2019 Subaru Outback Fuel system 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

CAR WOULDN'T START IN PARKING LOT, 40K MILES. I NEVER TOOK THE CAR IN TO THE DEALER AND RECEIVED A NOTICE ABOUT A FUEL PUMP REPLACEMENT/RECALL/REPAIR. I DIAGNOSED THIS PROBLEM MYSELF. THE VIN LOOKUP ON SUBARUS WEBSITE SAYS THAT THE PROBLEM WAS ADDRESSED/REPAIRED WHEN IT CLEARLY WAS NOT AND I NEVER RECEIVED ANY PAPERWORK OR VERBAL STATEMENT FROM SUBARU SAYING THEY PERFORMED THAT WORK WHEN I WENT IN FOR AN OIL CHANGE OR TO REPAIR THE BATTERY PROBLEM. THE BATTERY STILL DRAINS EXTREMELY FAST AS WELL. SO NEITHER THE BATTERY CHARGING WORK, OR THE ***SUPPOSED AND UNVERIFIED*** FUEL PUMP WORK HAVE BEEN DONE ON THIS CAR. NOT GOOD. ALSO - THE ORIGINAL SUBARU EL CAJON DEALERSHIP CLOSED AND THEN REOPENED WITH "NEW OWNERSHIP" AS A SUBARU DEALERSHIP. THIS ALL APPEARS EXTREMELY CROOKED.

NHTSA ID

11748189

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle hesitated and almost stalled. The failure was intermittent but caused the vehicle to stall on several occasions. The check engine warning light and the low oil pressure warning lights recently illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and the contact was informed that oil was leaking from the upper and lower oil pan, the head gasket, and other engine seals. The contact was aware that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The contact researched and became aware that a failure of the fuel pump could lead to other failures with the engine oil seals. The contact stated that the fuel pump had been ordered; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

NHTSA ID

11719040

Incident

Jan 4, 2025

Mileage

82,000 mi

Good Morning. I am the victim of a lemon of a car, a 2019 Subaru Outback and no one, I mean no one wants to get involved with exposing this disgraceful uncaring car manufacturer. I am forwarding the 10, yes 10 issues with this dangerous piece of junk I am unfortunately driving putting our lives at risk!! Please see the information below and my hope is that you will care enough to expose and help us get a resolution with this horrible company manufacturing rolling death traps. Thank you [XXX] [XXX] Listed below are the continuing problems with my 2019 Subaru Outback which was purchased new: 3 new batteries in a mileage span of 40,000 or 50,000 miles up to 80,000 miles. These replacements were done at no cost as a result of a class action lawsuit. A windshield settlement which only extends the warranty mileage and not an automatic replacement. Talk about a huge safety risk if this windshield just cracks or breaks, especially if on a major highway. A fuel pump settlement which only extends the warranty mileage and not an automatic replacement unless the fuel pump fails. Very unsafe in my opinion. What if the fuel pump fails while on a major highway. This puts us and our safety at serious risk if this fuel pump were to fail especially going at a high rate of speed. Engine burns a quart of oil, by the way at $11.00 per quart every 3,000 miles which is not normal, and in my opinion, is an engine problem. Replacement of an ECM or Engine Control Module. Received a letter about the VCT or variable control transmission, more ridiculous problems going on. A broken right front axle replaced and then that same axle which was replaced by an incompetent mechanic, the axle seal on the replaced axle started leaking and I was charged $100 for that incompetence. Just this past week, the car was in for a radio issue with radio stations and the cd arbitrarily jumping around only to find out the radio needs to be replaced. While on my way to the dealership my tire press INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATI

NHTSA ID

11684247

Incident

Dec 15, 2022

delay from time accelerate until car moves. This has happened 10 or more times.

