35 of the
143 complaints about the 2019 Subaru Legacy are about the
electrical system — 24% of everything
reported for this model year.
Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before
900 miles.
Due to a dead battery issue in 2025, I bought a new battery. A year later, the car wouldn't start & I finally got it jumped. Ran fine for 3 weeks, then wouldn't start again. I brought car back to the Interstate battery shop, who tested the alternator, which was fine, but he said the battery was appearing low. After researching this problem, I discovered there's a known issue that the battery dies due to a parasitic draw. Subaru knows there is a problem but refuses to correct the issues. The dealer I bought the car from neglected to tell me there was an existing issue and will be happy to charge me $500+ to diagnose. This is a major defect on Subaru's part, and all future buyers should be aware of it!
NHTSA complaint #11728063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Shoreham, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Unintended acceleration, on 2 occasions. First occasion, car was in DRIVE waiting at a traffic stop and the engine radically increased it's RPM from idle to over 6000 RPM, remaining there. Braking control maintained the automobile's position. Shifting the car into neutral caused RPM to increase further. The car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to function normally. On the second occasion, which occurred later the same day, the car was off and then started, and while still in PARK with my foot on the brake immediately jumped to over 6000, remaining there. Once again the car was shut off, restarted, and seemed to work normally. It was taken directly (and slowly) to the manufacturer's service center at my local Subaru dealership. They have not been able to re-create the problem as of this date.
NHTSA complaint #11724063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wagoner, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The entertainment system got bubbles and stopped working only after 50,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11669029 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kenvil, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If the car is not driven every day the battery dies due to a parasitic draw. Subaru knows there is a problem with the DCM from these years but refuses to correct the issues which there are 3 that are known. Dcm constantly searches for 3g network that is no longer killing the battery, Subaru changed the recommended cold cranking amperage of the battery well after manufacture, and won't test without a new battery being installed, and they expect the consumer to pay for both the testing and battery, to meet certain epa standards they altered the function of the alternator so it doesn't charge the battery until the engine is warm and won't fully charge the battery.
NHTSA complaint #11640591 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Provo, UT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Parasitic Battery Drain due to DCM fuse problem
NHTSA complaint #11637048 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anacortes, WA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Parasitic drain on battery leaves the car dead and unable to start with out a jump. Battery is only six months old. Replaced old battery because of this same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11634226 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Nesconset, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Starlink screen becomes uncontrollable and begins changing screens on its own making driving very distracting and losing all control of vital functions such as radio, gps and phone. I have no control over it. I have video of the incident but cannot figure out how to upload it. I k low previous year models were recalled for the same situation and I believe there is a class action lawsuit.
NHTSA complaint #11629599 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hatboro, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Infotainment system touchscreen failed and it became unstable. Bluetooth connected to phone failed, gos failed Yes Yes No
NHTSA complaint #11626593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lititz, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radio is delaminating and causing random calls and radio changes while driving. Serious safety issue. Subaru covered a portion of the replacement but entire cost should be covered due to it being an obvious manufacturer defect.
NHTSA complaint #11614471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Jose, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery dies over and over again. I drive every day, I never leave lights on, and I am having to purchase a battery over and over again.
NHTSA complaint #11607603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dixon, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Infotainment system screen began bubbling. Then it started randomly selection icons by itself. Then it got to the point where it is unusable and constantly is making selections on its own. I can’t even make selections if I want to. Whole screen is effected. Subaru of America is aware and my dealer first denied knowing it was an issue but later admitted to me they have gotten several complaints of the same. Dealer ordered a replacement over a year ago and I have still not gotten a replacement because they keep telling me it is back ordered and that they put a rush on it. Still nothing in over a year. This problem also causes the battery to drain while parked. I had to put a brand new battery in and it still drains. A year or so after that, Subaru sent out a notice that they will reimburse for that issue. I don’t have any paperwork left from my replacement costs. Again, dealer denied knowing that the battery drains and later admitted they knew.
NHTSA complaint #11605122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Subaru models from 2019 have a known parasitic battery drain problem. My car will have a dead battery after a week not driving it, or even just 2 days in winter. The problem is confirmed by Subaru but not addressed in any way.
NHTSA complaint #11591567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chesterfield, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
There is a recall for this issue in Subaru vehicles through 2018 but our 2019 Legacy has the same issue. The head unit very soon after purchase (brand new from dealer) started to delaminate and not respond to touchscreen interaction. Now it is so bad that it is as if the head unit is possessed. It changes radio and settings randomly, cycles the screen, makes random phone calls if a phone is connected, changes navigation (Android Auto) on its own and suddenly it's navigating you to Mexico... Even if we aren't using the screen it is dangerously distracting because it is constantly glitching. We are out of warranty so the dealer wants us to pay for this repair on our own. We want to see the recall expanded to include 2019 and later model years. According to numerous reports online, I know we are not the only ones. We also have issues with this vehicle's battery draining unusually fast but that is not as critical an issue as this head unit problem.
NHTSA complaint #11585135 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wise, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Stereo head unit has white spots all over screen. Radio skips stations, calls numbers on my phone when connected to the car, touch screen does not work properly not allowing to turn it on or off or stop random skipping of stations or activity. Unable to see back camera when in reverse due to multiple spots on touchscreen.
NHTSA complaint #11573750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery replaced last year at dealer under battery class action lawsuit. Car was stored using a battery tender from May through January and put back into service with regular use several times a week. Today car failed to start. Have appointment with dealer tomorrow. A battery is not a permanent fix and does not instill confidence that you will not be left stranded. Subaru is aware there is a problem with their Starlink system and the use of 3g. The system keeps attempting to make contact using the defunct 3g network thereby draining the battery and stranding the vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11571735 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coventry, RI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Starting in late October 2023 I began having multiple dead batteries despite replacing the battery and having the battery tested on several occasions and it tested fine. Frustrated with the inconvenience I decided to google the problem and discovered information on the car’s DCM searching for the 3G network which no longer exists. The constant search, even when the vehicle is off causes the battery to die. I am a caregiver and my clients depend on me to be at their homes when I’m scheduled to be there. They depend on me to use the bathroom, to be fed, to be kept safe, to be transported to doctors appointments and other places among other things. My regular mechanic as well as a mechanic at Anchor Subaru both confirmed the DCM was causing the battery to drain. There was no warning at all.
NHTSA complaint #11568383 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilton, NH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My Legacy has a battery drain issue. I was told by the dealer it is a DCM. I have already replaced my battery and the car is dead with a new battery installed. This dead battery issue has left me stranded which I feel is extremely unsafe. If I can’t find someone to jump me, I could be left stranded again and New England weather is nothing to joke about.
NHTSA complaint #11566362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allison Park, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Had to jump start the car with the original Subaru several times in 2020 and 2021, to the point that I carry a portable battery starter kit. In 2023, 1/16/23, at inspection I broke down and bought a new battery before I was aware of the recall. No problem. Come 1/1/24 I go to start my car and the battery is dead dead dead. The DiHard battery is 1 year old. I have had to jump start the car 3 times this year, and it is 1/7/24. The vehicle has 36,000 miles on it. I had the battery tested today at National Tire & Battery, where I purchased the battery on 1/16/23, and it is operating within parameters. But that's to be expected since I had driven the car there. This is not a battery issue. It has to be an electrical system issue. I have an appt. with Subaru on 1/22/24 to investigate the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11564149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cumberland, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Subaru Starlink system constantly drains battery, leaving driver and passengers stranded. The Starlink is constantly looking for a 3G network, and my area has updated all 3G networks to 5G. After shutting car off, the Starlink will continuously search and drain battery so it will not start. The only temporary fix is to remove the fuse and disable the module. The Starlink is supposed to help in the case of an emergency, but it cannot help if the battery is dead. dealerships have acknowledged the problem but will only offer a fix for the replacement of the module for a sum of about $ 1,300.00.
NHTSA complaint #11560401 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Locust Valley, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The "infotainment system" screen is delaminating. I can not see my surroundings when in reverse. The system is paired with my mobile telephone and randomly calls persons in my contact list without my requesting it do so. The radio can not be turned off and it consistently makes noises as if it is attempting to scan different radio stations. These defects first appeared at 34,000 miles, well below the 36,000 mile warranty period.
NHTSA complaint #11556680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spruce Pine, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery's keep dying we've went through 3 in the last 6 months,we've been told it's a faulty dcm module ,I put the latest date this happened in the date below
NHTSA complaint #11551168 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hackettstown, NJ
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Touch screen driver information system has random display and audible warnings. Audio and navigation display cannot be controlled and does random radio channels and map displays. The screen developed bubbles under the front panel that appears to activate the touch sensor for the display. This condition is very distracting to the driver and might cause unsafe vehicle operation. The display changing and beeping during driving causes an unsafe situation. It also impacts the ability to use and see the rear view camera as the display is distorted due to the delamination/bubbles. This problem was identified by many Subaru Legacy and Outback owners in 2018 which led to a recall and warranty extension for repairs. The radio/nav display is manufactured by Harmon. It was widely reported in 2019 and the problem persists. Subaru contends that the display bubbles are caused by liquid contamination of the display, but this has not occurred in our vehicle, and dealers will not accept responsibility for the defective displays.
NHTSA complaint #11545633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lyndhurst, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car wont start after having a new battery (only 2 months old) put volt meter on battery and reads 5.76 volts. Put 2 amp charger on it for an hour and car starts and voltage meter shows 12.26 volts after i shut it off. This is clearly an electrical problem that Subaru is trying to put off as a battery issue. This car only has 22 thousand miles on it and it is unreliable.The dealer says there is nothing wrong but anybody that knows anything about cars will disagree.
NHTSA complaint #11542310 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Francisco, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2019 Subaru Legacy battery drain. The car would not start, it was jumped in February 2023. In March, the car would not start and it was jumped and taken to the Subaru Serramonte dealer, a claim was filed for the extended warranty and the battery was replaced at no charge. In April 2023, the car would not start, it was jumped and taken to the dealer, the battery was replaced at no charge. In June 2023, the car would not start, it was jumped and taken to dealer where it is now not jumpable and the dealer says the electrical system is draining the battery through the On Star system. There is a 2-month back order on the part, at which time the car is not usable. The dealer claims they cannot disconnect the On Star system due to safety issue.
NHTSA complaint #11528894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
NHTSA complaint #11520816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
La Plata, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have owned my car since January 2019. I replaced the battery in November 2022 because the car wouldn't start after being left home for a week with no one driving it. In January 2023, I had to replace my battery because the car wouldn't start after not driving it for a weekend. I was told the battery was faulty. Now, on March 1, 2023, my car won't start again since no one drove it yesterday. The fob won't even open the doors. I have heard that there is a lawsuit open over my car make, model, and year because of a battery drain problem.
NHTSA complaint #11509636 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yorktown Heights, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
If the car is not driven for multiple days, the battery completely dies. Recharging the battery resolves temporarily. Replacing the battery does not resolve the battery draining quickly. Dealer mechanic confirmed there is no unexpected drain on battery. There are no warning lights or messages.
NHTSA complaint #11482257 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Touch screen driver information system has random display and audible warnings. Audio and navigation display cannot be controlled and does random radio channels and map displays. The screen developed bubbles under the front panel that appears to activate the touch sensor for the display. This condition is very distracting to the driver and might cause unsafe vehicle operation. The constant display changing and beeping may also stimulate seizure symptoms for affected people also causing unsafe operation. This problem was identified by many Subaru Legacy and Outback owners in 2018 which led to a recall and warranty extension for repairs. The radio/nav display is manufactured by Harmon. It was widely reported in 2019 and the problem persists. Subaru contends that the display bubbles are caused by liquid contamination of the display, but this has not occurred in our vehicle, and dealers will not accept responsibility for the defective displays.
NHTSA complaint #11480111 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilkesboro, NC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery keeps draining and dying. Replaced battery in October 2021, December 2021 and February 2022. Battery dead again June 2022.
NHTSA complaint #11469398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cable, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Battery dies if car not used for a period of time. No telling when this will happen. Problem worse when ambient temperature cold but has happened in summer as well. Sometimes when not driven for a week but other times just a couple days. Has not stranded me yet, but not hard to imagine leaving at an airport and coming back to a dead car in a dark parking structure. Not even enough power to open the doors with fob. Taking it to dealer in a couple weeks for recall(fuel pump) and this problem. They may replace battery but as in other Subarus I figure the problem will persist.
NHTSA complaint #11462005 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.