2019 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems

Related recalls

• 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 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.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed May 11, 2026PAElectrical SystemEngine

   In the middle of driving car stuttered, engine light went on, and car stalled. Unable to restart, Engine cranks but would not turn over. Had car towed for repair. Diagnostic shows engine coil short causing blown fuse. Subaru has an active recall for this identical issue for my same year and model 2019 Crosstrek but the recall does not cover my VIN.

   NHTSA complaint #11737121 · source
3. Filed Sep 8, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngine

   Dashboard warning lights required an inspection by a qualified mechanic and made the assessment of a faulty ECM relatively easily by noting the excessive heat emitting from the ECU.

   NHTSA complaint #11685729 · source
4. Filed Aug 27, 2025MNElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   . I expect a full recall on this model years and relative MY vehicles with this specific engine due to its obsolescence in the subsequent years. I feel as if I was sold a lemon and defective engine that will eventually become a death trap Dear Bloomington Subaru Service Manager, I want to reiterate that this is not an isolated incident limited to your facility. Over the course of this vehicle’s history, I have visited more than five different Subaru dealerships — including…

   NHTSA complaint #11683546 · source
5. Filed Jun 10, 202515,000 miTXEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. While the contact was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the engine was still off, the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R) and the vehicle accelerated backwards. The contact slammed on the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from crashing into another parked vehicle. The contact pressed the ignition button with her foot on the brake…

   NHTSA complaint #11666127 · source
6. Filed Nov 27, 2024DEEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Per NHTSA Product Campaign Bulletin WRE-21, all ignition coils on my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium were replace on August 9th, 2021. On November 26th 2024, the same vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power on a 50 mph, 2-lane road, resulting in emergency action to move the car off of the right-of-way. All occupants of the car were not injured. After the vehicle was towed to a Subaru Dealership, the service notes stated “DIAGNOSED NO START SCANNED AND FOUND P1604…

   NHTSA complaint #11627701 · source
7. Filed Nov 12, 2024TXFireElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I sent my Crosstrek to the dealer for the WRE21 recall. After retrieving the car from the dealership with the recall fix in place, the engine stalled while I was at a red light and I could see smoke coming out from the hood. This occurred after driving less than 4 miles from the dealership. I opened the hood and could see that one of the coil packs on the driver side cylinder bank was on fire. I called 911 and the Fire Department had to extinguish the fire. The fire has…

   NHTSA complaint #11624885 · source
8. Filed Dec 25, 2023NYEngineOther / Unknown

   Not sure yet what component or system failed as the car is being towed to dealer. On 12/23/24, The engine made a grinding noise and then the car completelyshut down and froze on the Highway. No Power, All the Dashboard lights flashed on - and I could not put the car in Park. Since I was on the highway - my safety and safety of drivers behind me were at great risk until a help truck was able to block the road. Car will be inspected by Subaru on 12/26. Subaru was closed 12/23…

   NHTSA complaint #11561780 · source
9. Filed Sep 28, 2023FLEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   Car was at a stop light, went to accelerate and car would not accelerate- all the lights came on. I had to put it in park and turn it off and back on, then it accelerated and there were no other issues.

   NHTSA complaint #11547198 · source
10. Filed Feb 5, 2023UTEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    When driving, the car has intermittent random power failures. When you start to accelerate, it does not go even when applying full petal to the floor or letting go and pushing the petal again then it goes rapidly to speed. It is failing to accelerate more frequently and when I brought it in to the dealership twice, they said if I can tell them exactly how and when it is failing they would have a chance at fixing the problem. The problem they say is that it is random. Because…

    NHTSA complaint #11505627 · source
11. Filed Jun 1, 2022PATowedEngine

    2019 subaru crosstek. Consumer writes in regard to vehicle being flooded with water after safety recalls being repaired. The consumer stated thed vehicle was flooded due to the air conditioner being clogged. Also, after having the engine recall performed the technician failed to recalibrate the computer and/or valves properly. This caused the vehicle to fail on the highway while driving. Due to the dangerous condition, the consumer had difficulty getting a ride off of the…

    NHTSA complaint #11466917 · source
12. Filed Nov 3, 20217,990 miMAEngine

    The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, the accelerator pedal was not depressed but the vehicle slightly accelerated independently. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact also stated that while accelerating from a complete stop and making a turn, the vehicle inadvertently stalled, almost causing another vehicle to crash into her vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the…

    NHTSA complaint #11439201 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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