NHTSA ID

11617076

Incident

Sep 29, 2024

After driving approximately 240 miles since our last stop, we stopped for gas. The car would not start. It sounded like it was trying to turn over but couldn't. Even when we let up on the start button the vehicle was still trying to start until we hit the button again (this is not normal). All battery functions were still working. The car only had about 38,500 miles on it. After trying multiple times to start it and googling, we suspected a fuel issue. We had the car towed to a local Subaru dealer. The dealer confirmed the fuel pump was the problem and replaced the part. More research revealed a fuel pump recall for certain production dates of the 2019 Subaru Outback, but ours is not currently part of the recall. We contacted Subaru and reported the issue. They opened a case for it. When we picked up the car, Subaru had paid for the repair. In hindsight, we are lucky the car did not stall while driving on the interstate at 70mph as that could have caused serious issues and injury to ourselves and/or others. There were no warning lights or other symptoms on that day. There had been some starting issues approximately 1-2 months earlier, but we had replaced the battery and thought that fixed it. We asked for the part but the Subaru dealer where the repair was made kept the part. In addition to the safety concerns, this incident also resulted in personal financial burden as we were around 600 miles from home enroute to a vacation destination and had to uber to a car rental place, rent a car and pay for one night in a hotel. We believe the recall needs to be expanded to include more production dates. By expanding the recall, we hope this would prevent others from having to go through this situation and be at risk. We also hope Subaru would be required to reimburse us for the out-of-pocket expenses that resulted from this issue and provide an extended warranty.

NHTSA ID

11617004

Incident

Sep 21, 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

At this point I dont know what to do. This has been a reoccurring problem since I initially purchased the car. - Electrical Issues have been a problem since the day we purchased the vehicle. Initially thought it was our toddlers fault. Raised multiple times at multiple dealerships. I have yet to find a service center that can tell me why my car will not start other than they can tell something is draining the battery. No warnings. Safety is of concern, because one never knows when the issue will occur. For example, brand new battery died in parking lot of my kids school. - Fuel pump issues - took car on drive from LA to Las Vegas, with child. Car struggled to maintain speed. Exited in Barstow, CA. Parked at a Midas, which was closed, and was stranded with a toddler. After 3 hours of waiting in parking lot, was able to get car started. Drove to closest hotel. The following day, was able to get car back to midas where it was determined the fuel pump broke. Safety was at risk as my 3 year had to sit in 110 degree weather heat. Subaru did tow the car back to the closest dealership and fixed the fuel pump, and reimbursed me for the rental car. Car was in shop for over 2 weeks. Was not reimbursed for hotel or midas diagnostics.

NHTSA ID

11553594

Incident

Jul 21, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start immediately as designed. The contact was able to start the vehicle after several attempts. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the failure recurred. The dealer diagnosed that the fuel pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was being repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) and 20V218000 (Fuel System, Gasoline); however, the VIN was not included in the recalls. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ID

11547214

Incident

Sep 25, 2023

Mileage

24,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11543341

Incident

Sep 8, 2023

Driving in pouring down rain on a highway during rush hour. Car starts to loose power, gets worse and worse. Difficult to change lanes to pull over nearly causing several accidents. Car eventually just stops. Will not restart.

NHTSA ID

11529304

Incident

Jun 26, 2023

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to start the vehicle after several attempts; however, the vehicle was sluggish and was running rough while driving. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the vehicle was experiencing low fuel pressure, and the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was undrivable. The contact stated that the fuel pump was previously replaced under NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel system, Gasoline) in 2021. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,500.

NHTSA ID

11528192

Incident

Jun 19, 2023

Mileage

26,500 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated while the accelerator pedal remained depressed. The engine misfired and the vehicle stalled. The check engine warning light illuminated, then several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the roadway. The vehicle failed to restart. The contact stated that she purchased an OBD reader and diagnosed the vehicle and retrieved codes: P0177, P0174, P0102 and P0113. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump and mass airflow sensor failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired under the NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V218000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and the contact was informed that she would be notified however, the contact had not received a response. The failure mileage was approximately 39,000.

NHTSA ID

11523727

Incident

May 20, 2023

Mileage

39,000 mi

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

The car started to accelerate or decelerate by itself while driving with constant pedal position. It didn't want to start some time. Eventually didn't start at all and had to have it towed to the dealer. The diagnostic was faulty fuel pump. Subaru has a recall for 2019 Outback fuel pump failure (NHTSA campaign number: 21V587000). I called Subaru customer service, and they did not honor the recall saying my vin number did not have any recall despite having the same problem.

