2019 Subaru Outback: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 364 owner complaints for the 2019 Subaru Outback that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11768331 (filed 10/01/2026): “The contact owns a 2019 subaru outback. the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. the battery was replaced, but the failure persisted the following day. the contact associated the failure with the data communication module. the manufacturer was notified of the failure by email. the failur…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11761781 (filed 09/02/2026): “The starlink infotainment touchscreen in my 2019 subaru outback touring has progressively failed. visible bubbles have formed under the glass, consistent with screen delamination. the screen registers phantom inputs on its own without being touched ("ghost touch"), changing settings, and interruptin…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11746098 (filed 06/24/2026): “Vehicle battery continues to drain. since i have owned the vehicle, it has had 4 batteries. it has had 2 batteries within the last year and half. installed another battery a 2 weeks ago, vehicle was completely dead after a week of not driving. the last 3 batteries were all purchased (or warranty rep…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .