while operating my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek- a sudden and severe electrical malfunction occurred. While driving, the left side of the steering wheel overheated rapidly, causing the material to melt onto my arm and inflict a physical burn injury. The active electrical failure inside the steering unit caused a spontaneous thermal event that melted the vehicle's interior. Fearing for my safety and the safety of my child, I called [XXX], and the fire department was dispatched to the scene. This vehicle is subject to a known federal safety recall for an electrical short-circuit in this exact location (Subaru Recall WUC-88 / the federal safety agency Campaign [XXX]). Despite this clear safety defect, Dealership has refused to open the steering wheel to inspect it and is demanding that I pay a percentage of the repair costs, on assumption. Requiring a consumer to pay for a remedy under an active federal safety recall violates federal safety regulations. I am requesting an immediate investigation into the manufacturer's failure to remedy this defect and the dealership's non-compliance. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2019 Subaru Crosstrek problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Visibility123
- Electrical54
- Engine35
- Transmission24
- Steering15
- Fuel system14
- Acceleration8
- Body7
- Brakes7
- Driver assistance6
- Suspension4
- Airbags3
- Lights3
- Seats2
- Wheels2
- Seat belts1
- Tires1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Windshield crack 87Battery drain 13Stalling 12Won't start 12Check engine light 9Wipers 9Lane assist 8Warning lights 8Hesitation 6Headlights 5Sunroof shattered 5
Recalls 7
Suspension: rear
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 21V263000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- 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 number 21V264000 · Recall details
Seat belts: rear/other
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 20V189000 · Recall details
Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)
- What is wrong
- 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.
Recall number 19V856000 · Recall details
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V743000 · Recall details
Visibility
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V404000 · Recall details
Steering: electric power assist system
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- 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.
Recall number 19V065000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek 550
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- This bulletin announces a change to the troubleshooting tree when diagnosing DTC P2404 EVAP SYSTEM LEAK...
- This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM)...
- This is an update announcement regarding the TechShare & NorthStar Integration
- This announcement provides information on the connected services platform for Subaru EVs.
- This bulletin provides a step-by-step diagnostic procedure for resolving Remote Engine Start (RES)...
- This Service Information Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but...
- This announcement provides information on DCM replacememts due to a parasitic draw.
- This announcement provides information on an outage affecting the Subaru Select Monitor 5 application.
- This Service Information Bulletin announces the availability of ThreeBond 1216J (SOA868V9640) designed for...
- This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for...
2019 Subaru Crosstrek fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4‑cyl Plug-in hybrid | AWD | 36 | 35 | 35 |
| 2.0L 4‑cyl | AWD | 23-27 | 29-33 | 25-29 |
What 2019 Subaru Crosstrek owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
From February 2025 to June 2026, I’ve had to have my car battery replaced 3 times. Before the battery dies, I normally lose all of my pre-programmed radio stations, have to increase the volume, and my car will take longer to start. I’ve brought this attention to a Subaru Dealership (where I go for all of my repairs) and was told that if this keeps occurring, they will have to send an engineer out to look at my vehicle as it passes the parasitic draw test.
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2019 Subaru crosstrek brakes failed unintended acceleration crash into handicap metal post.
Recently, Aug 13 we took the 2019 Crosstrek to the to the Subaru center for oil change and a general inspection. Two big problems revealed. 1. Recommend replacing both rear wheel bearings due to noise while driving $2,249. 2. Recommend replacing all 4 TPMS sensors due to low voltage codes present and no data $813.50. The car mileage is 46,191. At this mileage there two problems should not show up. Clearly, we have got a lemon . The Subaru representative claims the above two problems are caused by reckless driving, which is absolutely false.
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.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the battery failed to remain charged. During the failure, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. No further information was available. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 100.
I own a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid with recurring fuel-system and EVAP failures that I believe present a serious safety risk. On 12/9/2025, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power while I was driving in dense traffic on a busy expressway. The vehicle suddenly lost propulsion in the middle lane and slowed down to a near crawl, creating an immediate risk of being struck. The event was captured on dashcam. The dealer inspected the vehicle but found no cause. On 1/5/2026, the vehicle again lost motive power. It remained at the dealership for approximately two months. Some roughness was noted, but no cause was identified, and I was told to return if the problem became more prominent. I am concerned that an intermittent defect capable of causing sudden loss of propulsion remains unresolved. The vehicle has also had recurring difficulty accepting fuel since it was new, along with check-engine lights and DTC P0452. The refueling problem progressively worsened. On 6/20/2026, the vehicle would not accept fuel normally at all. The pump repeatedly shut off while the tank was still empty or nearly empty, and fuel backed up, spilled, and overflowed from the filler neck. This creates a fire hazard and exposes occupants and bystanders to gasoline. Subaru previously performed TSB 09-82-23 but did not replace the fuel tank. The TSB allows tank replacement when resin residue is found in affected fuel-system components. Fuel was analyzed and found clean, yet multiple downstream EVAP components became clogged or restricted. The dealer later replaced the charcoal canister and EVAP filter but found no cause. I am concerned that the recurring fuel/EVAP restriction, gasoline spill during refueling, and two unexplained losses of motive power may share an unresolved root cause. Subaru has advised me only to return if symptoms recur. I do not believe it is safe to wait for another highway loss-of-power event or another gasoline overflow.
Since purchasing my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek brand new in 2019, the vehicle has suffered from a chronic and dangerous lack of acceleration. It consistently fails to gain speed as expected. This issue becomes life-threatening when attempting to merge onto highways. The vehicle is incapable of accelerating quickly enough to match the speed of oncoming traffic. This severe hesitation and lack of power has nearly caused multiple accidents, creating an extreme safety hazard for my wife and me. I have repeatedly reported this issue to the Subaru dealership service department, but they have failed to diagnose or resolve the problem. Because of this unresolved defect, we no longer feel safe driving this vehicle for long-distance trips or highway travel and are forced to use another car. The vehicle is fundamentally unsafe to drive in normal highway traffic conditions.
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Other model years
201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Owners have filed 288 complaints about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 4.1 times a typical Crosstrek model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.
What is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek year score?
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek scores 19 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Subaru Crosstrek: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
Windows, wipers and visibility, with 123 complaints, typically around 12,000 miles. Next is electrical (54).
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have?
7 recalls, covering suspension, electrical system and seat belts.
Was there a recall on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek visibility?
Yes, 1 recall: 19V404000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Subaru Crosstrek have the most visibility problems?
The Subaru Crosstrek model years with the most visibility complaints are 2019 (123 complaints), 2018 (72 complaints) and 2020 (34 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek get?
Official estimates for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek range from 25 to 35 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid, AWD) gets 36 city and 35 highway.
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