2019 Subaru Crosstrek

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2019 Subaru Crosstrek
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
285
Recalls
7

Campaigns on file for 2019

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Visibility/wiper

40% of complaints

Complaints per year

2012: 2 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2016: 132 complaints 2016 2017: 94 complaints 2018: 195 complaints 2019: 285 complaints 2019 285 2020: 69 complaints 2021: 115 complaints 2022: 31 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2024: 119 complaints 2024 2025: 44 complaints 2026: 8 complaints 2026
2012: 2 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2015 2016: 132 complaints 2016 2017: 94 complaints 2017 2018: 195 complaints 2018 2019: 285 complaints 2019 285 2020: 69 complaints 2020 2021: 115 complaints 2021 2022: 31 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2023 2024: 119 complaints 2024 2025: 44 complaints 2025 2026: 8 complaints 2026
2012: 2 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2013 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2015 2016: 132 complaints 2016 2017: 94 complaints 2017 2018: 195 complaints 2018 2019: 285 complaints 2019 285 2020: 69 complaints 2020 2021: 115 complaints 2021 2022: 31 complaints 2022 2023: 34 complaints 2023 2024: 119 complaints 2024 2025: 44 complaints 2025 2026: 8 complaints 2026

2019: 285 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20122
201325
201416
201517
2016132
201794
2018195
2019285
202069
2021115
202231
202334
2024119
202544
20268

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

40% · 113 reports
INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

While driving on a wooded tree lined street at approx. 40MPH, the right rear passenger window imploded. The glass shattered and fell onto my daughter who was in her car seat. Glass pieces did cause minor scratch on her forearm.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-08-28

Electrical system

19% · 53 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE
Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-12

Also filed under Engine and power train

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21

Engine

12% · 34 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle in motion ,accelerated without warning , and collided into a tree located on curb of sidewalk, no injuries to 2 occupants wearing seatbelts, major damage to front of vehicle. No explanation for vehicle moving…

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-08-06

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 ODI report, 2026-08-04

Power train

8% · 24 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Pulled into a parking space and placed the vehicle in park,turned the vehicle off, removed the key and exited the vehicle. When returning to the vehicle within 5 minutes, the vehicle had rolled backwards 25 feet and hit 2 parked cars.

NHTSA ODI report, 2020-03-19

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-28

Steering

5% · 15 reports

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. ▮
    2019Complaint volume 285 complaints filed for this model year.
  2. R
    2019-02-07Steering19V065000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Forester and Crosstrek vehicles. A connector inside the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) unit may short circuit resulting in a loss of electric power steering assistance.

    Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019.

  3. R
    2019-06-11Visibility19V404000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92.

  4. R
    2019-12-04Electrical system19V743000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles.

    Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge.

  5. R
    2020-01-31Engine and engine cooling19V856000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles.

    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.

  6. R
    2020-04-15Seat belts20V189000 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.

    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.

  7. R
    2021-05-17Suspension21V263000 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.

    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.

  8. R
    2021-06-01Electrical system, engine and engine cooling21V264000 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.

    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.

Buy-smart checklist

2019 Subaru Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility/wiper: 113 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 53 reports on file for this year.
  • Engine: 34 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V065000 · Steering
  • Recall 19V404000 · Visibility
  • Recall 19V743000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 19V856000 · Engine and engine cooling
  • Recall 20V189000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 21V263000 · Suspension
  • Recall 21V264000 · Electrical system, engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years2 years

FAQ

Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have?
7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.