Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: a solid ownership case with specific caveats below.
Owners have filed 284 complaints with NHTSA about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, and it carries 7 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 106 | 37% |
| Unknown or other | 36 | 13% |
| Electrical system | 27 | 10% |
| Visibility | 10 | 4% |
| Engine | 9 | 3% |
| Power train | 9 | 3% |
| Steering | 9 | 3% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 7 | 2% |
| Electrical system | 6 | 2% |
| Structure | 5 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
Recently, Aug 13 we took the 2019 Crosstrek to the to the Subaru center for oil change and a general inspection. Two big problems revealed. 1. Recommend replacing both rear wheel bearings due to noise while driving $2
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
My engine overheated at 125,000 miles roughly and 2025 and this year the engine oil is leaking into the coolant tank at 135,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint: Engine
While driving, my dashboard warning lights on my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek—AT OIL TEMP, EyeSight, and Lane Assist—illuminated simultaneously with a sudden onset of transmission slippage and erratic shifting, with no prior wa
NHTSA complaint: Power train
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the battery failed to remain charged. During the failure, the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. No further information w
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I own a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid with recurring fuel-system and EVAP failures that I believe present a serious safety risk. On 12/9/2025, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power while I was driving in d
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
Since purchasing my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek brand new in 2019, the vehicle has suffered from a chronic and dangerous lack of acceleration. It consistently fails to gain speed as expected. This issue becomes life-threateni
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
The contact owns a 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving and stopping on a red light at around 25 mph, vehicle was shaking till it completely stalled. The vehicle was towed to a certified mechan
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
2019 Subaru Crosstrek; Battery is drained even when car is fully turned "off". If the car is not driven every day, battery may drain completely and car won't start. If not driven for several days, battery will dischar
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
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-
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 numbe
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
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
| Reliability raw | 63 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 73 | good |
| Maintenance | 84 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 80 | excellent |
| Performance | 55 | average |
| Efficiency | 50 | average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 284 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and visibility/wiper is the most reported area with 106 of them (37%). There are 7 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 63/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 73/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2019 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: worth a look, because a solid ownership case with specific caveats below. Its overall ownership score is 72/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.