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.
Visibility, Jul 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the front windshield cracked without impact. The contact called the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000. The VIN was not available
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 19, 2021
CAR HESITATES ON ACCELERATION PERSISTS AFTER RECALL (REPLACEMENT OF IGNITION COILS). CONDITION PERSISTS SINCE PURCHASE (NOV, 2019). NUMEROUS REPAIR ORDERS DID NOT CORRECT PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 2021
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Left rear window ( driver’s side) window shattered without warning. There was a recall issued for this exact problem - but the time frame for the recall was narrow and my car was not included as it was just shy of the start date for the recall although manufactured in the same month. Subaru’s number for this recall is WUG-92. The child car seat was covered in glass and shards of glass were embedded throughout the car. The fact that the car was parked with no one in it does not lessen the reality that this would have been a tragic incident for the child and anyone in the car or near the car especially if we had been driving on a highway. Subaru has been contacted and took all the information. I am documenting this for a warning to other Crosstrek owners to be aware that this is known to happen without warning until Subaru notifies them of this potential danger. Hopefully the recall will be expanded to avoid harm and injury.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 30, 2021
The windshield cracked seemingly at random during the winter. It was approximately 15 degrees on I-70 in CO on December 11, 2020. The windshield suddenly cracked with no indication of impact. It was a 6 inch crack. The windshield appears prone to cracking as evidenced by 1000s of other consumer complaints.
Other or unspecified, Jun 29, 2021
On June 25, 2021 we had driven from Seattle to Spokane, WA and stopped at the Sprague Lake Rest Stop. When we returned to our car and sat in the car for about 15 minutes our car failed to start. The temperature outside was about 100 degrees. After 3 attempts by fellow travelers Roadside Assist and a Tow Driver our car failed to start so it was towed to the Suburu dealer in Spokane Washington where a battery was replaced. The only reason that was given for the failure was that we sat in the car for a time before we started the car and the batter;y was drained because of the presence of the keys. Our batter has failed on 3 other occasions. Because we do occasional car trips we no longer feel safe in this car
Electrical system, Jun 24, 2021
I’m having continuous problems with my car not starting or a dead battery. It has been in for for service 3x for this issue abc one of those times they replaced the battery. On 6/24/21 I picked up my car from the service department after leaving it there for several days only for them to tell me nothing is wrong with my car. 20 minutes later and my car won’t start which I captured on video. This car seems to have an electrical issue that no one wants to admit to.
Engine, Jun 17, 2021
CAR HESITATES ON ACCELERATION.
Suspension, Electrical system, Engine, Jun 16, 2021
I received 2 recall notices in the mail from Subaru 0n 6/16/2021. I immediately contacted the selling dealer, Dunning Subaru, Ann Arbor Michigan and was advised that they could not even give me a date in July when the vehicle could be repaired, but they would add my name to a waiting list for appointments. I contacted Subaru customer service for assistance and was told I would have to find a local retailer on my own and that though they said the vehicle was not safe to drive, they refused to offer and substitute transportation until the vehicle could be repaired. I contacted LaFontaine Subaru, Commerce Twsp, Mi and was advised that they have been unable to order sufficient parts for this recall and while the earliest available appointment was for July 7th (3 weeks from today) they could not guarantee that they would have the parts on that date to actually perform the repair. In short, Subaru produced a defective vehicle; advised me it was not safe to drive the vehicle; is unable to repair the vehicle in a reasonable timeframe; and refuses to provide substitute transportation. What is the good of a recall program if repairs can't be made and the customer is stuck without transportation; and the company response is essentially - "it's the customers problem to deal with - have a nice day!"
Air bags, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 7, 2021
The EyeSight turned off and would not turn back on. Then the airbag symbol lit up on the dashboard. My cruise control and lane assistance were not working as well. If I had been involved in an accident, the airbags would not have deployed. The warning messages appeared about 3 weeks ago.
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, May 12, 2021
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MEXICO AND HAVE MOVED TO NORTH LAS VEGAS NEVADA. THE DEALER WILL NOT MAKE THE NECESSARY SAFETY REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALLS. WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE AN UNSAFE CAR?
Visibility/wiper, Apr 26, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD ON MY SUBARU CROSSTREK WHICH WAS PURCHASED NEW FROM A DEALER IN JULY 2019 HAS ALREADY SUFFERED 2 RANDOM CHIPS IN THE WINDSHIELD & TODAY AS I WAS DRIVING THE WINDSHIELD SPLIT SPONTANEOUSLY WITH A 7 INCH CRACK IN A TOTALLY DIFFERENT AREA FROM PREVIOUS REPAIRED CHIPS. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.
Electrical system, Apr 18, 2021
I'VE HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH THE 12V BATTERY IN MY 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK HYBRID. THE VEHICLE HAS SOME SORT OF ELECTRICAL "LEAKAGE" ISSUE THAT DRAINS THE BATTERY AFTER SITTING FOR A FEW DAYS. WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY INOPERATIVE; CAR WILL NOT START, YOU CANNOT EVEN UNLOCK THE DOORS. IN 18 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP, THE CAR HAS STRANDED ME SEVERAL TIMES. ONE INCIDENT JUST REQUIRED A JUMP START, BUT DURING THE LATEST INCIDENT THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY DEAD AND HAD TO BE TOWED ON A FLAT BED TRUCK TO THE DEALER FOR A NEW BATTERY AND OTHER REPAIRS. IN ALL OF THESE CASES, ALL ACCESSORIES, LIGHTS, OR ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD DRAIN POWER WAS OFF WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE IS SOMETHING IN THE CAR THAT IS DRAWING POWER WHEN IT IS OFF AND DRAINS THE BATTERY WITHIN DAYS.
Electrical system, Apr 10, 2021
STARTER FAILED AT 50 K MILES LEFT ME STRANDED
Visibility/wiper, Apr 8, 2021
WHILE DRIVING TO WORK IN THE MORNING, MY WINDSHIELD ALL OF A SUDDEN CRAKED. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES AROUND ME SO IT WASN'T A ROCK THAT HIT MY WINDOW, THE CRACK ON THE WINDOW ITS ABOUT AND ONE INCH. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALER AND THEY SAID THAT CRACK WAS TOO BIG TO BE FIX, WE PAID EXTRA AT THE TIME OF PURCHASED FOR A PACKAGE THAT WOULD COVER DINGS AND WINDOW REPLACEMENTS AND THEY ARE NOT FOLLOWING THE PROMISE.
Steering, Service brakes, Engine, Apr 7, 2021
MY SUBARU CROSSTREK IS A 2019 - LESS THAN 2 YEARS OLD AND STILL COVERED BY WARRANTY. IT HAS BEEN METICULOUSLY CARED FOR AND ONLY DEALER SERVICED. 3 DAYS AGO THE CAR'S ENGINE SHUT OFF WHILE WE WERE DRIVING IT. THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER TO THE BRAKES AND STEERING. WE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED. I BROUGHT THE CAR IN IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER SERVICE I HAVE ALWAYS BEEN GOING TO, AND THEY CANNOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH THE CAR. IN HIS OWN WORDS, THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID "I WOULD NOT FEEL COMFORTABLE LETTING MY FAMILY OR LOVED ONES USING YOUR CAR" - BUT HE OFFERED NO HELP. HE SAID THAT THEY CAN'T FIND A PROBLEM, THEY CAN'T FIND AN ERROR CODE, AND THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING THIS VEHICLE GIVEN THAT A SERIOUS, DANGEROUS, HAZARDS, AND POTENTIALLY LIFE-THREATENING ENGINE FAILURE OCCURED WITH NO APPARENT CAUSE IN A BRAND NEW CAR. THE FACT THAT THE SERVICE MANAGER HIMSELF SAID THAT IT'S NOT SAFE TO DRIVE BUT COULDN'T OFFER ANY EXPLANATION OF WHY THE INFORMATION OCCURED IS VERY FRUSTRATING. THE DEALERSHIP IS GIVING ME A DANGEROUS CAR BACK WITH NO KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO FIX IT OR WHEN IT WILL HAPPEN AGAIN. IF THE ENGINE DIES ON THE HIGHWAY OR ON A CROWDED STREET, IT COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT IN WHICH MYSELF AND OTHERS ARE SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED.
