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
284 reports, newest first.
Steering, Electrical system, Service brakes, Feb 23, 2025
Hello! I started financing my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek in 04/2023. A month after that date, I had a head gasket issue. Then in 2024, a radiator cap deformed after going to the dealer to get an oil change at SF Honda. (The time on that was suspicious being that I didn’t touch that cap at all.) so I had to pay for that repair. Now in 2025, after getting an oil change at Subaru, a day after that oil change, a lot of lights came onto my dashboard. I have two diagnosis reports from other places because I didn’t have the money to pay Subaru $300 to “diagnose” the issue, especially after my car just came from there a day before the problem existed. Since I got into this vehicle, I’ve been suspicious whether or not it’s safe for me, reason also being, I found out in 2024, that this car has been into 5 wrecks. Which I was NOT aware of prior. And now, they are making me feel, there is NOTHING they can do, unless I have a Co-signer, or the approved “credit” score. And now that my vehicle has “7” recalls! I am hoping I can get out of this vehicle. Thanks!
Engine, Jan 27, 2025
Spark plug coil leaked oil into the spark plug
Steering, Dec 16, 2024
Intermittent Power Steering Malfunction while driving causing car to violently "self-steer". Vehicle is NOT equipped with adaptive cruise control or lane assist features. Loss of control while driving become intermittently high risk having to clutch the steering wheel and counteract undesired vehicle self-steering forces to avoid hitting other cars on the road. No other vehicles or other property were damaged during discovery of EPS malfunction. Malfunction occurs at highway speeds and also local town speeds. There are no check engine lights present on vehicles OBD system. Vehicle is only ever serviced at the same dealership where originally purchased. Upon occurrences of malfunction, vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostic testing. The dealership's determination is that there is an electrical fault inside the Electronic Power Steering Gearbox. The dealer was able to duplicate the electrical malfunction while test driving. Vehicle currently remains at dealership indefinitely until operating hazard remedied. Original OEM malfunctioning EPS gear box still installed on vehicle as of 12/16/2024 and is available for requested inspection. Since current existing recalls for the EPS gearbox were not applied to this vehicle, Customer is forced to pay out of pocket ($1400 part plus $600 labor) to fix. Requesting NHTSA to confiscate malfunctioning part for examination and comparison to known OEM defects involved with other safety recalls. Replacement parts currently on order by dealer as of 12/16/2024. Reference existing Subaru recall # (WUC-88). Reference existing NHTSA # (19V065000). Replacement OEM part # (34110FL133 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Steering Gear). Existing OEM part number currently on vehicle is unknown. Subaru Dealer: Minooka Subaru 4141 Birney Ave, Moosic, PA 18507 (570) 346-4641
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 27, 2024
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 STARTABILITY MALFUNCTION, AND P0304 CYLINDER 4 MISFIRE, CHECKED FUEL PRESSURE AND FOUND IT WAS WITHIN SPEC, FOUND THE IGNITION COIL FUSE WAS BLOWN AND UPON FURTHER INSPECTION FOUND THE CYL 4 COIL PACK SHORTED INTERNALLY AND THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY CIRCUITS CONNECTED BLOWING THE FUSE, COIL PACK AND FUSE WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED.” The wording of the technician’s notes mirror the wording of the WRE-21. The dealership offered a one-time free “goodwill replacement” of the part in question, but only for 1 cylinder. I believe further corrective action needs to be taken by the NHTSA to prevent total loss of motive power in affected Subaru crosstreks.
Structure, Nov 25, 2024
While driving on the freeway at approximately 60 MPH, the sunroof on my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek suddenly exploded with a very loud pop. This occurred on a sunny, warm day at around 11:30 a.m., following a somewhat cold night. Both the sunroof and the interior sliding cover were fully closed at the time of the incident. After the explosion, shattered glass rained down onto the closed sliding cover. If the sliding cover had been open, glass could have fallen directly onto me, posing a risk of injury, such as glass entering my eyes, and potentially creating a dangerous situation while driving. The sunroof was inspected and replaced by my local Subaru dealership. I was responsible for covering the parts and labor costs. This was the first time this issue occurred with my vehicle, but I have read similar reports online from other Subaru Crosstrek owners. There were no prior warnings, such as unusual noises or visual signs of cracking, before the failure. While the sunroof has been repaired, I have photos and video available for review upon request.
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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, May 13, 2024
Anti-lockout mechanism failed to prevent telematics-initiated lockout. 1) Driver placed live child , keys, phone into car 2) Driver closed door with keys inside. The car normally refuses to lock under these conditions, detecting key inside, and preventing a hazard to infant who is unable to unlock the car. 3) Remote telematics command issued from 3rd party inadvertently locks car remotely. Driver has now lost control of the car lock state, and is locked out with child inside. Since it's a sunny day, car internal temperature increases, causing threat to child. 4) Emergency efforts to reach 3rd party to unlock the car to free child are successful ~10 minutes later , avoiding harm to child. However, if driver had been unable to reach the third party, the only alternatives would have been 911/break-glass.
Visibility/wiper, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 7, 2024
The windshield cracked for no reason while parked in our garage. The windshield was not stuck by any objects, the car was simply setting parked in our garage. There is no evidence of any object striking the windshield such as a rock chip or other items. The Crack is in line with the left side EyeSight driver assist technolgy sensor mounted inside the windshield. The Crack in the windshield may effect the operation of the EyeSight safety features.
