2019 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Visibility12340.3%
- Electrical5217.0%
- Engine3511.5%
- Powertrain (other)237.5%
- Steering154.9%
- Driver assistance134.3%
- Fuel system134.3%
- Body & structure72.3%
- Brakes62.0%
- Interior & seats51.6%
- Suspension41.3%
- Exterior lighting20.7%
- Airbags20.7%
- Other / unspecified20.7%
- Tires & wheels10.3%
- Transmission10.3%
- Seat belts10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The windshield cracked without impact or any other obvious means of damage. I have had 2 other windshields crack in the same manner, the first being December 2022, second March 2024, and now April 2025. All incidents have starts from the bottom on the windshield on the passenger side, and spreading towards the roof. The vehicle was not moving at the time of the crack, it was noticed getting in the vehicle of all incidents
The windshield cracked for no reason while parked in our garage. The windshield was not stuck by any objects, the car was simply setting parked in our garage. There is no evidence of any object striking the windshield such as a rock chip or other items. The Crack is in line with the left side EyeSight driver assist technolgy sensor mounted inside the windshield. The Crack in the windshield may effect the operation of the EyeSight safety features.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Wheel bearing failure resulting in replacement of the bearing and the integral hub at a cost of ~$750 (independent service center diagnosed and replaced the failed unit). Vehicle had only 42,000 miles and had developed a "rumble" which was thought to be related to seasonal temperature changes/tire tread. Sudden/catastrophic seizing of a failed wheel bearing can cause a loss of control and accident, thus this report as to the potential severity of the issue. No automated warnings other than a noticeable rumble when vehicle was in motion with increased severity over a few weeks. Manufacturer advised by email of the situation. Vehicle repaired and invoice attached to this report.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while taking the vehicle for a routine oil change. There were no warning lights illuminated. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the control arm was cracked. The contact stated had not experienced the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,500.
Hello! I started financing my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek in 04/2023. A month after that date, I had a head gasket issue. Then in 2024, a radiator cap deformed after going to the dealer to get an oil change at SF Honda. (The time on that was suspicious being that I didn’t touch that cap at all.) so I had to pay for that repair. Now in 2025, after getting an oil change at Subaru, a day after that oil change, a lot of lights came onto my dashboard. I have two diagnosis reports from other places because I didn’t have the money to pay Subaru $300 to “diagnose” the issue, especially after my car just came from there a day before the problem existed. Since I got into this vehicle, I’ve been suspicious whether or not it’s safe for me, reason also being, I found out in 2024, that this car has been into 5 wrecks. Which I was NOT aware of prior. And now, they are making me feel, there is NOTHING they can do, unless I have a Co-signer, or the approved “credit” score. And now that my vehicle has “7” recalls! I am hoping I can get out of this vehicle. Thanks!
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Own a 2019 Suburu Crosstrek vehicle that has unexpectedly accelerated/lurched on its own when pulling forward into a parking spot. This has happened twice...last month & today.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Per NHTSA 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 NHTSA to prevent total loss of motive power in affected Subaru crosstreks.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving on the freeway at approximately 60 MPH, the sunroof on my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek suddenly exploded with a very loud pop. This occurred on a sunny, warm day at around 11:30 a.m., following a somewhat cold night. Both the sunroof and the interior sliding cover were fully closed at the time of the incident. After the explosion, shattered glass rained down onto the closed sliding cover. If the sliding cover had been open, glass could have fallen directly onto me, posing a risk of injury, such as glass entering my eyes, and potentially creating a dangerous situation while driving. The sunroof was inspected and replaced by my local Subaru dealership. I was responsible for covering the parts and labor costs. This was the first time this issue occurred with my vehicle, but I have read similar reports online from other Subaru Crosstrek owners. There were no prior warnings, such as unusual noises or visual signs of cracking, before the failure. While the sunroof has been repaired, I have photos and video available for review upon request.
The hood of the vehicle unlatches without the pulling the lever, leaving the hood open. There are no messages when this happens.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hello! I started financing my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek in 04/2023. A month after that date, I had a head gasket issue. Then in 2024, a radiator cap deformed after going to the dealer to get an oil change at SF Honda. (The time on that was suspicious being that I didn’t touch that cap at all.) so I had to pay for that repair. Now in 2025, after getting an oil change at Subaru, a day after that oil change, a lot of lights came onto my dashboard. I have two diagnosis reports from other places because I didn’t have the money to pay Subaru $300 to “diagnose” the issue, especially after my car just came from there a day before the problem existed. Since I got into this vehicle, I’ve been suspicious whether or not it’s safe for me, reason also being, I found out in 2024, that this car has been into 5 wrecks. Which I was NOT aware of prior. And now, they are making me feel, there is NOTHING they can do, unless I have a Co-signer, or the approved “credit” score. And now that my vehicle has “7” recalls! I am hoping I can get out of this vehicle. Thanks!
The contact owned a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 25-30 MPH downhill, the tractor trailer before him slowed down at a curve. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal but it failed to respond and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly, causing the vehicle to fall into a ditch where it bounced and hit the rear of a trailer, then bounced back into the embankment. The passenger's side and driver's side roof rail air bags deployed. The frontal air bags failed to deploy. The emergency units transported the contact and her husband to the hospital where it was diagnosed that the contact had sustained a compression fracture in her back. Her husband did not sustain any injuries. The occupant of the trailer did not sustain any injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot where it was totaled. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The contact was awaiting a call back from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 31,200.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Using the seat belt with the safe lock feature for rear facing, the car seat becomes loose within 2-3 times using it with my daughter. We have to have her out, undo the safe lock and pull the seat belt tight again to refasten it.
I have two of the same model car seat for both my wife's and my cars. In the rear facing position, neither car seat locks into the set recline position. Instead it clicks out of what we set it at and slides all the way to the #1 position which is the most reclined. This seems to be a major safety issue and suspiciously Evenflo has discontinued this model which is a somewhat new model. Upon looking up recent online reviews, it seems that many parents have this same issue and significant safety concern. This car seat needs to be investigated ASAP and possibly recalled.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I received 2 recall notices in the mail from Subaru 0n 6/16/2021. I immediately contacted the selling dealer, Dunning Subaru, Ann Arbor Michigan and was advised that they could not even give me a date in July when the vehicle could be repaired, but they would add my name to a waiting list for appointments. I contacted Subaru customer service for assistance and was told I would have to find a local retailer on my own and that though they said the vehicle was not safe to drive, they refused to offer and substitute transportation until the vehicle could be repaired. I contacted LaFontaine Subaru, Commerce Twsp, Mi and was advised that they have been unable to order sufficient parts for this recall and while the earliest available appointment was for July 7th (3 weeks from today) they could not guarantee that they would have the parts on that date to actually perform the repair. In short, Subaru produced a defective vehicle; advised me it was not safe to drive the vehicle; is unable to repair the vehicle in a reasonable timeframe; and refuses to provide substitute transportation. What is the good of a recall program if repairs can't be made and the customer is stuck without transportation; and the company response is essentially - "it's the customers problem to deal with - have a nice day!"
I BOUGHT MY CAR IN MEXICO AND HAVE MOVED TO NORTH LAS VEGAS NEVADA. THE DEALER WILL NOT MAKE THE NECESSARY SAFETY REPAIRS UNDER THE RECALLS. WHAT DO I DO? DO I HAVE AN UNSAFE CAR?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
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)
THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. AT NIGHT, WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE SET ON "AUTO," THE ILLUMINATED GEAR INDICATOR LIGHT ADJACENT TO THE SHIFTER DO NOT ILLUMINATE. THIS LEAVES THE POSSIBILITY OF SHIFTING THE CAR INTO THE WRONG GEAR. THESE LIGHTS DO ILLUMINATE WITH THE LIGHTS SET TO MANUAL. THE SPECIFIC INCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN AN OLDER DRIVER PARKED THE VEHICLE, THINKING SHE HAD SHIFTED INTO PARK, AND INSTEAD, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO REVERSE. HAD SHE BEEN ABLE TO VISUALLY VERIFY THE GEAR, THIS WOULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The EyeSight turned off and would not turn back on. Then the airbag symbol lit up on the dashboard. My cruise control and lane assistance were not working as well. If I had been involved in an accident, the airbags would not have deployed. The warning messages appeared about 3 weeks ago.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM DEACTIVATED WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 11, 2019 AT GRAYSON SUBARU (8729 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37923). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. *PM CONSUMER STATED DESIGN/ SAFETY DEFECT CREATES CONFUSION AND CONCERN FOR APPROPRIATE ACTIVATION STATUS OF PASSENGER AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHTS.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wheel bearing failure resulting in replacement of the bearing and the integral hub at a cost of ~$750 (independent service center diagnosed and replaced the failed unit). Vehicle had only 42,000 miles and had developed a "rumble" which was thought to be related to seasonal temperature changes/tire tread. Sudden/catastrophic seizing of a failed wheel bearing can cause a loss of control and accident, thus this report as to the potential severity of the issue. No automated warnings other than a noticeable rumble when vehicle was in motion with increased severity over a few weeks. Manufacturer advised by email of the situation. Vehicle repaired and invoice attached to this report.
I have two of the same model car seat for both my wife's and my cars. In the rear facing position, neither car seat locks into the set recline position. Instead it clicks out of what we set it at and slides all the way to the #1 position which is the most reclined. This seems to be a major safety issue and suspiciously Evenflo has discontinued this model which is a somewhat new model. Upon looking up recent online reviews, it seems that many parents have this same issue and significant safety concern. This car seat needs to be investigated ASAP and possibly recalled.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
On 09/29/22 while crossing the Richmond Bridge, the drivers rear tire experienced a sudden and complete blowout of the tire. All rubber separated from the rim and landed in the adjacent left traffic lane. I slowly came to a complete stop on the bridge with hazard lights on. A bridge service vehicle arrived within 1-2 minutes and helped change to the spare. My tires had just been serviced at Costco Tire Center in Novato on 09/25/22 and they maintain that the failure is due to manufacturing defect as they tire passed their inspection.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact called on behalf of her husband who owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact's husband stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a cracking sound was coming from the center-right of the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be repaired. The contact referenced an unknown NHTSA Campaign Number relating to the transmission as possibly being related to the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage 74,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM DEACTIVATED WHEN THE SEAT WAS OCCUPIED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT AN APPOINTMENT WAS SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 11, 2019 AT GRAYSON SUBARU (8729 KINGSTON PIKE, KNOXVILLE, TN 37923). THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000. *PM CONSUMER STATED DESIGN/ SAFETY DEFECT CREATES CONFUSION AND CONCERN FOR APPROPRIATE ACTIVATION STATUS OF PASSENGER AIRBAG AND SEATBELT LIGHTS.*JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .