This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. (This is an revised version of the orignal bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Subaru Crosstrek electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have filed 44 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 20,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
44
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Crosstrek | 32 |
| 2017 Crosstrek | 15 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 29 |
| 2019 Crosstrek (this page) | 44 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 8 |
| 2021 Crosstrek | 11 |
| 2022 Crosstrek | 3 |
| 2023 Crosstrek | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 44 electrical complaints filed for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 10 model years of Subaru Crosstrek we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 44.
Owners have filed 44 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin contains information to help when attempting to complete the STARLINK Telematics subscription process, an Error Code 202 and / or 204 may occur preventing the process from completing successfully
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin was developed to provide interim guidance for 2026 model year vehicles exhibiting DTC B2A20 with gen 4 Telematics.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Crosstrek electrical issues break down into a few persistent patterns. Battery drain is the most common complaint—owners describe dead batteries after just 6 days of sitting, sometimes requiring 4–6 replacements within two years. Many dealerships initially blamed the owners for not driving frequently enough, then attributed failures to defective batteries themselves. Several owners traced the problem to the DCM (digital communication module) attempting to connect to defunct 3G networks, and while Subaru issued recalls on similar models, the 2019 Crosstrek PHEV was excluded from some relief programs.
Engine stalling while driving is a serious safety issue: vehicles lose all power at highway speeds, fail to accelerate in traffic, or shut down during braking. Owners report the engine restarting after brief pauses, but dealer diagnostics often fail to reproduce the problem or identify a root cause beyond a "fatal ECM error" in some cases.
Infotainment and touchscreen malfunctions are widespread—radios reset unpredictably, lose preset stations, crash during Bluetooth pairing, and freeze rear-view camera feeds mid-reverse. Critically, some owner report the speedometer being blocked by a "call in progress" display while using CarPlay, a significant safety gap during navigation.
Less common but serious: the EV charging cable requires cable twisting to fit the outlet despite manual warnings against twisting; remote telematics overrode child-safety door locks; and one owner found rodent damage to fuel lines, spraying gasoline into the cabin. Dealers have been unable or unwilling to fix many of these electrical faults, and parts delays on recalls have left some vehicles unrepaired for extended periods.
Same Subaru Crosstrek electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Parasitic Battery Drain (12V)
Battery drains completely within days to weeks even when vehicle is parked and unused. Owners report multiple dead batteries requiring jump starts or replacements. Root causes cited include faulty DCM (digital communication module) attempting to connect to defunct 3G networks, and unidentified parasitic electrical draws.
When: Throughout ownership; some failures as early as 6 days of non-use
Symptoms owners cite: Complete battery discharge after 3-7 days of inactivity; No-start condition; Rapid clicking sounds on attempted start; Jump starter indicator light warning 'something wrong'; Vehicle requires jump starts multiple times per month; Battery repeatedly fails despite replacements
Codes mentioned: Hybrid System Check error message, Check Battery message on instrument panel
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times (some owners report 3-6 replacements); DCM fuse removal mentioned as workaround; one owner spent $3.5 hours traveling to dealership and replaced Optima battery after dealer service; dealers unable to consistently identify root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some owners note DCM/Starlink issue included in class-action suit for Outback and Forester but not 2019 Crosstrek PHEV; recall 19V743000 (Electrical System) exists but parts unavailable; recall 23V080000 (Electrical System) mentioned but some VINs not included
Engine Stalling / Loss of Power While Driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power and shuts down unexpectedly while in motion, sometimes while braking or accelerating. Some instances involve dashboard lights illuminating before shutdown. Owners report multiple occurrences within weeks and difficulty restarting.
When: At highway speeds (60-70 mph), during traffic deceleration, while reversing; <250 miles in one vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete power loss while driving; Single click sound followed by engine shutdown; All gauges, lights, and instrument panel go dark; Loss of power steering and drive power; Multiple warning lights illuminate (ABS, Check Engine, Eyesight, Vehicle Dynamic Control); Brake and hazard lights only functional after shutdown; Apple CarPlay glitching preceding stalls; Engine restarts after brief pause
Codes mentioned: Fatal error of ECM, ABS error, Check Engine, Eyesight System error, Vehicle Dynamic Control error
Repairs/costs cited: ECM (Engine Control Module) replaced after 'fatal error' diagnosis; main computer replaced; grounds tested; one vehicle towed for ~1000 miles of testing with tire sensor replacement attempted but problem recurred same day after pickup
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to reproduce problem in many cases despite multiple tows; one owner received recall notice for Ignition Coil but VIN not included in recall campaign
Infotainment System / Touchscreen Failures
Radio and touchscreen system randomly resets, crashes, or malfunctions. Loss of audio, navigation, and hands-free calling. Some incidents involve dangerous safety situations such as frozen rear-view camera or blocked speedometer display during calls.
When: Intermittently throughout ownership; some failures early in ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Radio/touchscreen resets itself repeatedly; Loud buzzing or static noise before reset; Loss of all preset radio stations after resets; Radio does not turn on when car starts; Radio shuts off mid-drive; CarPlay connection failures; Rear-view camera freezes during reverse when system crashes; Bluetooth crashes when phone goes out of range; Digital speedometer blocked by 'call in progress' message during phone calls; Infotainment powers off randomly, changes radio station and volume on its own; Abnormal ringing sound from under dashboard (related to audio system)
Repairs/costs cited: Radio unit replaced within 1 month of purchase in one case at no charge; problem persisted on replacement unit; dealers state no software or hardware updates available; one owner charged diagnostic fee for subsequent service calls
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall mentioned regarding software update but recall was withdrawn due to software problems; dealership stated solutions being worked on but not yet available
EV Charging Cable Design Defect
Charging cable plug installed upside down on the charging circuit interrupting device (CCID), requiring cord twisting to fit into 110V outlet. Manual warns against twisting cable to prevent fire risk, creating contradiction between design and instructions.
When: Present from new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Plug must be twisted to fit into outlet; Ground prong (round) cannot align without cord rotation; Design contradicts owner's manual warnings
Repairs/costs cited: No repair mentioned; owner suggests plug orientation should be reversed
Electronic Parking Brake / Shift Lock Failures
Vehicle unable to shift out of Park or parking brake fails to release after being engaged. Multiple warning lights appear and vehicle sometimes immobilized. Root cause identified as faulty electronic parking switch in at least one case.
When: At 23,000 miles in one documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Car will not shift out of Park; Parking brake will not release; Multiple warning lights (ABS, Check Engine, Eyesight, Vehicle Dynamic Control) illuminate; Errors logged in MySubaru app; Vehicle immobilized, requires tow
Codes mentioned: ABS error, Check Engine, Eyesight System error, Vehicle Dynamic Control error
Repairs/costs cited: Faulty electronic parking switch identified as root cause; new part in short supply; one vehicle required ECM software upgrade before part availability
Battery Corrosion / Connection Issues
Battery exhibits premature corrosion, leading to no electrical power even after battery replacement. Vehicle loses power while driving and will not restart.
When: At approximately 60,000 miles in documented case
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering and drive power while driving; Complete vehicle shutdown on road; No electrical power to vehicle after replacement battery installed; Hybrid System Check error message; Corrosion visible on battery
Codes mentioned: Hybrid System Check error
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced; corrosion noted on replacement; vehicle not repaired due to VIN not included in recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V080000 (Electrical System) exists but VIN not included; manufacturer confirmed VIN exclusion
Fuel Line Damage (Rodent Chewing / Poor Sealing)
Rodent chewed high-pressure fuel line, spraying gasoline into vehicle passenger compartment. Owner attributes damage to soy-based wiring and fuel line materials that attract rodents, combined with inadequate foam seal at fuel tank access.
When: At 13 months, 7,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Gasoline smell in passenger compartment; High-pressure gasoline spray into back seat foam and cushion; Rodent damage visible on fuel line
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel line repaired by dealer; dealer reported second similar incident in 2 weeks
Telematics / Remote Locking Anti-Override Failure
Remote telematics command locked vehicle with live child inside despite driver having placed keys in vehicle. Normal safety mechanism (preventing lock if keys detected inside) was overridden by remote command, trapping child in heating vehicle.
When: Timing not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle locked remotely despite keys inside; Child trapped inside vehicle; Safety override mechanism failed; Driver lost control of lock state
Starter Motor Failure
Starter motor failed to engage bendix with flywheel. Owner notes multiple reports of this issue on Crosstrek forums.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Starter unable to kick out bendix to meet flywheel; Vehicle unable to start
Repairs/costs cited: Starter replaced; repair shop noted issue
Auto-Lock Function Failure
Power door locks fail to auto-lock when vehicle moves in reverse or drive, despite previously functioning normally.
When: After initial period of normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Auto-lock function stops engaging; Doors do not lock when vehicle begins moving
Repairs/costs cited: Local dealer unable to resolve
Synthesized from 44 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
For the third time, the battery on this car needs to go back for service - the car is housed in a garage on our property and is turned on every 3-4 days. This morning and twice before the car doesn't start. In the previous 2 times the car was completely dead and I had to jump start it and take it to the dealer where they said they replaced the battery. This morning when trying to start the car,…
Today, 12/19/2021, marks the sixth (6th) time my car’s battery has failed and forced me to call Star Link to schedule and wait for a battery jump. Subaru refused to replace my battery after the 3rd and also refused to check the grounding wire upon a service inspection. This battery is faulty and Subaru knows it. My child has been with me in three of th de ridiculous occasions of waiting for…
I was driving in traffic to complete stop, as I was accelerating the vehicle stalled. This has happened only once. I have had another incident when I was backing up to park my car in my garage, my back up camera froze while im still in motion then the infotainment reboots.
Hi. I purchase my 2019 Subaru crosstrek in october of 18 because I decided to suck it up and have a payment to ensure I had a safe vehicle for myself and for my son. Since we always purchase subarus through my work, I went that route because I've been very pleased with them especially with safety. In may of 2000 19, I was driving to harrisburg for work and I had my son with me and a whole egg…
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 44 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 5,000 and 31,500 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 31,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2019/Subaru/Crosstrek.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.