Electrical system, Jan 31, 2024
Battery drains rapidly and completely, sometimes overnight. Five times in less than one year. After a full charge only lasts a few days. Battery replaced but still happens. Others tell me it is a parasitic drain caused by "DCM" and/or faulty Starlink software. Dealership cannot seem to fix this after repeated attempts.
Electrical system, Jan 2, 2024
The digital communication module (DCM) on this Crosstrek is faulty and is leading to parasitic drain on the car battery. This defect is consistent with other Subaru models such as the Outback. However, this specific model and year was not included in the class action suit and order but the issues are similar.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 25, 2023
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 PM, 12/24, 12/25 There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of a problem prior to the failure.
Steering, Dec 5, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the power steering assist failed to operate as the steering wheel seized with the power steering warning light illuminated. Due to the failure, the vehicle swerved to the left before the contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the highway. The contact restarted the vehicle and the power steering assist returned before the failure recurred upon exiting the highway. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the power steering had failed and needed to be repaired. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V065000 (Steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the dealer possession. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Visibility, Nov 1, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 4-5 MPH over a speed bump, the windshield made an abnormal popping sound and cracked from one side to the other. The local dealer and a second dealer, Bob Moore Subaru (13010 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131), were notified of the failure and informed the contact the vehicle was not covered under recall. The contact was provided a cost for the repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 69,800.
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2023
Sunroof exploded while driving. No temperature extremes, no warning lights prior to event. It sounded like my car was shot and tempered glass fell into vehicle. Insurance claim was filed and approved for replacement of the sunroof; dealership replaced the part.
Structure, Aug 29, 2023
The hood of the vehicle unlatches without the pulling the lever, leaving the hood open. There are no messages when this happens.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 8, 2023
We went to put groceries in our trunk and the rear driver side window shattered and my 2 year old was in the car. Glass got inside the car where his car seat was, and the entire window shattered on the ground. There was nothing touching the window to make the window shatter when I shut the trunk
Visibility/wiper, Jul 30, 2023
Rear view mirror fell off while driving down the hwy. when the mirror detached from the front windshield it sent small shards of class on to me and my wife. This startled me and caused me to jerk the wheel. I corrected the vehicle and safely pulled to the side of the road. After inspecting what happened I realized the the glass broke and the mirror had a chuck of glass still attached to it. The damage was only on the inside potion of the glass and there is no damage to the outside. I called Subaru of America and the representative side it was covered under warranty. Once I called the service shop they informed me that I needed a claim number and Subaru does not warranty windshields. I called back and after 35 minutes the representative said I would have to wait for another representative to call back with further information.
Carry handle, Shell, Base, Tether, Lower anchor (on car seat or vehicle), Jul 24, 2023
I have two of the same model car seat for both my wife's and my cars. In the rear facing position, neither car seat locks into the set recline position. Instead it clicks out of what we set it at and slides all the way to the #1 position which is the most reclined. This seems to be a major safety issue and suspiciously Evenflo has discontinued this model which is a somewhat new model. Upon looking up recent online reviews, it seems that many parents have this same issue and significant safety concern. This car seat needs to be investigated ASAP and possibly recalled.
Steering, Lane departure, Jun 28, 2023
My 2019 Subaru Crosstrek surges at speeds around 60 MPH, and swerves the vehicle without my control. I have to hold the steering wheel tightly and steer out of the swerve, which is incredibly dangerous on freeways or mountain roads. Apparently, the lane departure assist is the culprit, so now I have to disable the app before I drive. Why would I allow this dangerous application to drive my car for me? I have barely avoided crashing into semi trucks and driving into road shoulders because of this device. I think the car is dangerous. There is yet another dangerous issue with this car. There is another device that disables the transmission while idling in traffic. The steering and transmission are literally locked in place. I had this happen once in a drive through window, and once on a hill, while traffic was stopped for an accident. When the traffic started to move again, 20 minutes later, I could not get my car to start, and I was in front of a mile long line of traffic, coming back to highway speed, completely stopped. A policeman stopped and knew that there was a little " dimple" on my dashboard that would uncover a locking mechanism. If we only had a slender probe that would fit inside the dimple-pencil too big, so was screwdriver. By this time, I had 2 policemen stopped and traffic whizzing by me. An electrician stopped, knew about the dimple too, and had a slender enough rod to fit into the area, slid the locking mechanism to the side, and started the car again. On both of these issues, I called Subaru customer service and Subaru corporate. NOBODY knew what these issues were, never heard of them! The car is inherently dangerous and I am stuck driving it because I financed it only a year ago and can't afford to buy another car. Subaru should at least acknowledge these dangerous issues, and offer me another model without these issues. The 2019 Crosstrek is the model I have that has these dangerous issues. Earlier and later models do not.
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.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2023
The manufacturer has failed to repair an open recall in a timely manner. Our Crosstrek Hybrid's 12-volt battery frequently needs charging and has been jumped a half dozen times in as many months and replaced twice since November.
Electrical system, Apr 19, 2023
The starter failed and I was towed to the repair shop where they noted it was unable to kick out bendix to meet flywheel. Upon reviewing subaru's website and forums, there have been many reports of this problem on the crosstrek.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 15, 2023
The car's hybrid system failed. The problem was a poorly protected electrical cable and connector that is exposed under the car. It corroded and failed. The dealer cleaned it and it works again, but they think the issue will be ongoing. May be related to Manufacturer Recall Number: WRD23 / NHTSA Recall Number:23V080000