2019 Subaru Crosstrek transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed May 13, 2026TNTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

   Wheel bearing failure resulting in replacement of the bearing and the integral hub at a cost of ~$750 (independent service center diagnosed and replaced the failed unit). Vehicle had only 42,000 miles and had developed a "rumble" which was thought to be related to seasonal temperature changes/tire tread. Sudden/catastrophic seizing of a failed wheel bearing can cause a loss of control and accident, thus this report as to the potential severity of the issue. No automated…

   NHTSA complaint #11737615 · source
3. Filed Feb 15, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   The rear differential had a contained catastrophic failure. The vehicle had been serviced according to the manufacturer schedule and by their own dealers. The car had never been off road. The failure occurred at 106,500 miles and 6.3 years.

   NHTSA complaint #11718173 · source
4. Filed Nov 25, 2025ILTransmission & Drivetrain

   The car started shaking and shuddering at 40 mph on a straight road and I had several losses of motive power, with sluggish acceleration of a busy road. All dashboard lights began to turn on. The Oil Temp light was flashing, indicating an powertrain issue. After slowly driving it to a Subaru dealership, I was told that the CVT needed to be replaced. This model year also had a loss of motive power when cylinder 4 short circuited (after full replacement due to a recall). These…

   NHTSA complaint #11701550 · source
5. 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
6. Filed Aug 4, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain

   PCV problems and the dealership saying they fixed and completed this recall and have not done so and now CVT problems saying there’s no parts to fix it and have to re do the whole valve system Starter with thinking it was a wheel bar ring problem To trying to figure out if it was a pcv with the engine or cvt with the transmission These are major safety problem that should not be happening

   NHTSA complaint #11678295 · source
7. 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
8. 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
9. Filed Oct 15, 202474,000 miVATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact called on behalf of her husband who owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact's husband stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a cracking sound was coming from the center-right of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The contact referenced an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number relating to the transmission as possibly being related to…

   NHTSA complaint #11619860 · source
10. 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
11. Filed May 21, 2023AKTransmission & Drivetrain

    Vehicle transmission failed while moving up a hill, vehicle coasted back down hill into intersection. Had to be physically moved off the road. Subaru of America reimbursed $3k towards cost of transmission, leaving customer with approximately $5k repair.

    NHTSA complaint #11523090 · source
12. 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

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