Subaru Crosstrek stalling problems

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · KS

*The engine experienced a failure of an internal valve spring, a component that controls the operation of the engine valves. The failure required significant engine repair, including engine teardown. The vehicle was diagnosed by Subaru of Olathe, and the failed component and vehicle should be available for inspection through the servicing dealership. Subaru of America reviewed the dealer's repair estimate and approved partial goodwill assistance toward the repair. *A valve spring failure is a serious engine malfunction that can result in engine performance issues, loss of power, engine stalling, or engine damage while driving. Such a failure has the potential to create a safety hazard if it occurs during vehicle operation, particularly at highway speeds or in traffic. Subaru has previously acknowledged valve spring failures in certain vehicles through Recall WTY-84 involving engine valve spring fractures that could lead to engine malfunction or stalling. *Yes. The failure was diagnosed and confirmed by Subaru of Olathe, which provided a repair estimate totaling several thousand dollars and recommended repair of the valve spring failure. Subaru of America relied on the dealer's diagnosis when approving goodwill assistance toward the repair costs. *The vehicle was inspected by Subaru of Olathe and the diagnosis was reviewed by the [XXX] Customer Advocacy team at Subaru of America as part of a goodwill assistance request. There is no indication that the vehicle was inspected by police, insurance representatives, or other third parties. *Vehicle started stalling at lights and jerking when in motion, seemed to have no power available and dangerous and appeared suddenly in Sept. of 2026. *Vehicle is a 2017 Subaru Crosstrek with approximately 72,000 miles. It was purchased new and maintained primarily through Subaru dealerships. The owner believes a valve spring is not a wear-and-tear item and should reasonably last the life of the engine. Costs over $9000 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

Filed Oct 31, 2026 · Engine · NY

The Crosstrek has a broken cam carrier. It is a design flaw and known issue of Subaru Crosstrek. A broken or leaking cam carrier is dangerous to the vehicle because it directly compromises engine lubrication, structural integrity, and electrical safety. The cam carrier acts as a structural housing that keeps the camshafts securely in place and seals oil inside the top of the engine. Its liquid sealant fails and is bound to creates several severe operational hazards. The cracked seals has critical oil escaping. If the oil level drops too low, the engine can experience severe internal friction, leading to scored camshaft journals and rod knock while driving. Ultimately can lead to engine failure. Further, it is an immediate fire hazard, especially in the Crosstrek boxer engine design with the oil commonly dripping downward onto high-temperature exhaust components like the catalytic converter or exhaust manifold. Additionally, oil leaking can travel to the spark plug wells and causes misfires, loss of acceleration, and sudden stalling. Moreover, oil leak destroys electronic and sensors including the wiring harness and serpentine belt. Also, toxic cabin fumes from leaking oil burns can pull into the vehicle’s HVAC system and creates an immediate health hazard that can impair driving the vehicle. It is well-documented by Subaru of this issue stemming from factor sealant application (RTV) rather than a wearable maintenance item. Specifically, Technical Service Bulletin TSB 02-192-24 regarding engine oil leak diagnostics. There are 95,000 miles on the Crosstrek only. Subaru Service quoted me $6,101.54 to repair. Please issue a recall on the 2016’s Crosstrek to mandate Subaru to fix the dangers at no charge to the customer. Thank you.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Electrical · RI

There have been multiple instances where my car has failed to “restart” if the auto-start-stop feature is on. I immediately turn that setting off every time I get into my car because if I pause for too long at a light/stop sign etc.the engine will stall and turn off (without being in park). I have reported this to Subaru on many occasions and they’ve told me to replace the battery, so I did, and nothing changed. I’ve also replaced the starter and that didn’t help either. I’m now unable to turn my car off at gas stations because I’m worried it won’t restart. I just saw that a law suit has opened because of this electrical issue so I wanted to formally report my concerns. This needs to be a safety recall.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Electrical · 31,500 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving and stopping on a red light at around 25 mph, vehicle was shaking till it completely stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechanic where it was diagnosed with ignition coil failure and pending repairs. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V743000 (Electrical System). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,500.

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 May 11, 2026 · Electrical · VT

While driving 2020 Crosstrek Hybrid, the dashboard lights suddenly flashed and then engine stalled, leaving me with no brakes and no steering. I rolled through straight through an intersection with four stop signs and I could not stop. Luckily no one was driving or walking at the time. I couldn't start car, even with a jump start. I bought a new Interstate battery with higher specs. Three days later the same thing happened, the car stalled while driving just about to park. The dashboard lights also flashed and I saw Hybrid System this time. Car was towed to the dealer and there was a huge amount of corrosion with the electrical system underneath the car. Previously, four times this winter the car batter was completely dead after being parked in a garage and twice in a parking lot. I was told by a mechanic who gave me a jump start that there's a parasitic drain somewhere.

Filed May 6, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · NJ

My 2020 Subaru Crosstrek experienced a sudden loss of motive power and stalled due to a blown ignition fuse. Diagnostic code P1604 (Startability Malfunction) was stored. Inspection by Wayne Subaru (Invoice #25340) confirmed the Cylinder 3 ignition coil had shorted and physically melted. This is the exact failure mode described in Subaru Safety Recall WRE-21 (the federal safety agency Campaign 21V825000), which currently only covers 2018–2019 models. My vehicle experienced a thermal event and a stall despite being a 2020 model. The dealer replaced only the melted coil and did NOT update the ECM software. This leaves the vehicle at risk of a repeat stall in traffic, as the underlying software defect that causes coils to overheat remains unaddressed in the 2020 model year and the remaining coils may already be at risk.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine · MA

Dangerous stall in traffic due to ignition coil failure. Ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced during the WRE21 recall campaign only 13k miles ago back in 2021. Stopped at red light awaiting to turn left when the vehicle started shaking violently. No check engine light came on though. When the light turned green, the vehicle was barely able to move forward then it completely stalled before pulling over to the curb. Since the tail of the car was sticking out into traffic a bit, it was a downright dangerous situation. Car had to be towed to dealership and took them 5 days to diagnose and fix the problem. Ignition coil and spark plug replacements costed $1500. Don't think the recall fixed the root problem and this could potentially happen again.

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 Aug 27, 2025 · Electrical, Lights · MN

Vehicle had a parasitic draw, was in the shop for an extended amount of time, I believe wiring issues were caused from this as well, I had to replace my driver side window switch, buy an optima battery, and drive 3.5hrs to a Subaru dealership in the middle of the winter hoping I’d make it safely and without stalling, the DCM was found to be at fault similarly to other vehicle owners included in another recall that somehow excluded 2019 Crosstrek drivers and included other MY variants such as the Outback and Forester of which also had a bulletin posted about this parasitic draw and how to go about warrantying the costs associated with the repair. I incurred many costs travelling, horrible gas mileage during this time, and a battery replacement. Additionally I lost My workstudy position the following semester due to the unstable vehicle issues and attendance concerns when shuttling the car to the dealer for these warranty repairs (if even covered at all)