORWARD WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WAS NO REPORTED INJURIES, FIRE, OR AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE SIDE PANEL, BUMPER AND LIGHTS WERE DAMAGED. THE INSURANCE COMPANY WAS INFORMED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 12,000.

NHTSA ID

11389738

Incident

Jan 24, 2021

Mileage

12,000 mi

UNINTENDED ACCELERATION EVENT WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKE AT SLOW SPEED, PULLING INTO A PARKING SPOT. BRAKING FORCE WAS UNABLE TO OVER COME THE ACCELERATION. FORTUNATELY NO INJURIES OR DAMAGE. A SCARY SITUATION, CONFIDENCE LOST IN THE VEHICLE.SUBARU NORTH AMERICA CLAIMS "THE VEHICLE IS SAFE AND OPERATING AS DESIGNED."

NHTSA ID

11374689

Incident

Aug 8, 2020

Mileage

10,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNDISCLOSED SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO SLOW THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED A SECOND TIME AND THE VEHICLE SLOWED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

11325037

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

THERE WAS ALWAYS ISSUE WITH THE BRAKES, NOT ABLE TO CONTROL THE SPEED WHEN NEEDED. SPOKE WITH THE SERVICE AGENTS AND THEY MENTIONED EVERYTHING IS GOOD. BUT I HAD EXPERIENCED THE SPEED ISSUE IN SEVERAL OCCASIONS. *TR

NHTSA ID

11324826

Incident

Jan 15, 2020

Mileage

3,585 mi

SUBARU OF AMERICA SUBARU PLAZA PO BOX 6000 CHERRY HILL NJ 08034-6000 ATTN: CUSTOMER RETAILER SERVICES 800-SUBARU3 (800-782-2783) COPY... NTSBA COMPLAINT E-MAIL ADDRESS HTTPS://WWW-ODI.NHTSA.DOT.GOV/VEHICLECOMPLAINT/ GENTLEMEN / LADIES (TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN) I HAVE A BRAKES SAFETY PROBLEM WITH MY 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM. MY LOCAL DEALER SAYS THAT THE BRAKES ARE "OPERATING AS DESIGNED, NO PROBLEM". PER DEALER VISIT 12/2/19 WITH ABOUT 6000+ MILES ON THE CAR. THE PROBLEM AS I SEE IT IS THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL SLOWLY SINKS TO THE FLOOR OR A HARD MECHANICAL STOP WHERE NO FURTHER HARD PRESSURE CAN BE APPLIED. THIS OCCURS WHEN LIGHT TO MEDIUM PRESSURE IS APPLIED TO THE PEDAL AND HELD FOR ABOUT 10-20 SECONDS. IT CAN BE DEMONSTRATED WHEN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC OR PARKED. IN ORDER TO RECOVER TO FULL PEDAL HEIGHT AND USE, THE PEDAL NEEDS TO BE RELEASED AND PUMPED UP TO NORMAL HEIGHT. THE DEALER TECHNICIAN DEMONSTRATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL ALSO SINKS ON A NEW 2020 OUTBACK. HE DID NOT SHOW TO WHAT AMOUNT, BUT SAID IT WAS NORMAL IN MY CAR. MY CAR -- 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK PREMIUM VIN [XXX]. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

11315443

Incident

Dec 1, 2019

Mileage

5,000 mi

ON THE EVENING OF DECEMBER 23, 2019 I HIT A DEER GOING APPROXIMATELY 25 MILES/HOUR. THE DEER DARTED OUT IN FRONT OF. I DID NOT HAVE TIME TO TAKE MY FOOT OFF THE GAS. HOWEVER, THE AUTO-BRAKING FUNCTION ON THE CAR INITIATED. THE COLLISION DID DAMAGE TO THE FRONT GRILL AREA AND RIGHT FRONT QUARTER PANEL. THE AIR BAGS (DRIVER'S AND SIDE CURTAINS) DEPLOYED. AFTER THE COLLISION AND INITIAL AUTO-BRAKING, I LOST ALL ABILITY TO BRAKE USING THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE CAR CONTINUED FOR APPROXIMATELY ANOTHER QUARTER MILE BEFORE COMING TO A STOP. BEFORE THE CAR CAME TO A STOP, I JUMPED/ROLLED OUT OF THE CAR BECAUSE I WASN'T SURE IF THE CAR WAS ON FIRE. THE WHITE DUST AND SMELL (FROM AIR BAGS) HAD ME CONCERNED. MY MAJOR CONCERN NOW IS THAT I LOST NORMAL BRAKING ABILITY. THIS SHOULD BE LOOKED AT. THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE REPORT NUMBER IS PA 2019-1706182. INSURANCE COVERAGE WAS BY NATIONWIDE. MY CALIM NUMBER IS 022305-GK. THE CAR IS BEING REPAIRED BY CAR CARE COLLISION IN HONESDALE, PA.

NHTSA ID

11307342

Incident

Dec 23, 2019

Mileage

4,500 mi

PURCHASED VEHICLE IN MARCH 2019, SINCE OWNING VEHICLE MY MILES PER GALLON HAS BEEN OFF RANGING FROM 6 MILES TO 99 MILES PER GALLON AND THE SUBARU DEALER DOESN'T KNOW WHAT THE ISSUE IS. ALSO, WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES, YOU HAVE TO APPLY THE PEDAL ALL THE WAY DOWN TO STOP. THE VEHICLE HAS A SOFT PEDAL AND A BURNT SMELL IN THE ENGINE.

NHTSA ID

11245993

Incident

Jul 23, 2019

SLOWLY PULLING STRAIGHT INTO PARKING SPOT AT GROCERY STORE. APPLIED BRAKE WHEN CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. I WAS ABLE TO CONTROL STEERING, BUT BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. STEERED CAR INTO EMPTY PARKING SPOT IN FRONT OF ME THEN TURNED HARD RIGHT TO AVOID HITTING PARKED CARS IN ROW ACROSS. SUBARU HIT A PICK UP TRUCK THAT WAS REVERSING OUT OF A DIAGONAL PARKING SPOT. THE CAR DIDN'T STOP UPON IMPACT, INSTEAD BOTH RIGHT SIDE WHEELS CLIMBED UP THE SIDE OF TRUCK AT AN ANGLE. AIR BAGS DIDN'T DEPLOY ON IMPACT. THIS WAS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION. THE ACCELERATION WAS UNCONTROLLABLE AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR.

NHTSA ID

11244551

Incident

Aug 13, 2019

Mileage

3,000 mi

I WOULD LIKE TO REPORT AN ISSUE WITH WHAT I BELIEVE TO BE THE BRAKING SYSTEM IN THE 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE DRIVING NORTHBOUND ON THE DALLAS NORTH TOLL WAY, AT A SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 65 TO 70 MPH, I TAPPED ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN FOR THE UPCOMING DECLINE. WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO PUT MY FOOT ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR SUDDENLY AND ABRUPTLY STOPPED. IT WAS AS IF THE BRAKES "LOCKED", I WAS UNABLE TO ACCELERATE. WE CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE TOLLWAY AND WERE UNABLE TO ACCELERATE THE CAR. WE WERE HIT FROM BEHIND. THE STOPPAGE WAS SO SUDDEN THAT IT RESULTED IN A THREE-CAR COLLISION. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING AFTER THE COLLISION. THE POLICE OFFICER INSTRUCTED ME TO TRY TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE OFF OF THE ROAD, BUT DESPITE MY PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WAS STILL UNABLE TO MOVE EVEN A SMALL DISTANCE. *DT *AS

NHTSA ID

11171019

Incident

Jan 19, 2019

Mileage

50 mi