Last updated: 2026-04-20
2019 Subaru WRX Reliability Report
The 2019 Subaru WRX scores 72/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 27 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
2
Complaints
27
Complaint Rate
12.4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$682
Annual Fuel Cost
$3,000–$3,650
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- ENGINE (6)
- POWER TRAIN (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 received a mid-model improvements update for the Fourth generation (VA).
- Changes: New Subaru STARLINK infotainment system; Available features were modified..
- Year 5 in this generation (2015–2021).
- 4th generation WRX (US).
What this means for buyers
Refresh years bring updates but can also introduce new issues. Check early recall data before buying.
2015: Fourth generation (VA) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2017: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2019: This Model Year (Refresh)
2019 received a mid-model improvements update for the Fourth generation (VA).
Should You Buy the 2019 Subaru WRX?
At 72/100, the 2019 Subaru WRX lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2019 received a mid-model improvements update for the Fourth generation (VA).
Owners log 27 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (11). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Subaru WRX, which scored 3 points higher. See also the 2018 Subaru WRX for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (14%)
- +Low recall count
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Frequent issues with battery drainage in the 2019 Subaru WRX, often linked to... (11 complaints)
- −ENGINE: Connecting rods and rod bearings (6 complaints)
Compare 2019 Subaru WRX With
2019 Volkswagen Golf
Reliability: 65/100
2019 Mazda 3
Reliability: 78/100
2019 Honda Civic
Reliability: 75/100
2019 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 78/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (11)
- ENGINE (6)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2019 Subaru WRX carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
12.4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 18.3
Safety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Subaru WRX Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Subaru WRX. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.
Buying a used 2019 Subaru WRX? Check its history first
Every 2019 Subaru WRX has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2019 Subaru WRX NHTSA Safety Ratings
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 0.0%
Safety Technologies
Subaru WRXRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$682
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
14%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
19–23 MPG
Running cost: $3,700–$4,350/yr
Fuel + repair
17–21 city / 22–27 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2019 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 21 | 27 | 23 | $3,000 |
| WRX 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,300 |
| WRX 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 17 | 22 | 19 | $3,650 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2019 Subaru WRX.
Check for engine knocking or unusual noises during test drive
Inspect battery health and test for parasitic drain
Verify infotainment system functions properly without freezing or erratic behavior
Test drive to ensure smooth gear shifting, especially into second gear
Check for any visible cracks or chips in the windshield
2019 Subaru WRX Common Problems by Component
27 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 complaintsOwners report frequent issues with battery drainage in the 2019 Subaru WRX, often linked to the telematics system and parasitic drain. Complaints commonly describe dead batteries after short periods of inactivity, with some vehicles failing to start after being left idle for just a day. Multiple owners mention experiencing these problems even with low mileage, such as under 20,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle shutting down momentarily during operation, causing temporary loss of steering control, which poses a safety risk. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
ENGINE
6 complaintsOwners report multiple engine failures in the 2019 Subaru WRX, often involving connecting rods and rod bearings. Complaints frequently mention catastrophic failures leading to engine seizures, with some incidents occurring as early as 9,000 miles and others around 61,700 to 128,000 miles. Symptoms described include abnormal popping sounds, engine stalling, and low compression in cylinders. Safety implications are noted, with several reports of the vehicle stalling on highways, posing a risk of loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly when considering vehicles with higher mileage or those without a warranty.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Subaru WRX report issues with the radio and infotainment screen, describing symptoms such as water spots inside the screen leading to malfunction, and erratic behavior including freezing, unexpected volume changes, and the screen going black. These problems typically occur when the vehicle is in motion and seem to happen randomly without a discernible pattern. Both complaints involve vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. No safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of these infotainment issues, which appear to affect multiple vehicles from the same model year.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Subaru WRX report issues with the power train, specifically related to gear shifting and loss of power. One complaint describes an inability to shift into second gear, while still being able to engage other gears. Another owner mentions experiencing a sudden loud noise followed by a complete loss of power, with the vehicle being out of service for an extended period as the issue remains unidentified. No specific mileage range is noted in these reports, and there are no mentions of crashes or fires. These complaints highlight potential concerns with gear engagement and power loss that prospective buyers should consider.
