2019 Subaru Crosstrek: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 272 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the wipers and visibility, electrical, and transmission. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2019- Owner complaints
- 272
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 6
- 5 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2019 Subaru Crosstrek: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/5
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/1
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Crosstrek is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cylGas | AWD | 29 mpg |
| 2.0L 4-cylPlug-in hybrid | AWD | 480 mi range |
- The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Crosstrek that averages well under the EPA 29 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Windshield cracks without impact
21,000–45,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Wipers and visibility119No crashes
Windshields crack far too easily. Many reports describe a tiny pebble leaving a star that spreads into a long crack within minutes or hours. Others say the glass split while the car sat parked, often starting at the lower passenger-side edge. Most cracks show up early, from a few hundred miles to about 19,000, and some owners are on their second or third windshield. Dealers often call it rock damage and refuse coverage. One owner was quoted $2500, since the EyeSight cameras add to the cost. One rear side window shattered onto a child, causing a minor scratch.
Front windshields crack without any impact. Most reports describe the car parked, or a popping sound, then a crack spreading from the lower passenger side, sometimes about 40 inches across. These reports come later in ownership than most windshield complaints, mostly between 21,000 and 45,000 miles, with one at about 69,800. Dealers tell owners the glass is not covered by recall or warranty. One aftermarket replacement windshield scratched and chipped quickly. In one case a rear driver's side window came loose at 60 mph with no impact.
Electrical39No crashes
Batteries go dead overnight or after a few days parked, and new batteries do not fix it. Many reports blame the Starlink communication module, which keeps trying to reach 3G networks that no longer work. Owners say the 2019 Crosstrek was left out of a settlement that covered the Outback and Forester. Plug-in hybrid owners report every warning light coming on at startup, a car stuck in Park, and a parking brake that would not release, which led to tows. Other reports include engine shutoff when braking to a stop, starter failure, and a gauge display that goes blank.
Transmission212 crashes
Power cuts out or comes late. Drivers describe stuttering or delayed acceleration, a car that will not go with the pedal floored, and all dash lights coming on. Several cases end in CVT replacement, one at about 74,000 miles, and owners report waiting weeks for a transmission with no delivery date. One transmission failed on a hill and the car rolled back into an intersection. Crash reports include sudden acceleration into a garage with one injury and a parked car rolling 25 feet. One coil pack caught fire right after the WRE21 recall repair.
Steering15No crashes
Lane keep assist yanks the wheel at highway speeds. Drivers say it jerks the car across the lane or pulls hard in curves and crosswinds, sometimes several times. Subaru has told owners this is normal and to turn the feature off. A second pattern is power steering assist failure, with the warning light on and the wheel going stiff at 75 mph or the car swerving. Some cars also self-steer without lane assist fitted. Several owners say their VIN was not covered by an existing steering recall. One independent mechanic found a cracked control arm.
Engine101 crash
Ignition coil trouble continues after the WRE-21 recall that replaced the coils. One car lost all power at 50 mph years after that fix, when a cylinder 4 coil shorted and blew its fuse. Hesitation and bucking on acceleration persist through repeated repair visits. Owners also report the engine shutting down while slowing in traffic, leaving little steering control. A plug-in hybrid had its check engine light come on 8 times despite several part replacements. One report describes sudden acceleration into a tree.
Body and structure7No crashes
Hoods pop open on their own. Several reports say the hood unlatches without the release being pulled, then flutters at highway speed against the safety hook, with no warning inside the car. Sunroof glass can burst at freeway speed with a loud pop, dropping glass onto the sliding cover. Other complaints cover paint chipping soon after purchase, a rear door that would not open from inside, a sun visor falling off, and windshield cracks.
Acceleration and cruise control31 crash
Unintended acceleration is the main complaint here, with only 3 reports. Cars lurch or take off while creeping forward in parking lots, and one driver says it happened twice. One case ended in a crash into a building that totaled the car and left a passenger with a broken rib. Another report says cruise control sped up on its own to 90 or 100 mph on the highway. The dealer found nothing wrong.
Brakes21 crash
There are only 2 reports, and both are serious. In one, the brake pedal did not respond and the car sped up while going downhill. It went into a ditch and hit a trailer, and the frontal airbags did not deploy. One person suffered a back fracture. The other report says the engine stalls under hard braking, once on the highway and once at a stop sign, and needs several restart attempts.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Crosstrek owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
I parked my vehicle in my garage last evening no Crack in my windshield. Today I went to go out to eat and I had a 3" Crack starting at the edge middle of the driver's side. I drove 4 miles to the restaurant and now it's 8" long. No rock impacts I'm aware of and no chips in the Crack area. From what I'm reading subaru seems to have a windshield issue, and I think these should be replaced at no cost to the consumer.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2022
Battery Drain problem. Subaru had to replace the battery in January of 2022. That did not resolve the issue. My battery started dying again in June of 2022 & I have to constantly jump start my car. I complained to Subaru & brought my car in for servicing but all they did was test the battery immediately after it was driven on the highway for approximately 20 miles. The issue is not the battery, it is the electrical system that drains the battery.
Filed with NHTSA, November 2022
Battery drains rapidly and completely, sometimes overnight. Five times in less than one year. After a full charge only lasts a few days. Battery replaced but still happens. Others tell me it is a parasitic drain caused by "DCM" and/or faulty Starlink software. Dealership cannot seem to fix this after repeated attempts.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
Vehicle transmission failed while moving up a hill, vehicle coasted back down hill into intersection. Had to be physically moved off the road. Subaru of America reimbursed $3k towards cost of transmission, leaving customer with approximately $5k repair.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
PCV problems and the dealership saying they fixed and completed this recall and have not done so and now CVT problems saying there’s no parts to fix it and have to re do the whole valve system Starter with thinking it was a wheel bar ring problem To trying to figure out if it was a pcv with the engine or cvt with the transmission These are major safety problem that should not be happening
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
How the 2019 compares with other Crosstrek years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2019 has the most owner complaints of the 9 Crosstrek years we cover, about 4.2 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Wipers and visibility11920
- Electrical397
- Transmission214
- Steering152
- Engine103
- Body and structure72
Where the 2019 fits in the Crosstrek's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2019 is the second model year of the Crosstrek's second generation (2018–2023).
Subaru updated the Crosstrek for 2021, so a 2019 does not have those changes.
What changed for 2021 (not on a 2019)
- Larger front lower bumper cladding
- New Sport trim level
- 2.5-liter engine option
Recalls to confirm (8)
Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
23V080000ElectricalFeb 2023
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the 12-Volt battery from charging.
Risk: A 12-Volt battery that is unable to recharge can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket. If corrosion is found on the terminals, the 12-Volt output harness and terminals will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-23.
21V263000SuspensionApr 2021
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.
Fix: 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.
21V264000ElectricalApr 2021
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.
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. 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.
20V189000Seat beltsMar 2020
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.
Fix: 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.
19V856000EngineDec 2019
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.
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. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
19V743000ElectricalOct 2019
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.
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. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUQ-02.
19V404000Wipers and visibilityMay 2019
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.".
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. 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.
19V065000SteeringFeb 2019
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.
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. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
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