2019 Subaru Crosstrek problems, complaints & recalls

Updated from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 224 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, most often about visibility & wipers. There are 7 recalls for this model year.

Complaints
224
Recalls
7
Crashes
7
Fires
3
Injuries
4
Median mileage
14,368 mi
at time of problem

Key facts

  • Visibility & Wipers is the most-reported problem area, named in 95 of 224 complaints (42%).
  • Electrical System (45) and engine (29) follow.
  • Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 14,368 mi.
  • Owners reported 7 crashes, 3 fires and 4 injuries.
  • The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has 7 recalls on file.
  • It has the most serious complaint record of all 12 Subaru Crosstrek model years we track.
  • That is 59% more complaints than the 2018 model year (141).

2019 Subaru Crosstrek problems by category

  • 95 complaints
  • 45 complaints
  • Other / Unknown · 1 crash
    39 complaints
  • Engine · 2 crashes
    29 complaints
  • 21 complaints
  • Steering
    9 complaints
  • Fuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion · 1 crash
    9 complaints
  • Acceleration & Cruise Control · 1 crash
    8 complaints
  • Driver Assistance & Safety Tech · 1 crash
    6 complaints
  • Brakes · 3 crashes
    6 complaints
  • Body & Structure
    6 complaints
  • Suspension
    4 complaints
  • Wheels & Tires
    3 complaints
  • Seats & Seat Belts
    2 complaints
  • Lighting
    1 complaints
  • Airbags
    1 complaints

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)Complaints
Visibility/wiper86
Electrical system44
Unknown or other37
Engine28
Power train20
Steering9
Fuel/propulsion system9
Visibility:windshield9

When problems happen (mileage)

38Under 10k6310k–30k1830k–60k360k–100k100k–150k150k+
Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2019 Subaru Crosstrek complaints that list mileage.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek recalls (7)

  • Recall 21V264000Apr 15, 2021466,205 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE · ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, causing a short circuit.

    Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V743.

  • Recall 21V263000Apr 15, 2021408,271 vehicles
    SUSPENSION:REAR

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 2019 Crosstrek Hybrid, and 2019 Forester vehicles. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts may loosen and detach.

    Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.

  • Recall 20V189000Mar 31, 20204,862 vehicles
    SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles with rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism. The seat belt webbing sensor locking mechanism may not lock as intended.

    Risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The began April 15, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-20.

  • Recall 19V856000Dec 2, 201951,613 vehicles
    ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.

    Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.

  • Recall 19V743000Oct 18, 2019466,205 vehicles
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION · ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.

    Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.

  • Recall 19V404000May 30, 2019256 vehicles
    VISIBILITY · VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."

    Risk: Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92.

  • Recall 19V065000Feb 6, 201910,417 vehicles
    STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

    Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

    Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2019 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆

Recent 2019 Subaru Crosstrek complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

  1. Filed Aug 15, 2026ILElectrical SystemWheels & Tires
    Recently, Aug 13 we took the 2019 Crosstrek to the to the Subaru center for oil change and a general inspection. Two big problems revealed. 1. Recommend replacing both rear wheel bearings due to noise while driving $2,249. 2. Recommend replacing all 4 TPMS sensors due to low voltage codes present and no data $813.50. The car mileage is 46,191. At this mileage there two problems should not show up. Clearly, we have got a lemon . The Subaru representative claims the above two…
    NHTSA complaint #11757124 · source
  2. Filed Aug 4, 2026SCEngine
    My engine overheated at 125,000 miles roughly and 2025 and this year the engine oil is leaking into the coolant tank at 135,000 miles.
    NHTSA complaint #11754778 · source
  3. Filed Jul 28, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain
    While driving, my dashboard warning lights on my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek—AT OIL TEMP, EyeSight, and Lane Assist—illuminated simultaneously with a sudden onset of transmission slippage and erratic shifting, with no prior warning symptoms. The vehicle experienced a sudden mechanical failure of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) torque converter clutch solenoid valve, which was diagnosed and confirmed by an independent service center under diagnostic trouble codes P0971…
    NHTSA complaint #11753371 · source
  4. Filed Jul 21, 2026100 miCAElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the battery failed to remain charged. During the failure, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. No further information was available. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 100.
    NHTSA complaint #11751836 · source
  5. Filed Jul 15, 2026NJFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion
    I own a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid with recurring fuel-system and EVAP failures that I believe present a serious safety risk. On 12/9/2025, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power while I was driving in dense traffic on a busy expressway. The vehicle suddenly lost propulsion in the middle lane and slowed down to a near crawl, creating an immediate risk of being struck. The event was captured on dashcam. The dealer inspected the vehicle but found no cause. On…
    NHTSA complaint #11750700 · source
  6. Filed Jul 5, 2026WYAcceleration & Cruise Control
    Since purchasing my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek brand new in 2019, the vehicle has suffered from a chronic and dangerous lack of acceleration. It consistently fails to gain speed as expected. ​This issue becomes life-threatening when attempting to merge onto highways. The vehicle is incapable of accelerating quickly enough to match the speed of oncoming traffic. This severe hesitation and lack of power has nearly caused multiple accidents, creating an extreme safety hazard for my…
    NHTSA complaint #11748327 · source
  7. Filed Jun 25, 202631,500 miVATowedElectrical System
    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving and stopping on a red light at around 25 mph, vehicle was shaking till it completely stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed with ignition coil failure and pending repairs. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V743000 (Electrical System). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure…
    NHTSA complaint #11746535 · source
  8. Filed Jun 17, 2026WIElectrical System
    2019 Subaru Crosstrek; Battery is drained even when car is fully turned "off". If the car is not driven every day, battery may drain completely and car won't start. If not driven for several days, battery will discharge so low that it is damaged, in which case it may not have sufficient charge to start the car after sitting overnight. After battery is discharged to the point of damage, it must be trickle charged anytime the vehicle is not driven, and even short periods and…
    NHTSA complaint #11744841 · source

Compare the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with another vehicle →

Other 2019 Subaru models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology