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At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 11 recalls, 276 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek.
25–35 mpg combined
6.7–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 3 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek are heavily concentrated in one area: visibility and wipers, which account by far for the largest share of reports. Owners describe windshield wiper systems that fail to clear the glass effectively, operate erratically, or stop working altogether, and several report obstructed or distorted visibility that isn't tied to wiper function alone. The electrical system draws the next-highest complaint volume, with owners describing battery failures, unexpected power loss while driving, and in some cases the vehicle shutting down completely and requiring a tow. Engine complaints, fewer in number, include stalling, failure to restart, and rough running, one recurring pattern involves the engine cranking but not starting after a stall event. A smaller number of owners report unexpected vehicle movement at low speeds, such as lurching when pulling into parking spots, though these appear across only a handful of reports.
276
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
3
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek has 11 recalls, the most serious involving multiple issues that can cause sudden loss of drive power while moving, including an electrical fault in Hybrid models and a crankcase ventilation valve that can break apart and enter the engine.
On the electrical side, a corroded and broken harness terminal on Crosstrek Hybrid models can prevent the 12-volt battery from recharging, cutting drive power without warning. Separately, the engine control module can continue powering the ignition coil after shutdown, causing a short circuit and blown fuse that can stall the engine while driving. The crankcase ventilation valve can physically separate, sending broken pieces into the engine and causing a power loss on non-hybrid models as well.
Steering and suspension add to the picture: a connector inside the electric power steering unit can short circuit, leaving the driver with significantly heavier steering effort. The rear stabilizer bracket bolts can loosen and fall off, allowing the bracket to shift and affect handling.
Two rear seatbelt issues overlap: the locking mechanism may fail to engage correctly, meaning the belt may not hold an occupant in a crash or during multiple impacts. Finally, the driver's side rear door window glass may not be properly tempered and can shatter into large pieces rather than small fragments if broken.
At a glance
What can fail
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The connector that delivers power from the converter to the 12V battery can corrode and break, preventing the battery from charging and causing sudden loss of driving power.
What the fix does
Dealer will replace the converter terminal bracket and inspect the 12V terminals. If corroded, the harness and terminals are replaced; otherwise, a protective cap is installed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A connection terminal that delivers power from the converter to the 12-volt battery may corrode and break, stopping the battery from charging.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket, and if corrosion is present, also replace the 12-volt output harness and terminals.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Engine Control Module may continue supplying power to the ignition coil after the engine shuts off, creating a short circuit.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the ECM software and replace the ignition coils and front exhaust pipe if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The bolts securing the rear stabilizer bracket may loosen and detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will retighten the bolts and replace any that are missing, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat belts may be assembled incorrectly, which can prevent them from locking properly during certain types of crashes.
What the fix does
Subaru will mail you instructions to bring your vehicle to a dealer, who will replace the rear seat belt assemblies.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The rear seat belt's locking mechanism may fail to lock properly, reducing restraint effectiveness in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the rear seat belt assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The aluminum crankcase ventilation valve can separate internally, allowing loose parts to enter the engine and cause sudden loss of power while driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the valve at no cost. If separated parts can't be located, the engine short block will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine control module may continue sending power to the ignition coil after the engine shuts off, potentially causing an electrical short circuit and blown fuse.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the engine control module software and inspect or replace the ignition coil as needed. Vehicles with confirmed coil damage will also get a new front exhaust pipe.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The driver's side rear-door window glass may not be properly tempered, which means it could break or shatter abnormally in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The left-rear door window glass may not be properly tempered. If broken, it could shatter into large pieces instead of small fragments.
What the fix does
Subaru will mail owners instructions to visit a dealer, who will replace the left-rear door window glass.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A connector in the electronic power steering unit may short circuit, causing loss of power steering assistance.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the steering gearbox as needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
