2019 Subaru Crosstrek Complaints

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 06/20/2026

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 dense traffic on a busy expressway. The vehicle suddenly lost propulsion in the middle lane and slowed down to a near crawl, creating an immediate risk of being struck. The event was captured on dashcam. The dealer inspected the vehicle but found no cause. On 1/5/2026, the vehicle again lost motive power. It remained at the dealership for approximately two months. Some roughness was noted, but no cause was identified, and I was told to return if the problem became more prominent. I am concerned that an intermittent defect capable of causing sudden loss of propulsion remains unresolved. The vehicle has also had recurring difficulty accepting fuel since it was new, along with check-engine lights and DTC P0452. The refueling problem progressively worsened. On 6/20/2026, the vehicle would not accept fuel normally at all. The pump repeatedly shut off while the tank was still empty or nearly empty, and fuel backed up, spilled, and overflowed from the filler neck. This creates a fire hazard and exposes occupants and bystanders to gasoline. Subaru previously performed TSB 09-82-23 but did not replace the fuel tank. The TSB allows tank replacement when resin residue is found in affected fuel-system components. Fuel was analyzed and found clean, yet multiple downstream EVAP components became clogged or restricted. The dealer later replaced the charcoal canister and EVAP filter but found no cause. I am concerned that the recurring fuel/EVAP restriction, gasoline spill during refueling, and two unexplained losses of motive power may share an unresolved root cause. Subaru has advised me only to return if symptoms recur. I do not believe it is safe to wait for another highway loss-of-power event or another gasoline overflow.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 12/30/2019

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-threatening when attempting to merge onto highways. The vehicle is incapable of accelerating quickly enough to match the speed of oncoming traffic. This severe hesitation and lack of power has nearly caused multiple accidents, creating an extreme safety hazard for my wife and me. ​I have repeatedly reported this issue to the Subaru dealership service department, but they have failed to diagnose or resolve the problem. Because of this unresolved defect, we no longer feel safe driving this vehicle for long-distance trips or highway travel and are forced to use another car. The vehicle is fundamentally unsafe to drive in normal highway traffic conditions.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 06/25/2026

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 mechanic where it was diagnosed with ignition coil failure and pending repairs. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V743000 (Electrical System). The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of failure. The failure mileage was approximately 31,500.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/21/2018

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 discharge so low that it is damaged, in which case it may not have sufficient charge to start the car after sitting overnight. After battery is discharged to the point of damage, it must be trickle charged anytime the vehicle is not driven, and even short periods and distances of driving will leave the battery at 25% (or less) of fully charged. Battery replacement is the only way to restore normal operation, but the replacement battery is gradually degraded and ruined just like the original. SOA has not recognized this parasitic battery drain problem in this vehicle. Jump starting the car with auxiliary battery is possible, but this does not reduce the risk of battery insufficiency. Subaru instructs me to have dealer diagnose the problem (at a cost of about $200) and then it might consider a gratis contribution to full cost of diagnosis and repair (estimated at $1,662 including cost of diagnosis). No warning, visual or aural, alerts the driver to this problem.

POWER TRAIN,WHEELS — Filed 05/08/2026

Wheel bearing failure resulting in replacement of the bearing and the integral hub at a cost of ~$750 (independent service center diagnosed and replaced the failed unit). Vehicle had only 42,000 miles and had developed a "rumble" which was thought to be related to seasonal temperature changes/tire tread. Sudden/catastrophic seizing of a failed wheel bearing can cause a loss of control and accident, thus this report as to the potential severity of the issue. No automated warnings other than a noticeable rumble when vehicle was in motion with increased severity over a few weeks. Manufacturer advised by email of the situation. Vehicle repaired and invoice attached to this report.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 05/05/2026

In the middle of driving car stuttered, engine light went on, and car stalled. Unable to restart, Engine cranks but would not turn over. Had car towed for repair. Diagnostic shows engine coil short causing blown fuse. Subaru has an active recall for this identical issue for my same year and model 2019 Crosstrek but the recall does not cover my VIN.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 02/06/2026

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/06/2026

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 replaced; however, the following morning, while attempting to start the vehicle, there was no electrical power to the vehicle. The Hybrid System Check error message was displayed. The contact researched and found information related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V080000 (Electrical System). The contact stated that there was corrosion on the battery. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 12/20/2025

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 11/24/2025

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 when cylinder 4 short circuited (after full replacement due to a recall). These are two examples of loss of motive power at high speeds on a single vehicle which in my opinion constitute a severe safety issue