2019 Subaru Outback maintenance schedule

The 2019 Outback is part of the BS generation (2015-2019), sold as a wagon. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2019 Outback needs, and when

5 of these 10 items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Requires 0W-20 for 4-cyl and 5W-30 for 6-cyl.

6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Engine air filter30,000 miIndependent
Cabin air filter12,000 miIndependent
Tire rotationInspect, replace as neededIndependent
Brake fluid

Inspect at 12,000 miles

30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant

Inspect at 24,000 miles

137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluid

Replace or inspect

Inspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs (FB25)60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer
Serpentine beltInspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V battery

Frequent testing required due to severe parasitic drain flaws.

Inspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20 (4-cyl) / 5W-30 (6-cyl)

Powertrains in this generation

  • CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2019 Outback owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Excessive Oil Consumption

high severity

From about 50,000 mi · $1,500-$1,600 to fix

Engine burns massive amounts of oil, requiring frequent top-ups

Source: enginepatrol.com

12V Battery Drain

high severity

$185-$380 to fix

Battery prematurely dies without warning due to electrical draw

Source: subaruofdayton.com

Head Gasket Failure

high severity

$2,000-$4,000 to fix

Overheating, white smoke, oily smell in cabin

Safety recalls

3 NHTSA recalls for the 2019 Subaru Outback

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 21V587000

July 2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

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.

Fuel system, gasoline

NHTSA 20V218000

April 2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

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.

June 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$617

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Outback model years

BT (2020-2026)

BS (2015-2019)

BR (2014-2014)

Shopping new? The Subaru Outback guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an Outback for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2019 Outback earns before you buy it.

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