What 1,029 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Subaru Outback Wilderness

The driver lost control of the vehicle, possibly due to a failure involving the rear driver's-side tire. The vehicle initially made contact with the guardrail, causing moderate damage to the driver's side. Following this impact, the vehicle began to fishtail, and the automatic braking system activated. The driver recalls being thrown about within the seat during the incident, as the seat belt's emergency locking retractor appeared to fail. The seat belt did not lock during the collision sequence, which is supported by the absence of visible bruising across the chest area. Prior to the vehicle's final impact with the embankment, the seat belt unexpectedly released and struck the driver on the right cheek, resulting in visible bruising. Upon the final impact, after the seat belt had released, the driver was lifted from the seat and struck her head against the door frame. The vehicle's airbags did not deploy at any point during the crash. There were no warning messages, alerts, or noticeable symptoms indicating a mechanical issue prior to the incident. The vehicle has since been towed to a local body shop for a damage assessment and further inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11744208

I was involved in a car crash where another car crashed into me at an angle and hit the driver side door and part of the front and the wheel air bag not deploy. The side air bags did. I was going 30, this other car was going 40-50 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11706222

While turning left from left turn lane, eyesight failed to detect oncoming traffic resulting in right front side impact. No warning, no braking action. This is an advertised safety system supposedly designed to prevent this type of accident. In addition, passenger side airbag deployed (no passenger in the passenger seat) but driver side airbag did not deploy. Newton's third law of motion says both should deploy. Significant injury occurred to the driver as a result.

NHTSA ODI 11688632

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 20-25 MPH, the vehicle started reversing unintendedly while the gear shifter was in drive(D). The contact stated that the vehicle reversed on a steep road, drove onto a curb, and onto the poles that were lying down, and the vehicle stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The contact sustained pain on the right side of the lower back but had not yet received medical assistance. The vehicle sustained damage. The vehicle was towed to the Executive Auto Body repair shop. A police report was filed. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11686851

rccd email. nhsta david chin on 04 envoy vin and smog cali fraud.. ended case sold vehicle to pick a part. did not sur dealer. purchased 1 month later Carmax Ontario california 2019 subaru outback. nhsta states moonroof and pedestrian braking for ev and hybrid u5 engine. this outback has no moonroof nor is it an ev or hybrid. owned by enterprise rent a car and subaru santa monica prior as grey in 2019 then tungsten metallic 2019-2020. unsure of vehicle history accident reported 2022. subaru of america and san bernardino states aftermarket bolt installed carmax has the vehicle for $1400-1750 in repairs they did not notice @ sale [XXX]. to me [XXX] [XXX]. they are currently repairing radiator cooling system suspension. and i believe the vehicle has never gone a 125point inspection and may have other issues elsewhere. the battery is caved in indented bulging out on plastic and subaru and carmax both say it meits their specifications as it holds a charge. and will not replace it. the electrical system flickers lights. and carmax allowed me to drive the vehicle for 3 weeks 2000 miles. ynknowing the suspension and right tire wobble before and after carmax alignment. stating the vehicle was safe and operable as subaru of san bernardino stated it may be dangerous and american tire depot san bernardino showed and said the same as subaru of san bernardino suspension defects that carmax never noticed before or after sale and said the vehicle was fine. been to carmax 10 times over 3 weeks 300 miles in the car. gas time etc. michael service manager carmax ontario and pedro of subaru of san bernardino preston of subaru ontario both service techs know me well as of now the vehicle is at carmax ontario. and i believe the vin may have been reprogrammed swapped and mileage incorrect on the vehicle. as loose and missing nuts under glove box gad pedal. and plastic housing under steering wheel dash is missing clips like some precious got into elec system?? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11618655

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 ODI 11611077

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.

NHTSA ODI 11584021

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 ODI 11579087

Pressed the button on the electronic liftgate to have it raise. Half way through raising, it beeped 3 times and started closing. Had 3 dogs in the back of the vehicle and the lift gate started to close on one of them. I put my left arm underneath to stop it from closing where the lift gate put a lot of pressure on my forearm. The lift gate stopped and I was able to push it back up. Injury seems to be minor but will have it checked. Feels like it impacted the nerves going to the thumb and pointing finger. This is not the first time we had lift gate issues and have multiple videos demonstrating the problems at hand. This is the first time it actually caused injury.

NHTSA ODI 11532428

The car got stuck in 1st gear and shortly after a fire began between the engine and transmission. The car became fully engulfed and it blew up.

NHTSA ODI 11520684

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while she was reaching inside the trunk, the trunk gate independently closed. The contact mentioned that the security sensor did not function which caused the failure. The contact sustained injuries on her right knee, right hip, right shoulder, right glutinous, and right shoulder and was seeking medical attention. The contact called the local dealer and independent mechanic and made them aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

NHTSA ODI 11516856

2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. THE CONSUMER FEELS SHE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BEAR THE COST OF THE REPAIRS AND FEELS UNSAFE IN THE VEHICLE.

NHTSA ODI 11510308

Purchased a low mileage, 2019 Subaru Outback Limited, had 16,407 miles on vehicle, had accident damage reported by CARFAX. At 27,383 miles an oil leak in valve cover gasket was discovered, Subaru fixed leak under warranty, engine removed. Upon driving the vehicle home following repairs, the car lunged forward through the garage door, into the garage, and damaged vehicle and garage interior as I approached the garage. Sudden acceleration occurred. Vehicle taken on flag bed to Subaru shop for repairs and investigation of incident by Subaru of America. Insurance company provided damage/repair estimate.

NHTSA ODI 11498852

I was in a parking lot pulling into a parking spot. My car sped with full power over a curb barrier and hit a parked car in front of me. The force was strong enough to push the car I hit back several inches. My airbag did not deploy. The forward obstacle collision detection did not work. My safety could have been at risk if this happened while on the road or freeway. There were no warnings that day, however a week or so earlier when I tried to drive the car it would not start (new battery installed approx 3 months ago) and all lights on the dash came on. I tried to start it a few times but after smelling gas I left it. Later that day it started with no problems. The car is up to date on services/recalls. It is scheduled for inspection with my insurance company on 11/30/22.

NHTSA ODI 11494847

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while pulling into her residential garage at 3 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated while the contact had her foot depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle hit the back wall of the garage, the hood crumpled back to the radiator, which was punctured, and the front bumper was creased and dented. Additionally, the passenger-side front door was unable to be opened. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 22,000.

NHTSA ODI 11463843

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 ODI 11436780

Certain year models of Subaru vehicles suffer from ‘sudden and unexpected acceleration’. We know since it has happened to us and, research shows, many, many other people. Waiting for the automatic garage door to open, the vehicle experienced the sudden and uncontrollable acceleration. This resulted in extensive damage to the vehicle, garage and contents in the garage. What will Subaru do when this happens at a crosswalk?

NHTSA ODI 11428666

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 ODI 11427658

I experienced sudden and unintended acceleration as I sat outside my garage idling with my foot on the brake waiting for the garage door to open. My car accelerated forward through my garage door and into the garage. It swept aside a refrigerator, freezer and a 700 pound safe that was bolted to the concrete floor. It finally stopped upon pushing several things against one of the I beams that hold the steel building up. The car also tore out the I beam support the side of the garage door upon entering. The tires continued to rotate until I turned off the engine.

NHTSA ODI 11425378

Drove into the Walgreen's parking lot, made several low speed turns to arrive at the west side of the building. Pulled into an empty parking space. Entered parking space at very low rate of speed and proceeded to brake to a full stop. Moved shift lever with the intent to move transmission from Drive to Park and despite my foot still being on the brake, the car suddenly lurched forward, drove over the curb and sidewalk, crossed sidewalk and hit the side of the store (a brick wall). Car bounced back to a midpoint of the sidewalk. Engine was still running but car came to a full stop. I turned off the engine. Two Walgreen employees came out to see if I was OK (they heard the impact). I told them I was but later my chest hurt and I found a bruise suggesting impact with the steering wheel. Entire front of car is damaged. There were no warning notifications from the car (no parking or forward collision warnings). My right foot never left the brake pedal. The "unexpected acceleration" lunge forward occurred with the attempted shift of the transmission from Drive to Park. The transmission ended up being in Neutral when the car finally stopped moving. Floor mat was in the normal position, secured by the built-in pins, had not shifted and was not near the brake or accelerator (gas) pedal. Cruise control was not turned on. This was a routine trip to a local store.

NHTSA ODI 11419921

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 ODI 11389738

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE REAR ENDED HIS VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT STATED HIS WIFE (SEATED AT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT) SUSTAINED 2 FRACTURED RIBS, 2 FRACTURED VIBRATES AND HAD SURGERY ON HER BOTH LUNGS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE INSURANCE DEEMED THE VEHICLE A TOTAL LOSS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOW LOT. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 9,000.

NHTSA ODI 11388978

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 ODI 11374689

MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING WITH MY GRANDDAUGHTER AND WAS HIT FROM THE REAR, TOTALING MY 2019 SUBARU OUTBACK. BOTH MY DAUGHTER AND GRANDDAUGHTER REPORTED HITTING THE DASHBOARD OR THE WINDSHIELD. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED AND THE DRIVER'S HEADREST ENDED UP ON THE DRIVER'S LAP. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THE FRONT AUTO WAS ABOUT TO START FORWARD OR HAD STARTED FORWARD WHEN THE SIGNAL LIGHT HAD JUST TURNED GREEN.. THE POLICE REPORT IS ATTACHED, WITH A LETTER FROM THE MERIDIAN, IDAHO POLICE DEPARTMENT. MY CONCERNS ARE 1) SHOULD THE AIRBAGS HAVE DEPLOYED AND 2) SHOULD THE DRIVER'S HEADREST HAVE DETACHED FROM THE SEAT? IF THE DRIVER'S CONTACT INFO IS NEEDED, PLEASE LET ME KNOW.

NHTSA ODI 11343356

AS I WAS REVERSING OUT OF MY DRIVEWAY RIDING THE BRAKE THE CAR ACCELERATED FULL THROTTLE AND WOULDN'T STOP. THE RESULT WAS I HIT A TREE. I AM THANKFUL IT WAS NOT A PEDESTRIAN OR ANOTHER PERSON. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11330687