2019 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Report
2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (7) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (274) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with 28 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Subaru Crosstrek before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Crosstrek Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Crosstrek years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 64 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 192 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek | 100 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Subaru Crosstrek | 97 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 28 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Subaru Crosstrek | 131 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
106 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
36 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyVisibility
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility issues Subaru onlySteering
9 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Subaru onlyPower Train
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability Score
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System: Software Subaru is recalling certain 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek vehicles due to software defects in the electrical system. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Visibility: Glass, Side/Rear Subaru is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek vehicles due to issues with the driver's side rear glass. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering A contact reported losing power steering functionality while driving at 60 MPH in a 2019 Crosstrek. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine And Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Crankcase (Pcv) Subaru is recalling certain 2019 Crosstrek, Forester, and Ascent vehicles due to PCV system issues. |
Low | Common | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek:
24% of reported issues are related to the electrical system.
10% of reported issues are related to visibility.
9% of reported issues are related to steering.
8% of reported issues are related to the power train.
Recall Details for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
The following 7 recalls have been issued for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek by NHTSA:
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
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.
Consequence: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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-...
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."
Consequence: Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
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.
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality, and the vehicle decelerated and lost drive power. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road, where the vehicle completely shut off and lost power. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with battery failure. The battery was ...
Own a 2019 Suburu Crosstrek vehicle that has unexpectedly accelerated/lurched on its own when pulling forward into a parking spot. This has happened twice...last month & today.
The car started shaking and shuddering at 40 mph on a straight road and I had several losses of motive power, with sluggish acceleration of a busy road. All dashboard lights began to turn on. The Oil Temp light was flashing, indicating an powertrain issue. After slowly driving it to a Subaru dealership, I was told that the CVT needed to be replaced. This model year also had a loss of motive power ...
Dashboard warning lights required an inspection by a qualified mechanic and made the assessment of a faulty ECM relatively easily by noting the excessive heat emitting from the ECU.
Subaru owners have reported experiencing premature parasitic battery drain in vehicles equipped with Starlink in-vehicle technology. The defect presents itself when the equipped data communications module (DCM) attempts to communicate with 3G cellular networks. As 3G networks within the U.S. are no longer functioning, the call will continuously fail even after the vehicle has been turned off, drai...
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, there was an abnormal ringing sound coming from underneath the dashboard. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the ringing sound persisted. After the contact connected the Bluetooth, the ringing stopped. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. T...
Vehicle had a parasitic draw, was in the shop for an extended amount of time, I believe wiring issues were caused from this as well, I had to replace my driver side window switch, buy an optima battery, and drive 3.5hrs to a Subaru dealership in the middle of the winter hoping I’d make it safely and without stalling, the DCM was found to be at fault similarly to other vehicle owners included in an...
. I expect a full recall on this model years and relative MY vehicles with this specific engine due to its obsolescence in the subsequent years. I feel as if I was sold a lemon and defective engine that will eventually become a death trap Dear Bloomington Subaru Service Manager, I want to reiterate that this is not an isolated incident limited to your facility. Over the course of this vehicle’s ...
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
My vehicle would struggle with starting intermittently over the past 2 years. Last week It became a consistent issue each time I would start it. Today my car would not crank and I tried several times over the span of 3 hours. What I experienced previously when starting my vehicle is it would initiate starting, I would hear a mechanical whirring, the car would stop then start again and the engine w...
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. While the contact was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while the engine was still off, the gear shifter was shifted into reverse(R) and the vehicle accelerated backwards. The contact slammed on the brake pedal to prevent the vehicle from crashing into another parke...
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 moving at the time of the crack, it was noticed getting in the...
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 aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the...
Using the seat belt with the safe lock feature for rear facing, the car seat becomes loose within 2-3 times using it with my daughter. We have to have her out, undo the safe lock and pull the seat belt tight again to refasten it.
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, after getting an oil change at Subaru, a day after that oil cha...
Spark plug coil leaked oil into the spark plug
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 other cars on the road. No other vehicles or other prop...
Per NHTSA Product Campaign Bulletin WRE-21, all ignition coils on my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Premium were replace on August 9th, 2021. On November 26th 2024, the same vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power on a 50 mph, 2-lane road, resulting in emergency action to move the car off of the right-of-way. All occupants of the car were not injured. After the vehicle was towed to a Subaru Deal...
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, shattered glass rained down onto the closed sliding cover. ...
Showing 20 of 274 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
Has the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK been recalled?
Yes, the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 7 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
The 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 274 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 5 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK involve visibility/wiper (106 complaints), unknown or other (36 complaints), electrical system (24 complaints). Other affected components include visibility, steering, power train.
How many crash reports does the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK out of 274 total complaints (2.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK out of 274 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
5 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 274 complaints, 7 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The components with the most failures on the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (106 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY (10 complaints), 5. STEERING (9 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 106 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Be aware of potential electrical system and visibility issues. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial. The 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 274 NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 274 owner complaints, 7 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System: Software and Visibility: Glass, Side/Rear.
What are the known issues with the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Known issues with the 2019 SUBARU CROSSTREK include: Electrical System: Software, Visibility: Glass, Side/Rear, Steering, Engine and Engine Cooling: Exhaust System: Emission Control: Crankcase (PCV). These are based on patterns found across 274 NHTSA complaints. 7 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
Yes, recalls have been issued for electrical system and visibility issues.
What are the most common issues reported?
Common issues include electrical system problems, visibility and wiper issues, and steering problems.
Are there any known safety concerns with the seat belts?
Yes, some reports indicate that the rear seat belts with the safe lock feature may become loose.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential electrical system and visibility issues. Regular inspections and maintenance are crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Subaru Crosstrek
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The data includes 274 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 7 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 5 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16