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

The infotainment display on our 2019 Subaru Outback for the past 10 months has been inoperable and poses a distraction to the driver. One time this display distraction caused a near miss incident. Moisture under the display causes the screen to randomly touch buttons and beep continuously as they are being touched. The bubbles below the screen became apparent roughly 2-3 months before the screen became inoperable. The vehicle was brought into the dealership and the parts department claimed the part would be in within a month or so every time we contacted them. It is now 10 months later and the part still has not been replaced. Subaru is aware of this issue yet they have sent no notice or recall advisory to any of its customer about this issue. We have contacted Subaru of America countless times and after three call attempts and multiple emails, we received a call saying the part is shipped but were not given any tracking information. We have been told false information by multiple Subaru representatives and have had extreme difficulty getting help with this matter. There were no warning lights indicating this issue had occurred and no way to correct it other than replacing the display.

NHTSA ODI 11592752

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

NHTSA ODI 11591142

The Starlink Infotainment head unit on our 2019 Subaru Outback is faulty. Last fall (2023) the infotainment screen began delaminating from the inside and large spots started showing up making it difficult to see what images were on the screen. Next the radio and hands free phone features began malfunctioning and switching channels constantly becoming a serious distraction while driving and a safety issue. The screen has continued to delaminate to the point where it is almost impossible to see what's behind the vehicle when using the the backup camera, also making for a very dangerous situation. The radio and Apple Car Play are useless because of the constant changing of stations and connection due to the faulty infotainment system. We have not brought this problem to the local Subaru dealership's attention as we don't really trust them. In the past they have tried to have us do repairs to the suspension that we got a second opinion on and found that the repairs were not necessary. We have also had issues with the 12V battery and had to replace the battery with a very strong battery to overcome DCM drainage issue. We just received a letter from Subaru of America that they are extending the DCM warranty and we may be eligible for a temporary bypass box fix until enough DCM modules are available in September 2025. My main concern is the faulty infotainment system and how distracting and unsafe it makes operating our Outback. I understand a number of Subaru owners have this same issue but have not gotten any satisfaction from Subaru in correcting it. If there isn't a recall on this safety issue soon, we will most likely have to trade this car. It's just too much of a liability. Very disappointed Subaru owner...

NHTSA ODI 11588403

While driving, paired radio randomly begins dialing phone numbers. Controls randomly do not work or activate wrong control. Significant distraction to driving when trying to halt random uninitiated calls or radio arbitrarily activates and the controls do not function properly.

NHTSA ODI 11588186

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.

NHTSA ODI 11587576

The radio and head unit is glitching and automatically doing crazy things. The lighting is also affected on the head unit. The radio volume will turn up loud for no reason. It is intermittent. The dealership says it’s bubbling and head would have to be replaced..but back ordered parts and 3,000 dollars. I’ve googled and this is a well known issue with 2019 Subarus, but it’s a safety issue if you are driving and volume/screen is not controlled.

NHTSA ODI 11587427

The head unit in my vehicle is malfunctioning and causing a safety issue. The unit will flash on and off and change displays with distracting noises with no apparent cause. It has also caused my phone to call random contacts without warning which is causes a safety issue as I need to pull over and disconnect my phone from wi-fi to address the issue. I am unable to use my maps feature because of this issue as well. Finally, I am unable to safely back up using my camera as the screen has bubbled / discolored causing me to not be able to safely view the traffic or obstacles behind my car.

NHTSA ODI 11585367

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.

NHTSA ODI 11584803

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.

NHTSA ODI 11582912

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.

NHTSA ODI 11582452

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.

NHTSA ODI 11581781

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

NHTSA ODI 11581585

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.

NHTSA ODI 11579197

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.

NHTSA ODI 11578958

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

NHTSA ODI 11577289

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.

NHTSA ODI 11577402

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.

NHTSA ODI 11576367

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.

NHTSA ODI 11576402

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

NHTSA ODI 11575683

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.

NHTSA ODI 11575274

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the entertainment system randomly restarted without warning, froze, and then became unresponsive. The system was uncontrollable and was transitioning from one program to another independently. The entertainment system affected Eyesight warnings, back up camera, and the GPS. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

NHTSA ODI 11574094

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

NHTSA ODI 11573884

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.

NHTSA ODI 11573115

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.

NHTSA ODI 11573137

Faulty dcm causing parasitic drain on battery causing dead battery every two days. New battery did not solve problem.

NHTSA ODI 11571779