One of the worst Crosstrek years
Owners filed about 2.4 times as many complaints as a typical Crosstrek year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 12,000 miles. A year with fewer complaints: 2020.
Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Crosstrek years from 2013 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
Owners have filed 286 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The most reported problem area is the lights, wipers and visibility (125, 44% of complaints), followed by the electrical system and the engine and cooling. That is the most complaints of any Crosstrek year from 2013 to 2024. It has 7 recalls.
2 of these complaints came from Utah owners.
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Start my car searchMost reported problems
Problem areas ranked by how many complaints mention them. One complaint can name more than one area. Open an area to see what to check on a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek before you buy.
Lights, wipers and visibility
125 complaintsHeadlights that dim or fail, wiper and washer failures, and windshield cracks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 12,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Check every light: headlights on low and high, fog lights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights.
- Run the wipers on every speed with washer fluid, and run the defroster front and back.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 4-5 MPH over a speed bump, the windshield made an abnormal popping sound and cracked from one side to the other. The local dealer and a second dealer, Bob Moore Subaru (13010 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131), were notified of the failure and informed the…Owner complaint, filed 2023, at 69,800 miles
Electrical system
53 complaintsDead batteries, warning lights, failed screens and cameras, and electrical shorts.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 9,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Test every switch: windows, locks, mirrors, seat heaters, the screen, the backup camera, Bluetooth and every USB port.
- Watch the dash at startup. Every warning light should come on briefly and then go out.
- Have the battery and charging system tested. A weak alternator or battery drain shows up here.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 100 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026, at 31,500 miles
Engine and cooling
35 complaintsStalling, misfires, oil consumption, leaks, overheating and engine failure.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 8,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Ask the seller not to warm the car up, and start it cold. Listen for ticking, knocking or a rough idle in the first minute.
- Pull the oil dipstick and the oil cap. Low oil, a gasoline smell or a milky film on the cap are reasons to walk away or get an inspection.
- Plug in an OBD2 scanner. Stored or pending codes matter, and so do readiness monitors that show "not ready", which usually means the codes were cleared right before the sale.
- Ask for oil change records. A gap in the records on a model known for engine complaints is a negotiating point at minimum.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2026
2019 subaru crosstek. Consumer writes in regard to vehicle being flooded with water after safety recalls being repaired. The consumer stated thed vehicle was flooded due to the air conditioner being clogged. Also, after having the engine recall performed the technician failed to recalibrate the computer and/or valves properly. This…Owner complaint, filed 2022
Transmission and drivetrain
24 complaintsHarsh or delayed shifts, slipping, shuddering, CVT whine, and drivetrain clunks.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 15,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Drive it from cold if you can. Shifts should be smooth in every gear, including reverse.
- Feel for slipping (revs rise without the car speeding up), shudder at low speed and a delay when you put it in gear.
- Listen for whining, which is a common CVT complaint, and clunks when you go from drive to reverse.
- If it has 4WD or AWD, engage it on the test drive and ask when the transmission and differential fluids were last changed.
Tools that help
What owners said
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)…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The rear differential had a contained catastrophic failure. The vehicle had been serviced according to the manufacturer schedule and by their own dealers. The car had never been off road. The failure occurred at 106,500 miles and 6.3 years.Owner complaint, filed 2026
Steering
15 complaintsLoss of power steering assist, wandering, play in the wheel and noises when turning.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 4,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Turn the wheel lock to lock while parked and listen for groaning, clicking or binding.
- On a straight road the car should track straight with the wheel centered and no loose feeling.
- A power steering warning on the dash, even briefly, deserves a mechanic’s look before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025, at 20,500 miles
Intermittent Power Steering Malfunction while driving causing car to violently "self-steer". Vehicle is NOT equipped with adaptive cruise control or lane assist features. Loss of control while driving become intermittently high risk having to clutch the steering wheel and counteract undesired vehicle self-steering forces to avoid hitting…Owner complaint, filed 2024
Fuel system
14 complaintsHesitation, stalling, fuel smell, fuel pump and injector failures.What to check before you buy
Half of the owners who gave a mileage had the problem by about 7,000 miles.