STEERING (1 complaints)
STEERING
1 complaintI'm driving down the road and unexpectedly the power steering completely goes out and the car is almost impossible to steer. When I shut the car off it usually resets sometimes for only a couple seconds, sometimes longer before the power steering fails again. It has happened in the middle of multiple turns, highways driving, city driving and is very dangerous. If you look online it is a very common issue amongst other Subaru models with the same steering system, as well as the wrx but not for my year. If you look online you will see multiple people complaining about it. Messaged Subaru and they said they weren't concerned with the safety issue, they were only concerned about it not being covered under warranty anymore. I did take it to a Subaru dealership and they even said it was very common and didn't even really look at the car to diagnose and its around 3000 to repair. This is going to cause an accident at some point if not in my car someone else's. It doesn't matter either what speeds you are going if it happens. It has happened multiple different days so I'm only putting today in since it happened today as well.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintMid-Drive the Airbag (SRS) light came on indicating here was a fault in the system. After some diagnostic testing it was determined that there was a fault in the Occupant detection system causing the vehicle to not activate the airbag regardless of the fact that someone was sitting in the seat. The issue was present in same type of seats (heated) that were previously recalled shortly before this vehicle was produced.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaintI've had two fuel pumps replaced under warranty after the 2nd fuel pump failed hours after the Subaru dealership installed it. They installed the 3rd which worked until a week ago when my car stalled at a red light. The car would not start back up and it has since been diagnosed as a fuel issue.
FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
FUEL SYSTEM
1 complaintThe contact stated owns a 2019 SUBARU WRX. The contact stated that while her spouse was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound as if the engine was sputtering. The driver was concerned that fuel was not running through the engine correctly. The vehicle began to fail to accelerate forward then lose motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle made a large popping sound and white smoke was coming from the tailpipe. The contact cooled off the timing belt to cool off the vehicle. There was no fire reported. No injuries or medical attention is needed. The vehicle was towed. The contact stated that earlier that day while starting the vehicle it had backfired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who stated that the engine was blown due to the failure related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V587000 (Fuel System, Gasoline). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, there was no response yet. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY
1 complaintTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT THE TOP WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF WICHITA (11610 E KELLOGG DR N, WICHITA, KS 67207; (316) 264-7777) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A STONE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (1 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaintSMALL GLASS CHIP DEFECT OCCURRED IN THE CENTER OF THE PASSENGER SIDE WINDSHIELD. THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND SITTING IN A PARKING LOT. THIS VEHICLE WAS ISOLATED IN THE PARKING LOT AND DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER VEHICLES NEAR IT. IT IS UNKNOWN WHETHER THE WINDSHIELD TEMPER OR COMPOSITION MAY BE DEFECTIVE AND EASILY PROPOGATED A DEFECT ON THE WAY TO THE PARKING LOT. THE WAY THE WINDSHIELD CHIPPED/DEVELOPED THE SMALL CRACK WOULD HAVE HAD TO OCCUR WITH EASE BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS BRAND NEW (350 MILES) AND HAD NO INTERACTIONS WITH FLYING DEBRIS ESPECIALLY WITH THE SHORTER DRIVE. THE CHIP/SMALL CRACK WAS SMALL ENOUGH TO BE REPAIRED BUT STILL IS VISIBLE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE COMPANY EPOXIED THE SMALL CHIP TO MITIGATE MORE POTENTIAL CRACKING. DUE THE AFOREMENTIONED CIRCUMSTANCES, THIS APPEARS TO HAVE THE SAME OCCURRING INCIDENTS HAPPENING ACROSS ALL AFFECTED SUBARU MODELS.
When Do 2019 Subaru WRX Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru WRX Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Subaru WRX Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Subaru WRX year is 2026 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (78/100) and 2025 (77/100).
Subaru WRX Years to Avoid
No Subaru WRX years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Subaru WRX maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Subaru WRX Reliability Score Trend
Subaru WRX reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 75/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 75/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Subaru WRX Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Subaru WRX reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Subaru WRX?
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru WRX have?
Is the 2019 Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2019 Subaru WRX without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Subaru WRX.
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