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.
288
+3 complaints in 30 days
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.
11
6 injuries, 0 deaths reported

Overview

Our database contains 288 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 550 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

View all 7

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
21V264000

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
21V263000

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
20V189000

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

View all 288
Airbags
Filed Nov 9, 2026
Fire reported1 injury reported

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 / NHTSA 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)

NHTSA ID
11776793
Incident
Oct 26, 2026
Electrical
Filed Nov 9, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID
11776649
Incident
Feb 13, 2025
Filed Oct 28, 2026

See Upload Files

NHTSA ID
11774170
Incident
Aug 1, 2026
BrakesDriver assistanceFuel system
Filed Oct 7, 2026
Crash reported

2019 Subaru crosstrek brakes failed unintended acceleration crash into handicap metal post.

NHTSA ID
11769558
Incident
Oct 3, 2026
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

Manufacturer communications

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

09-142-26

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a change to the troubleshooting tree when diagnosing DTC P2404 EVAP SYSTEM LEAK DETECTION PUMP SENSE CIRCUIT RANGE/PERFORMANCE.

09-122-24R

ENGINE; FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

SubaruNet Announcement (T

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; POWER TRAIN

This is an update announcement regarding the TechShare & NorthStar Integration - CVT Diag.

SubaruNet Announcement (S

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This announcement provides information on the connected services platform for Subaru EVs.

15-304-22R

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Information Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.

15-344-26

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; ENGINE

This bulletin provides a step-by-step diagnostic procedure for resolving Remote Engine Start (RES) failures for both Telematics and remote engine start equipped vehicles.

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
2026111050.2
2025480043.7
20241212056.5
2023360045.6
2022320040.8
20211151048.2
2020710044.2
2019Viewing2887052.2
20181955052.0
2017961042.4
20161331041.0
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.