2019 Subaru Outback Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2019 Outback
5
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (363 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 363 NHTSA complaints
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (326 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 326 NHTSA complaints
Visibility complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (63 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 63 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (39 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 39 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Red flag
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (36 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 36 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
126 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
3
Structure Red flag
In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel System, Gasoline Red flag
If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2019 Outback–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2019 Outback. The most serious involve Structure (19V493000) and Fuel System, Gasoline (21V587000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2019 Outback?
The top complaint areas are Electrical System (363 complaints) and Visibility/Wiper (326 complaints), out of 1034 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Outback?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Electrical System, which drew 363 complaints for this model-year.