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2019 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems

35 complaints (12% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 7,990. 2 crashes reported.

owner complaints
35
of this car's complaints
12%
typical mileage
7,990
crashes
2
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Engine: engine control module (ecu/ECM)
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Subaru Crosstrek engine problems in other years

2012201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Stalling 12Won't start 12Check engine light 9

Related recalls

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system: emission control: crankcase (PCV)Reported December 2, 2019 · 51,613 vehicles affected
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

What 2019 Subaru Crosstrek owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 4, 2026 · Engine · SC

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.

Filed May 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

In the middle of driving car stuttered, engine light went on, and car stalled. Unable to restart, Engine cranks but would not turn over. Had car towed for repair. Diagnostic shows engine coil short causing blown fuse. Subaru has an active recall for this identical issue for my same year and model 2019 Crosstrek but the recall does not cover my VIN.

Filed Sep 8, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · NY

Dashboard warning lights required an inspection by a qualified mechanic and made the assessment of a faulty ECM relatively easily by noting the excessive heat emitting from the ECU.

Filed Aug 27, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · MN

. 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

Filed Jun 10, 2025 · Acceleration, Engine · 15,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Jan 27, 2025 · Engine · CA

Spark plug coil leaked oil into the spark plug

Filed Nov 27, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · DE

Per the federal safety agency 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 federal safety agency to prevent total loss of motive power in affected Subaru crosstreks.

Filed Nov 12, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · TX · 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.

Filed Dec 25, 2023 · Engine · NY

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.

Filed Sep 28, 2023 · Engine, Fuel system · FL

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.

Questions about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek engine

Does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have engine problems?

Owners have filed 35 complaints about the engine of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, 12% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 7,990 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek engine?

Yes, 1 recall: 19V856000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Subaru Crosstrek have bad engine?

The Subaru Crosstrek model years with the most engine complaints are 2019 (35 complaints), 2018 (33 complaints) and 2016 (16 complaints).

Other 2019 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Visibility 123Electrical 54Transmission 24Steering 15Fuel system 14Acceleration 8Body 7Brakes 7Driver assistance 6Suspension 4Airbags 3Lights 3Seats 2Wheels 2Seat belts 1Tires 1

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