RoadVitals

2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
284
Latest Aug 15, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
7
Latest Apr 15, 2021
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
9
5 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 284 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, most frequently naming the visibility, electrical and engine categories. 7 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 530 manufacturer communications are on file.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Safety recalls

7 campaigns cover this model year

Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.

Check a VIN on NHTSA.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM):SOFTWARE; ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Apr 15, 2021
466,205 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WRE-21View on NHTSA.gov

SUSPENSION:REAR

Apr 15, 2021
408,271 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WRD-21View on NHTSA.gov

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Mar 31, 2020
4,862 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
The 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.
Subaru of America, Inc.Manufacturer number WRC-20View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Aug 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11757124
Incident
Aug 13, 2026
Engine
Filed Aug 4, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11754778
Incident
Jul 20, 2026
Powertrain (other)
Filed Jul 28, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11753371
Incident
Apr 11, 2026
Electrical
Filed Jul 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11751836
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Mileage
100 mi
Fuel system
Filed Jul 15, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11750700
Incident
Jun 20, 2026
Driver assistance
Filed Jul 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11748327
Incident
Dec 30, 2019
Electrical
Filed Jun 25, 2026

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 NHTSA 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.

NHTSA ID
11746535
Incident
Jun 25, 2026
Mileage
31,500 mi
Electrical
Filed Jun 17, 2026

2019 Subaru Crosstrek; Battery is drained even when car is fully turned "off". If the car is not driven every day, battery may drain completely and car won't start. If not driven for several days, battery will discharge so low that it is damaged, in which case it may not have sufficient charge to start the car after sitting overnight. After battery is discharged to the point of damage, it must be trickle charged anytime the vehicle is not driven, and even short periods and distances of driving will leave the battery at 25% (or less) of fully charged. Battery replacement is the only way to restore normal operation, but the replacement battery is gradually degraded and ruined just like the original. SOA has not recognized this parasitic battery drain problem in this vehicle. Jump starting the car with auxiliary battery is possible, but this does not reduce the risk of battery insufficiency. Subaru instructs me to have dealer diagnose the problem (at a cost of about $200) and then it might consider a gratis contribution to full cost of diagnosis and repair (estimated at $1,662 including cost of diagnosis). No warning, visual or aural, alerts the driver to this problem.

NHTSA ID
11744841
Incident
Nov 21, 2018

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

05-62-18R

STRUCTURE:BODY

This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

SubaruNet Announcement (C

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.

16-158-26

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.

16-132-20R

POWER TRAIN

This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

16-156-25R

POWER TRAIN

This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

15-308-23R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.

Compare model years

Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model

Subaru Crosstrek by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026800—
2025430042.9
20241182056.1
2023340046.3
2022310041.3
20211151049.1
2020690043.9
2019Viewing2847051.0
20181945052.1
2017941042.5
20161311040.4
2015171031.0
2014161044.0
2013261045.4
2012200—

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.