NHTSA ID

11493201

Incident

Aug 15, 2022

My battery has died over 7 times in the 3 years I have owned it. No systems were left on. It runs one day and won’t start the next. It shows the battery light. This first happened 6 months after owning the car leaving me stranded waiting for roadside assistance and causing me to miss work. It has happened 3 times in the past year. As I type this I am stranded again waiting for someone to come and give me a jump and praying that it will start once I get out of the grocery store. I’m afraid to go anywhere for fear of being stranded in a dangerous place. I always carry jumper cables with me now! The second issue is that it runs out of gas when there is a 30 miles left to empty notice. I ran out of gas in the left lane of a major highway at 4:45 pm bringing a friend home from the hospital. The gas station was 7 miles away. I was stranded there, waiting on Subaru tow service for hours until the police sent their own tow truck. It was very dangerous but I know better than to trust it now. It cost me 185 dollars. I was told this was a problem with 2018s but they thought they fixed it!

NHTSA ID

11488805

Incident

Oct 11, 2022

Summary: I have a 2019 Subaru Outback 3.6r with approximately 30k miles. It spent most of it's life in Texas, a low-corrosion state. When I was camping in Colorado, it started leaking fuel for extended periods from the tank area on the passenger side just in front of the rear wheel. The left a strong gas odor/fire danger as it leaked for many hours. I can supplies photos and video. The leak appeared rather suddenly, and is worse when the vehicle tank was just filled. It leaves large puddles of fuel on the ground. Failed system: fuel storage. It is available for inspection upon request. Safety: this issue resulted in a large fuel spill/gasoline vapor cloud, and the leak continues for hours. there is no crash damage/etc. to the vehicle. I have not taken the issue to a dealer yet. Should I get the car looked at by them? It is easy to reproduce by filling the tank normally at a gas station, the leak is worse when the tank is full. There are no warning lights/etc. The fuel gauge on the dashboard has also become intermittent after the leaking started. Sometimes it shows the fuel level, sometimes it shows empty (the tank is not empty). Note the image showing conflicting information on mileage to empty vs the needle fuel gauge level - the tank is appx 3/4 full in that image, neither fuel gauge is correct or agrees with each other.

NHTSA ID

11476812

Incident

Jul 30, 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact had received a recall notice for NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V578000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The dealer was contacted, and an appointment was scheduled for the recall repair. The contact then received a call from the dealer that the appointment was canceled due to parts not being available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11435908

Incident

Sep 30, 2021

My battery died overnight . I jumó started and took it to Subaru who said I needed a new battery . My car has 28k miles and under 3 years since I bought it . They replace the battery and same thing happened 2 days later . I keep having to jumó start my car every other day and they don’t seem to know what the problem is .

NHTSA ID

11428136

Incident

Aug 2, 2021

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

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 35 mph, the vehicle failed to perform as designed. The contact was able to move the vehicle onto the road shoulder. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The contact was informed that the Vin was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 20V218000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The failure mileage was 9,800.

NHTSA ID

11424984

Incident

Jul 13, 2021

Mileage

9,800 mi

RANDOM LACK OF ACCELERATION AND ENGINE STUMBLE; FAILED TO ACCELERATE WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM SIDE STREET NEARLY BEING HIT BY ON-COMING CAR. SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME MORE FREQUENT AFTER ENGINE FUEL PUMP WAS CHANGED DUE TO RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11378594

Incident

Dec 2, 2020

Mileage

9,300 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

I HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO SAFELY DRIVE MY 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK SINCE JUNE OF 2020. I RECEIVED AN OFFICIAL SAFETY RECALL NOTICE IN THE MAIL FROM SUBARU. THE NOTICE STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS AT RISK FOR A CRASH IF NOT REPAIRED. SEVERAL WEEKS AGO I CONTACTED SUBARU OF EL PASO WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE, AS INSTRUCTED IN THE RECALL NOTICE, TO SCHEDULE AND COMPLETE THE SAFETY REPAIR. I WAS INFORMED AT THAT TIME THAT THE REQUIRED PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THE SUBARU AGENT WAS UNABLE TO LET ME KNOW WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. I HAVE RECEIVED NO FOLLOW-UP FROM SUBARU SINCE THAT TIME. THE REPAIR HAS NOT BEEN COMPLETED.

NHTSA ID

11343636

Incident

Jun 1, 2020

Mileage

11,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V218000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE BREWSTER SUBARU LOCATED AT (1021 NY-22, BREWSTER, NY 10509) WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.*DT*JB*DT*JB

NHTSA ID

11342002

Incident

Apr 16, 2020