What to check before you buy
- Smell around the engine bay and under the rear of the car for raw fuel.
- On the test drive, accelerate firmly from a stop and up a grade. Stumbling, surging or a flashing check engine light are red flags.
- Fuel pump recalls are common. Check this exact VIN for open recalls before you buy.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
The car's hybrid system failed. The problem was a poorly protected electrical cable and connector that is exposed under the car. It corroded and failed. The dealer cleaned it and it works again, but they think the issue will be ongoing. May be related to Manufacturer Recall Number: WRD23 / NHTSA Recall Number:23V080000Owner complaint, filed 2023
Cruise control and acceleration
8 complaintsHesitation, loss of power, sudden acceleration and cruise control problems.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- On the test drive, press the gas gently and firmly. The response should be smooth with no lag or surge.
- Set the cruise control, then use resume and cancel to make sure each one works.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
unexplained acceleration. I was in a parking lot and driving slowly and the car just took off. I had to crash it into the building at the mall to avoid cars and people. The car was totaled and my husband had a broken rib. We were taken to the hospital. Car was inspected and serviced. by the dealership, no problems before this accident…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Brakes and stability control
7 complaintsBrakes that feel soft or grab, grinding, ABS and stability control faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The pedal should feel firm and the car should stop straight without pulling, grinding or a pulsing pedal.
- The ABS and stability control lights should go out after startup and stay out.
- Look through the wheels at the rotors. A deep lip on the edge means brakes are due soon, which is a fair thing to negotiate on.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2022, at 31,200 miles
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…Owner complaint, filed 2025
Body, doors and structure
7 complaintsRust, doors and liftgates that will not latch, leaks, and frame or structure concerns.What to check before you buy
Parts named most: Body (7).
What to check before you buy
- Look underneath with a flashlight. Utah road salt is hard on frames, brake lines and the bottoms of doors.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the liftgate, and lock and unlock each one.
- Use a paint thickness gauge and compare panels. A panel that reads very differently from the rest has likely been repaired.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
The hood of the vehicle unlatches without the pulling the lever, leaving the hood open. There are no messages when this happens.Owner complaint, filed 2023
Driver assist systems
6 complaintsPhantom braking, false collision warnings, and lane keeping or backup sensors that act up.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Where it is safe, try the adaptive cruise and lane keeping on the test drive and watch for sudden braking or warnings with nothing there.
- Check the windshield in front of the camera and the bumper sensors for cracks, chips or poor repairs.
- Ask whether the windshield has been replaced. The camera has to be recalibrated afterward, and many shops skip it.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2024
My 2019 Subaru Crosstrek surges at speeds around 60 MPH, and swerves the vehicle without my control. I have to hold the steering wheel tightly and steer out of the swerve, which is incredibly dangerous on freeways or mountain roads. Apparently, the lane departure assist is the culprit, so now I have to disable the app before I drive. Why…Owner complaint, filed 2023
Suspension
4 complaintsClunks over bumps, broken springs, worn struts and uneven tire wear.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Drive over a few bumps and potholes slowly with the radio off and listen for clunks or rattles.
- Check the tires for uneven wear on the inside or outside edges, a sign of alignment or suspension trouble.
- Look behind the wheels for oily, wet shocks or struts.
Tools that help
What owners said
Strut has creaking sound during driving in city traffic. On highway there is hardly any noise and works fine. Dealer suggested strut [VIN] but not under warranty since it was in accident in that area 6 months ago.Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 5,500 miles
Rear suspension feels weak. The car is always squatting while driving. Headlights shine into other drivers eyes with just my children in the back. (less than 100 lbs)Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 30,000 miles
Seats and seat belts
3 complaintsBelts that will not latch or retract, seat adjusters and passenger occupancy sensors.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Pull out and latch every seat belt, and let each one retract on its own.
- Try every seat adjuster, and watch for a passenger air bag "off" light when an adult is in the seat.
Tools that help
What owners said
I've owned cars for 40 years. And not once in 40 years, has the ash from a cigarette caused a seat to immediately burn. And I mean burn. Not just a burn on the outside of the fabric, but deep down into the padded material within seconds. Thankfully, I was able to put it out in the heavy smoke phase, before it turned into a full blown…Owner complaint, filed 2022
As I was driving down the street applied my brakes to slow down at a red light my driver's seat slid forward very fast pinning me against the steering wheel. At that time my leg was folded cause I was up against dash and it made me slam my brakes on very fast and quick. I am lucky my foot was not on the gas at the time or I would have…Owner complaint, filed 2020, at 12,000 miles
Wheels and tires
3 complaintsTire failures, wheels and lug nuts, and tire pressure sensor faults.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- Read the four-digit DOT date on each tire. Tires older than about six years should be replaced, whatever the tread looks like.
- Check tread depth on all four. On AWD vehicles all four tires should match.
- The tire pressure light should go out after startup.
Tools that help
What owners said
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…Owner complaint, filed 2022
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…Owner complaint, filed 2026
Air bags
2 complaintsAir bag warning lights, air bags that did not deploy, and inflator recalls.What to check before you buy
What to check before you buy
- The air bag (SRS) light should come on at startup and go out within a few seconds. If it stays on, the system may not work in a crash.
- Air bag recalls are some of the most serious. Check this exact VIN for open recalls and get proof any recall work was done.
Tools that help
What owners said
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.Owner complaint, filed 2021
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).…Owner complaint, filed 2019, at 8,000 miles
Subaru Crosstrek complaints by year
Compare the 2019 with other years before you choose one. Tap a year to see its problems.
Compare with similar 2019 small SUVs
Each car is rated against its own other years, since popular models always get more complaints than rare ones.
| Car | Vs. its other years | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | Among the worst years | 7 |
| 2019 Honda HR-V | Worse than most years | 7 |
| 2019 Kia Soul | One of the better years | 1 |
| 2019 Jeep Compass | Worse than most years | 2 |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
Suspension Rear
- Risk
- Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Electrical system
- Risk
- A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall summary
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.
Seat belts Rear / other
- Risk
- In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge.
Full recall summary
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.
Engine and cooling Crankcase
- Risk
- An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles. The aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation (PCV) valve can separate, allowing the separated components to enter the engine, resulting in a loss of power while driving.
Electrical system
- Risk
- If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The Engine Control Module (ECM) may continue to power the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which could result in a short circuit and blown fuse.
Windows, mirrors and wipers Glass, side / rear
- Risk
- Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge.
Full recall summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles. The driver's side rear-door window glass may be improperly tempered. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 205, "Glazing Materials."
Steering Electric power assist system
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet.
Full recall summary
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.
2019 Subaru Crosstrek questions
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most reported problem areas on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek are the lights, wipers and visibility (125 complaints), the electrical system (53 complaints) and the engine and cooling (35 complaints).
Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek a good year to buy?
One of the worst Crosstrek years. Owners filed about 2.4 times as many complaints as a typical Crosstrek year. The main thing to watch is the lights, wipers and visibility, which half of owners reported by about 12,000 miles. A year with fewer complaints: 2020. Based on owner complaints to NHTSA, compared with other Crosstrek years from 2013 to 2024. A good year can still be a bad car, so check the one you are looking at.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The most recent, from Apr 2021, covers the rear. Recalls cover the whole model year, so check the VIN of the car you are looking at to see which are still open.
At what mileage do 2019 Subaru Crosstrek problems start?
Half of the owners who reported a problem with the lights, wipers and visibility gave a mileage of about 12,000 miles or less. Half of the owners who reported a problem with the electrical system gave a mileage of about 9,000 miles or less. Plenty of cars have these problems later or never, so ask for service records.
Which Subaru Crosstrek years should I avoid?
The Crosstrek years with the most complaints compared with the rest are 2019. Years with clearly fewer complaints are 2020. Years from 2022 on are too new to rate fairly yet.
Check the exact car
These problems are for the model year as a whole. Here is how to find out about the one you are looking at.
Looking at a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
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