2019 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
92/100
#2 most-complained of 14 Crosstrek years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 2nd worst of 14 model years, with a Complaint Index of 92 and 284 NHTSA complaints across 7 recalls. Visibility & Wipers issues dominate at 43% of complaints, earning this year an Avoid verdict relative to other Crosstrek years.
- Complaints
- 284
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 6 / 3
- Injuries / deaths
- 5 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 29
- 27 city / 33 hwy
Top 2019 Subaru Crosstrek problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers123 (43%)
- Electrical System54 (19%)
- Other51 (18%)
- Engine42 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain24 (8%)
- Steering15 (5%)
- Fuel System13 (5%)
- Structure & Body9 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires7 (2%)
- Brakes6 (2%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine stalling and shutting off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes triggering multiple dashboard warning lights before the car restarts.
- Some drivers describe sudden unintended acceleration events, including cases ending in collisions with buildings, trees, or garages.
- Reports describe the illuminated gear indicator failing to light up at night when headlights are set to auto, making it hard to confirm gear selection.
- Owners describe the vehicle rolling on its own after being parked and turned off, leading to collisions with nearby parked cars.
- Some owners report brake pedal failing to respond during downhill driving, resulting in loss of control.
- A few owners describe radio preset stations disappearing weeks after purchase, requiring reprogramming.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V264000Apr 15, 2021Electrical System466,205 vehicles
Electrical system:software
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.
Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 21V263000Apr 15, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires408,271 vehicles
Suspension:rear
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.
Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
- NHTSA 20V189000Mar 31, 2020Seat Belts4,862 vehicles
Seat belts:rear/other
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.
Risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
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.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 33 MPG
- Combined
- 29 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,250
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2019 compared with other Crosstrek years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
- Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Crosstrek has a Complaint Index of 92 and ranks 2nd worst among 14 model years, placing it in the Avoid category relative to other Crosstrek years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
- Visibility & Wipers issues make up 43% of complaints (123 of 284), followed by Electrical System problems at 19% and Engine problems at 15%.
- Does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2019 Crosstrek, covering the Electrical System, Suspension, Seat Belts, Engine, and Steering, though none are do-not-drive recalls.
- What is the median mileage when problems occurred on the 2019 Crosstrek?
- NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage at failure of 10,542 miles, with Visibility & Wipers issues appearing around 12,000 miles and Electrical System issues around 8,202.5 miles.
- How does the 2019 Crosstrek compare to other years?
- The 2019 model's Complaint Index of 92 is higher than 2013-2018 and 2020-2023 years, but lower than 2024 (100) and close to 2021 (77) and 2025 (85), both also rated Avoid.