2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 284 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the highest complaint count among 14 Crosstrek model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 6 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 5 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical system, softwareApr 15, 2021
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.
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V264000 on NHTSA.gov
Suspension, rearApr 15, 2021
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.
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V263000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, rear/otherMar 31, 2020
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.
In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 20V189000 on NHTSA.gov
Engine and engine cooling, exhaust system, emission control, crankcase (pcv)Dec 2, 2019
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.
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V856000 on NHTSA.gov
Electrical system, softwareOct 18, 2019
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.
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Visibility, glass, side/rearMay 30, 2019
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."
Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 19V404000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemFeb 6, 2019
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.
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 19V065000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
24 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jul 28, 2026
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 and C1431. This sudden loss of reliable vehicle propulsion and disabling of active driver-assist safety systems created an immediate collision hazard, severely compromising driver control and vehicle safety in live traffic. Subaru is denying reimbursement for this known CVT defect, expecting consumers to foot the bill after relying on a single mail notification sent 13 months prior. Although the failed component was replaced during this emergency repair using genuine OEM parts supplied directly by an authorized Subaru dealership parts department, all diagnostic logs, itemized parts records, and repair documentation are attached.
Power train, Wheels, May 13, 2026
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 warnings other than a noticeable rumble when vehicle was in motion with increased severity over a few weeks. Manufacturer advised by email of the situation. Vehicle repaired and invoice attached to this report.
Power train, Feb 15, 2026
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.
Power train, Nov 25, 2025
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 are two examples of loss of motive power at high speeds on a single vehicle which in my opinion constitute a severe safety issue
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 27, 2025
. 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 White Bear Luther Subaru, Miller Hill Subaru, Walser Subaru, Morrie’s Minnetonka Subaru, and your own Luther Bloomington Subaru — for recurring ECM and engine-related concerns. Despite multiple ignition coil replacements, repeated ECM flashes/reprogramming, and assurances that the most recent updates would permanently resolve the issue, my Crosstrek continues to suffer from clunking, rattling, difficulties accelerating, rough idling, and even complete stalling when idling or in hot temperatures. At my most recent visit to Bloomington Subaru, the ECM was not loaded with the current software, ECM C1424 and C1422 and Diag Trouble Code P0011 code. There are 5-7 Subaru bulletins about ECM and these codes. I had this b4 2yrs ago yet the dealership won’t assist with repairs or costs associated with this defective oil control valve part as well as the defective design in the ECM / ECU and this specific engine in the 2019 Crosstrek, of which is no longer produced or manufactured. The ECM or Oil control valve has since been “replaced” and swapped with other components in future generations of Subarus this is defective & mechanically related, not from wear and tear or personal useThere is a recall where the camshaft can break and the PCV too leading to complete catastrophic engine failure, which is a safety issue and expired, but despite 5 ECM flashes, 3/4 sets of ignition coils my vehicle still struggles with the same issues today, costing me $750 and months with my car in the shop, recall this engine
Power train, Aug 4, 2025
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
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Jun 10, 2025
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 pedal to start the vehicle. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled to service the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Nov 12, 2024, fire
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 rendered the vehicle inoperable and smoke damaged.
Power train, Oct 15, 2024
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 the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 74,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 28, 2023
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.
Power train, May 21, 2023
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.
Power train, Engine, Feb 5, 2023
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 of the problem with this we are seriously looking at buying another car. We no longer pull out into traffic because we do not know if it will fail. There are no warning lights on the dash or other indications.
Power train, Apr 17, 2022
This 2019 Crosstrek dangerously malfunctioned. When driving at 75 MPH on the highway it went into in neutral, then it would not go in reverse, and in park it revved to 75 MPH, ultimately it would not start. Based on many codes the car was indicating, the Subaru mechanic tried to replace a cable that communicates the computer to the transmission (turbine?), it did not solve the problem. It has been waiting on a new transmission for four weeks with no ETA. Subaru dealer indicates the new transmission will have a 100,000-mile warranty. It appears that rather than fix this known dangerous defective transmission issue for good, there are many reports when you research online, they simply up the warranty. Someone is going to get hurt if they haven't already. Thank you for your time.
Power train, Service brakes, Engine, Aug 25, 2021, crash
My daughter was in process of pulling her car into the garage when it experienced sudden acceleration and crashed into the garage. My daughter was unable to stop the car as the brake system failed during the incident. She is now too terrified to drive the car. Subaru claims that the car is and has been operating as intended. The Subaru Eyesight, Anti-Lock Braking, Vehicle Dynamic Control systems all failed during the sudden acceleration event. It's fortunate that this incident did not happen at a stoplight (intersection).
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Nov 18, 2020
OCCASIONALLY, WHILE ACCELERATING, IT FEELS AS IF THE CAR LOSES ACCELERATION AND THE ENGINE LOSES POWER. IT HAPPENS WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION SLOW SPEEDS AND FAST SPEEDS.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Oct 23, 2020
ALL ELEXTRICAL WAS DIABELED, NO S DRIVE, NO RESPONSE TO KEY FOB, COULD NOT TAKE CAR OUT OF PARK, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. CAR WAS WORKIG WHEN PARKED AT STORE, CAME OUT AND THE CAR WOULD NOT START AND KEPT GIVING ME ERROR MESAGES. THE YBRID BATTER WAS GOOD AND I FINALLY WAS ABLE TO USE THE HYBRID MODE TO GET THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP.
Power train, Engine, Jul 17, 2020
WHEN ACCELERATING RPM DISPLAY AT APPROXIMATELY 2-3 THOUSAND RPMS STARTS TO JOLT AND THE RPM NEEDLE BOUNCES UP AND DOWN AS THE ACCELERATION CONTINUES!! THE VEHICLE DOES THIS WHEN GOING FROM A FULL STOPPED POSITION TO ACCELERATING.
Power train, Jun 1, 2020
AT TIMES VEHICLE HAS STUTTERED ACCELERATION OR DELAYED ACCELERATION. THIS IS VERY NOTICEABLE AFTER CAR HAD BEEN RUNNING FOR MORE THAT AN HOUR AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. TWICE I HAVE TAKEN MY SUBARU IN TO HAVE IT LOOK AT ONCE ON 1/2020 AND AGAIN 5/2020. SUBARU HAS RECORDED AS ISSUE TWICE OVER 517 MILES. AT TECHLINE INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN OPENED UP. THEY THINK THIS IS A SOFTWARE ISSUE. THEY HAVE DEEMED THIS NORMAL OPERATION AND SAFE TO DRIVE. MY CAR HAS A PROBLEM AND ITS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY SUBARU. THIS IS A NEW CAR WITH 14307 MILES ON IT. THIS ACCELERATION ISSUE HAPPENS ON THE FREEWAY AND AROUND TOWN AT 35 MPH. *TR
Power train, Mar 19, 2020, crash
PULLED INTO A PARKING SPACE AND PLACED THE VEHICLE IN PARK,TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF, REMOVED THE KEY AND EXITED THE VEHICLE. WHEN RETURNING TO THE VEHICLE WITHIN 5 MINUTES, THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED BACKWARDS 25 FEET AND HIT 2 PARKED CARS. I UNLOCKED THE VEHICLE, ENTERED IT AND STARTED THE CAR TO RETURN TO MY ORIGINAL PARKING SPACE SO I COULD CALL THE POLICE TO REPORT A FENDER BENDER. I WILL BE CALLING MY DEALERSHIP IN THE MORNING TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED FOR SAFETY. IN THE MEANTIME I PARKED THE VEHICLE AND APPLIED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE AS AN ADDED PRECAUTION.
Power train, Engine, Mar 7, 2020
WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO A STOP AN EXIT RAMP WITH A SIGNAL, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY SHUT OFF, AND THE VEHICLE BECAME IMMOBILE. ALL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL, AND THERE WAS A MESSAGE INSTRUCTING TO MOVE THE GEAR TO 'PARK'. I HAD TO SHUT OFF THE ENGINE AND RESTART BEFORE THE CAR COULD MOVE. IT WAS A DANGEROUS SITUATION.
Power train, Engine, Feb 15, 2020
SINCE I BOUGHT THIS CAR IN MARCH 2019 I HAVE HAD PROBLEMS. IT HAS BEEN IN FOR SERVICE 5 TIMES AND EACH TIME I TOLD THEM SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PUSH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL THE ENGINE STUTTERS OR MISFIRES. SOME TIMES IT DOES NOT EVEN RESPOND TO PUSHING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THIS IS INFREQUENT AND THEY HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO EXPERIENCE IT. BUT, IT DOES EXIST AND I AM AFRAID ABOUT THE SAFETY. FOR EXAMPLE I WAS AT A STOP SIGN AND STARTED TO TURN LEFT AND I PRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND IT WENT ABOUT TEN FEET AND WOULD NOT GO FURTHER. I PUMPED THE PEDAL AND TWO OR THREE SECONDS LATER IT MOVED. SUBARU TOLD ME I COULD TRADE IT IN AND THEY WOULD GIVE ME $2000 TOWARDS A NEW CAR ALONG WITH A TRADE IN VALUE OF $18,500 THIS IS HORRIBLE. I FEAR THE SAFETY BUT ALSO DON'T WANT TO SPEND ANOTHER $8 ,000 FOR A VEHICLE I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BUY. ON THE SECOND VISIT TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE AND PROBLEM WITH ENGINE THEY SAID THERE WAS TOO MUCH OIL IN THE ENGINE. THEY WERE THE ONLY ONES WHO TOUCHED THE OIL THAT WAS PUT IN THE ENGINE SINCE THE DAY I BOUGHT THE CAR. THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT NO ONE IS HELPING ME WITH. ALSO, I DID HAVE A RECALL FOR THE NEED TO UPDATE THE ENGINE COIL SOFTWARE PROGRAMING.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 27, 2019
AT AROUND THE 2000 MILE MARK I NOTICED A DRASTIC REDUCTION IN FUEL ECONEMY. I ALSO STARTED NOTICING METAL PARTICLES IN THE ENGINE OIL. I ALSO NOTICED A SIGNIFICANT DROP IN ENGINE POWER AS WELL. THIS IS A SIGN OF DEBRIS GETTING IN THE ENGINE AND CAUSING METAL PARTICLES TO BECOME BROKEN OFF. MY MILEAGE WENT FROM 460-480 MPT TO 360-380 MPT. (MPT=MILES PER TANK) I HAVE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE INTO THE DEALERSHIP AND NOTHING WAS FOUND FROM THRM TESTING THE FUEL SYSTEM. I HAVE BEEN DOCUMENTING THIS THRU PHOTOGRAPS ON MY TRIPOMETER. I TOOK DEALERSHIPS ADVICE AND TRIED A DIFFERENT GAS STATION WITH THE SAME RESULTS. FUEL ECONEMY IS AVERAGING 22-33 MPG CITY/HIGHWAY. I DRIVE 20 OF 25 MILES EACH WAY TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY. THE DISPLAY THAT READS GAS MILEAGE BASED ON HOW I DRIVE IN THE CAR SAYS I SHOULD BE GETTING BETWEEN 27-28 MPG BASED ON HOW I DRIVE.
Power train, Electrical system, Interior lighting, Oct 16, 2019
2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD SPEEDOMETER RED DIM LIGHT AN OLDER STYLE TRANSMISSION. *AS THE CONSUMER STATED THE LIGHTING ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL WAS INSUFFICIENT AND COULD NOT BE MANUALLY ADJUSTED SEPARATE FROM THE HEADLIGHTS. THE CONSUMER STATED THE TRANSMISSION DOES SHIFT QUICK ENOUGH. *JS
Power train, Exterior lighting, Feb 7, 2019
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AT NIGHT, WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE SET ON "AUTO," THE ILLUMINATED GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT ADJACENT TO THE SHIFTER DO NOT ILLUMINATE. THIS LEAVES THE POSSIBILITY OF SHIFTING THE CAR INTO THE WRONG GEAR. THESE LIGHTS DO ILLUMINATE WITH THE LIGHTS SET TO MANUAL. THE SPECIFIC INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN AN OLDER DRIVER PARKED THE VEHICLE, THINKING SHE HAD SHIFTED INTO PARK, AND INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO REVERSE. HAD SHE BEEN ABLE TO VISUALLY VERIFY THE GEAR, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED.