Last updated: 2026-03-04

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed
2019 Subaru Crosstrek

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). With 8 recalls and 272 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (GT).

Recalls

8

Complaints

272

Complaint Rate

330.3

per 10k sold

Above avg

Est. Annual Cost

$492

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

7%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
18/100 (Risky)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
90/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
60/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
68/100 (Good)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues

VISIBILITY/WIPER (108)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39)

8 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 2)

2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (GT).

  • Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
  • A refresh arrives in 2021.
  • 2nd generation Crosstrek (US).

What this means for buyers

Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.

If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.

Second generation (GT)

2018redesign
2019selected
2020
2021refresh
2022
2023

Should You Buy the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek scores 56/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution. 2019 is year 2 of the Second generation (GT).

With 272 owner complaints and 8 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in visibility wiper (108) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on visibility wiper (108) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2020 Subaru Crosstrek, which scored 16 points higher. See also the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • $29 cheaper to maintain than avg compact SUVs
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (7%)

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for SUV
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER issues reported (108 complaints)

Compare 2019 Subaru Crosstrek With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 8 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (108)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39)
  • POWER TRAIN (21)
  • STEERING (15)
  • VISIBILITY (11)
  • ENGINE (10)
  • STRUCTURE (7)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3)
  • SUSPENSION (3)
  • SERVICE BRAKES (2)
  • SEATS (2)
  • AIR BAGS (2)
  • Tether (1)
  • Carry Handle (1)
  • TIRES (1)
  • ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

8

recalls on record

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has 8 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

330.3

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 20.3

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

Crashes

6

Fires

3

Injuries

5

Deaths

0

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Recall Details

8 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

23V0800002023-02-14

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

Consequence

A 12-Volt battery that is unable to recharge can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

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.

21V2640002021-04-15

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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.

Consequence

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.

21V2630002021-04-15

SUSPENSION

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.

Consequence

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.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 15.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)

HEV Powertrain

Rollover risk: 0.0%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Not Available)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Not Available)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Subaru Crosstrek Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4.5Maintenance rating: 4.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$492

vs $521 avg for compact SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.1

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

7%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Crosstrek
$492
Category Avg
$521
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips, especially near edges
  • Test battery and check for signs of parasitic drain
  • Verify ECM software updates and check for warning lights
  • Test drive to check for transmission shudder or hesitation
  • Inspect for signs of rodent damage to wiring and fuel lines
  • Check for any active recalls related to engine or powertrain

Check Any 2019 Subaru Crosstrek's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Crosstrek in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Subaru Crosstrek with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Common Problems by Component

272 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

108
39
39
VISIBILITY/WIPER (108)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39)POWER TRAIN (21)STEERING (15)VISIBILITY (11)ENGINE (10)STRUCTURE (7)Other (22)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

108 complaints

Owners report frequent occurrences of windshield cracks in the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, often appearing without any known impact or reason. Complaints frequently mention cracks originating from the bottom corners or edges of the windshield, with some forming while the vehicle is parked. Many owners describe having multiple windshield replacements, sometimes within a short time frame of purchasing the vehicle. There are reports of cracks affecting the functionality of safety features like the EyeSight driver assist technology. An injury was noted when a rear view mirror detached, although no crashes or fires are reported. This pattern of windshield issues is often noted regardless of mileage, suggesting potential concerns for used car buyers.

108 complaints total1 injury

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

39 complaints

Owners report several electrical system issues with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, most notably premature parasitic battery drain often linked to the digital communication module (DCM) and Starlink technology, which persists even after battery replacement. Complaints frequently mention rapid battery discharge, requiring multiple jump starts or replacements, sometimes within days. Multiple owners describe problems with dashboard warning lights and infotainment system malfunctions, including random shutdowns and connectivity issues. These issues typically arise around 20,000 to 50,000 miles. Safety concerns include instances of vehicles not starting, sudden loss of power while driving, and potential lockout scenarios involving children, though no crashes or fires are reported.

39 complaints total

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

39 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with windshield cracking and spontaneous glass shattering, including sunroofs and rear windows, often without any apparent cause or impact. Complaints also describe intermittent starting problems, where dashboard warning lights such as "Check Engine" and "RAB Disabled" appear, especially in colder weather or after sitting idle. Sudden acceleration incidents are noted, with one reported crash when the vehicle surged forward unexpectedly while parking. Additionally, there is a report of a fire occurring while driving on the highway. These issues typically arise in vehicles with mileage ranging from 25,000 to 40,000 miles, and they pose potential safety risks, including visibility impairment and loss of vehicle control.

39 complaints total1 crash1 fire
POWER TRAIN (21 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

21 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the powertrain, particularly involving the CVT transmission and engine control. Common symptoms include unexpected loss of acceleration, engine stalling, and erratic RPM behavior during acceleration, often occurring at various speeds and sometimes leading to complete loss of motive power. Complaints often arise around 15,000 to 74,000 miles, with some incidents resulting in crashes or fires, and one report of injury due to sudden acceleration. These issues are noted to cause significant safety concerns, as they can lead to dangerous situations such as sudden stops or unintended vehicle movement.

21 complaints total2 crashes1 fire1 injury
STEERING (15 complaints)

STEERING

15 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues related to steering, with common complaints involving sudden and unexpected steering movements. Symptoms often include the vehicle veering or swerving without driver input, particularly at highway speeds, and difficulties with lane departure and lane assist features, causing the car to pull aggressively to one side. These issues are reported across various mileages, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as multiple owners describe near-miss situations where they had to fight the steering to maintain control, sometimes resulting in the vehicle crossing lanes unexpectedly. For potential buyers, understanding these steering concerns and their prevalence in this model year could be crucial, especially when considering vehicles with active recalls or those without completed repairs.

15 complaints total
ENGINE (10 complaints)

ENGINE

10 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the engine, particularly related to ignition coils and battery performance. Complaints often describe the vehicle hesitating during acceleration and unexpected engine shutdowns, sometimes while driving at highway speeds. One report involves a crash where the vehicle accelerated without warning, resulting in a collision with a tree. Several owners mention repeated battery failures, with the battery failing to hold a charge even after replacement. These issues often occur despite previous repairs or recalls and can result in a loss of motive power, which poses potential safety risks.

10 complaints total1 crash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (6 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

6 complaints

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek frequently report issues with the vehicle's fuel/propulsion system, particularly involving hesitation and loss of power during acceleration. Complaints describe symptoms such as the car cutting out momentarily when the accelerator is pressed, stalling at slow speeds, and sluggish performance. These issues often occur shortly after purchase, with some owners experiencing problems from the outset or within the first few thousand miles. Safety concerns are noted, as one owner mentions the car stalling while pulling into an intersection, highlighting potential risks during traffic maneuvers. Additionally, a hybrid system failure linked to corrosion of an exposed electrical cable is mentioned, though it appears less common.

6 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek report issues related to unexpected acceleration, particularly in parking situations and when using cruise control. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating or lurching forward on its own while parking, with one incident leading to a crash and injuries. Another issue involves the cruise control system causing the vehicle to accelerate to speeds as high as 90 or 100 mph unexpectedly on highways. These issues have been reported at various times without clear mileage patterns. The safety implications include potential crashes and injuries, as evidenced by the reported accident.

3 complaints total1 crash2 injuries
SERVICE BRAKES (2 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

2 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek report issues with the service brakes, including brake pedal failure and unintended acceleration, as well as engine stalling when braking suddenly. One report describes a crash occurring at approximately 31,200 miles, where the brakes failed to respond, leading to a collision and a passenger injury. Another owner describes the engine stalling during hard braking on two occasions, one on a highway and another on a country road, although no crashes resulted. These complaints highlight potential safety implications such as loss of control and the risk of accidents, particularly during sudden stops or emergency braking situations.

2 complaints total1 crash1 injury
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)

AIR BAGS

2 complaints

Owners report issues with the airbag system in the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, particularly involving the deactivation of safety features. Complaints frequently mention the EyeSight system turning off and the airbag warning light activating, alongside the failure of cruise control and lane assistance. There are also reports of the passenger side airbag occupant classification system deactivating when the seat is occupied. These issues appear at relatively low mileages, with one owner noting a failure around 8,000 miles. The safety implications include the potential non-deployment of airbags during an accident, which is a significant concern for prospective buyers.

2 complaints total

When Do 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

1,000–25,000 milesWindshield cracking
20,000–50,000 milesElectrical system failures
15,000–74,000 milesPower train issues

Best & Worst Subaru Crosstrek Years

Best Subaru Crosstrek Years to Buy

The best Subaru Crosstrek year is 2025 with a reliability score of 83/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2023 (81/100) and 2022 (78/100).

Subaru Crosstrek Years to Avoid

The worst Subaru Crosstrek year is 2019 with a score of 56/100, primarily due to visibility wiper (108) issues.

56
MixedReliability score: 56 out of 100, rated Mixed

2019(this page)

8 recalls · 272 complaints

See full Subaru Crosstrek years-to-avoid analysis →

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Score Trend

Subaru Crosstrek reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 78/100 compared to 64/100 for older years.

avg 71
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Subaru Crosstrek reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201860/100Good
201956/100Mixed
202072/100Good
202167/100Good
202278/100Good
202381/100Excellent
202469/100Good
202583/100Excellent

Subaru Crosstrek Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202678/100 (predicted)Predicted01
202583/100+14Excellent025
202469/100-12Good295
202381/100+3Excellent028
202278/100+11Good128
202167/100-5Good297
202072/100+16Good162
2019(selected)56/100-4Mixed8272
201860/100Good5186

2019 Subaru Crosstrek Reliability by Powertrain

The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas272795 out of 5
HEV010N/T
Total27289

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has a "Mixed" reliability rating (56/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 8 recalls and 272 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek include: VISIBILITY/WIPER (108 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (39 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (39 complaints), POWER TRAIN (21 complaints), STEERING (15 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have?
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has 8 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek expensive to maintain?
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has estimated annual repair costs of $492/year, which is $29 less than the compact SUVs average of $521. Its reliability score of 56/100 and 272 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue