NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
The 2019 Subaru Outback scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 1,027 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Subaru Outback achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, securing its place in the Strong band. This assessment is largely anchored by near-perfect crash-test scores and a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. However, the safety profile is tempered by three distinct recall campaigns and a sub-score reflecting a modest record of owner-reported defects.
The 2019 Subaru Outback received an NHTSA NCAP overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Subaru Outback ranks 47 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.4% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 1,027 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 47 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Subaru Outback?
The 2019 Subaru Outback stands out within the MotorCaliber data set for the tension between its crash-test excellence and its complaint volume. The crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 reflects genuine NHTSA performance: five stars overall, five stars in both frontal and side categories, and a No Tip result in the rollover dynamic test despite a 17 percent rollover risk figure. The avoidance-tech sub-score reaches a perfect 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment in this model year, not optional upgrades. Where the 2019 year-specific record shows strain is in the defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20. Three recalls, two of them focused on the low-pressure fuel pump across multiple campaigns, pull that component score down. The 1,027 unverified complaints are notably concentrated in two categories: electrical system allegations and visibility and wiper allegations together account for more than two-thirds of all reported issues. Because no prior-year Safety Index is on file, a year-over-year movement cannot be calculated, but the 87 overall places this model year firmly in the Strong band on its own terms.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Subaru Outback secured a 5-out-of-5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, matching scores for frontal and side impact protection. Its rollover resistance, however, presents a relative concern, rated at 4 out of 5 stars with a 17 percent risk. The dynamic tip-test registered "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13399
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2019 Outback. Two target the fuel system, specifically the low-pressure fuel pump, which may fail and stall the engine. A third addresses a structural concern involving spot welds on the duct below the cowl panel. No park-outside or do-not-drive advisory is noted in the data on file, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Reported 2021-07-29
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP20V218000
Risk: If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.
Reported 2020-04-16
STRUCTURE19V493000
Risk: In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.
Reported 2019-06-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA has logged 1,027 unverified consumer allegations for the 2019 Outback. The top reported components are the Electrical System with 362 allegations and Visibility/Wiper systems with 326. Alleged consequences include 23 reported crashes and 18 reported injuries. All figures represent unverified consumer reports, not established facts.
1,027 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Subaru Outback?
Any shopper considering a used 2019 Outback should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Both fuel-pump recall campaigns involve engine-stall risk, and confirming that all three remedy actions were completed is a critical pre-purchase step, not an optional one.
- Two separate NHTSA recall campaigns specifically address the low-pressure fuel pump on the 2019 Outback, with failure potentially causing an engine stall while driving. Confirming both remedies are complete by VIN is essential for this model year.
- A third recall unique to the 2019 Legacy and Outback targets spot welds on the duct below the cowl panel, a structural concern that distinguishes this year from surrounding model years.
- Unverified electrical system allegations total 362 and visibility and wiper allegations total 326, together representing the dominant complaint categories for this specific model year and worth factoring into any pre-purchase inspection.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by MotorCaliber, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2019 Outback, contributing a full 10 out of 10 in the avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Subaru Outback places
The 2019 Subaru Outback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Subaru Outback safety questions
Was the 2019 Subaru Outback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Subaru Outback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Subaru Outback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Subaru Outback earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 17.4%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Outback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Subaru Outback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Subaru Outback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 1,027 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Subaru Outback. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Outback years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13399), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 47 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.