Electrical system, Engine, Apr 6, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DRIVABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO BILL RAPP SUBARU (3446 BURNET AVE, SYRACUSE, NY 13206, (315) 437-2501) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH UNKNOWN ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,680.
Visibility/wiper, Apr 5, 2021
I WAS DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY 1 AND MY DRIVER'S RIGHT SIDE WINDOW SUDDENLY EXPLODED AND SHATTERED INTO A THOUSAND PIECES, RAINING GLASS DOWN ALL OVER ME. I DIDN'T HAVE A CRACK PREVIOUSLY AND A ROCK DIDN'T HIT IT SO THERE WAS NOTHING TO CAUSE THIS. THERE WERE NO OTHER CARS ON THE HIGHWAY AT THE TIME. THE CAR ONLY HAS 13K MILES SO THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN, BUT I'VE SINCE FOUND OUT THIS IS A KNOWN DEFECT WITH NEWER SUBARUS SO THEY SHOULD FIX THIS ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE GETS REALLY HURT.
Other or unspecified, Apr 2, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACKING. WAS REPLACE AND CRACKED AGAIN.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Mar 30, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACKED IN COLD WEATHER WHILE WARMING UP. DRIVER SIDE SUN VISOR FELL OFF AS I WAS DRIVING AS WELL.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 22, 2021
THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON; THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WHEN NOTICED AND IT APPEARS THIS DID NOT OCCUR DURING TRAVEL.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 22, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD IS CRACKED WITH NO VISIBLE CHIPS OR DAMAGE CAUSING THE CRACK. I HAVE NEVER HAD A ROCK FLY AND HIT THE WINDSHIELD OR ANYTHING. IT SEEMS TO HAVE CRACKED WITH NO APPARENT REASON.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2021
ROCK HIT MY WINDSHIELD ON A HIGHWAY. 2 HOURS LATER AND LONG CRACK APPEARED- 8 INCHES
Visibility/wiper, Mar 14, 2021
THE WINDSHIELD HAS CRACKED WITHOUT CAUSE. THANKFULLY THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE IT WAS PARKED. CRACKING ALL ON ITS OWN WITHOUT BEING HIT OR DAMAGED IS INCREDIBLY FRIGHTENING AND DANGEROUS.
Steering, Lane departure, Feb 19, 2021
EVER SINCE I HAVE OWNED THE CAR MAY 2019 I HAVE HAD THE PROBLEM OF DANGEROUS UNSTABLE STEERING WHEN IT AUTOMATICALLY DEPARTS FROM LANES AT SPEEDS ABOVE 50 MPH IN ALL WEATHER CONDITIONS WET SUNNY MOUNTAINS HILLY WHEN IT PUTS ALL US IN DANGER WHEN THA DRIVER HAS TO ADJUST THE CAR. TWICE I HAVE TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND NO ACTION WAS TAKEN AND WE REMAIN APPREHENSIVE ABOUT DRIVING OUR LESS THAN 6000 MILES. IT IS UNSAFE AND DANGEROUS. CAN ANY THING BE DONE.
Electrical system, Feb 18, 2021
STATIONARY. BATTERY HAS BEEN REPLACED 4 TIMES. FIRST SUBARU SAID THAT IT NEEDED TO BE STARTED EVERY COUPLE OF WEEKS. THEN THEY SAID THAT IT HAD TO BE STARTED OR DRIVEN EVER WEEK. NOW THEY SAY IT HAS TO BE DRIVEN "MORE" AFTER PREVIOUS INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN FOLLOWD. BATTERY DIES, BECOMES DEFECTIVE, AND DEALERSHIP REPLACES IT.