2019 Subaru Crosstrek engine problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Among the 6 model years of Subaru Crosstrek in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Crosstrek engine complaints center on a recurring failure pattern despite recalls. Owners report ignition coils failing again after NHTSA Campaign WRE-21 replacement, with one case documenting an internal short in a cylinder 4 coil pack that blew the fuse and left the vehicle stranded at 50 mph in November 2024—just over three years after the recall fix. Dealerships offered only "goodwill" repair for one cylinder instead of addressing the systematic coil design issue.
Loss of engine power while driving is the most dangerous pattern: multiple owners describe complete shutdown on highways at speed, eliminating power steering and forcing emergency pulloffs. One owner's vehicle accelerated without pedal input at 20 mph, then stalled while turning, nearly causing a crash. Another vehicle accelerated unexpectedly into a tree.
Acceleration hesitation and bucking persist consistently, with owners reporting slow throttle response at startup and shutter during low-speed driving. One owner says this problem existed since purchase in November 2019 and survived multiple repair attempts plus the ignition coil recall.
A separate owner's Plug-in Hybrid experienced the check engine light eight times, forcing replacement of fuel pressure sensor, charcoal canister, air conditioning computer, and ECM control module—yet failures continue.
Battery drain is another persistent complaint: one owner had the battery replaced three times by Subaru with no identified cause, yet the battery still dies overnight in winter or after six days of parking even in cool weather.
Same Subaru Crosstrek engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Ignition coil failure – recurrence after recall
Ignition coils failing again after replacement under NHTSA Campaign WRE-21. Owners report internal shorts in coil packs, blown fuses, and complete loss of engine power. One owner had all coils replaced in August 2021, then experienced coil failure again in November 2024 with a shorted cylinder 4 coil pack.
When: After recall replacement (August 2021); recurrence November 2024 at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Total loss of motive power while driving; No-start condition; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: P1604 – Startability Malfunction, P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coil pack and fuse replacement; dealership offered one-time 'goodwill replacement' for affected cylinder only
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign WRE-21 (ignition coil replacement); Campaign 21V264000 (ECM software update for electrical system and engine)
Unintended acceleration
Vehicle accelerates without driver input and stalls unexpectedly during normal driving, creating collision hazards. One owner reported the vehicle accelerating without brake application and then stalling while turning at low speed; another reported the vehicle accelerating into a tree after unexplained forward motion.
When: Early in ownership (7,990 miles for one complaint); occurrence timing unspecified for others
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates without depressing accelerator pedal; Unexpected stalling during turns or normal driving; Vehicle moved forward unexpectedly
Repairs/costs cited: ECM software update performed; vehicle repaired but details of repair unspecified for unintended acceleration case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V264000 ECM software update; referral to NHTSA
Engine stall – loss of power while driving
Engine completely shuts down during normal highway driving, cutting power and eliminating power steering. One owner experienced this while slowing down on a downhill highway section; another lost all power on a 50 mph two-lane road. Both events created hazardous situations.
When: Mid-ownership; timing and mileage unspecified except for one event in November 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering; No warning lights reported in some cases
Codes mentioned: P1604 – Startability Malfunction, P0304 – Cylinder 4 Misfire
Repairs/costs cited: One case required ignition coil pack and fuse replacement; repairs unspecified for other stall events
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V264000; campaign number referenced for electrical system and engine cooling
Acceleration hesitation and bucking
Engine response hesitation during startup and low-speed driving, with shutter or bucking when adjusting throttle gradually. One owner reports this as a persistent, consistent issue present since purchase. Another owner reports hesitation on acceleration that persisted after ignition coil replacement recall.
When: Since purchase (November 2019) for one owner; ongoing for others; unspecified timing
Symptoms owners cite: Slow engine response to throttle input at startup; Hesitation lasting a couple of seconds during acceleration; Shutter or bucking at low speeds (0–50 mph) during gradual throttle adjustment; Persistent hesitation after recall coil replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Numerous repair orders did not correct the problem for one owner; ECM software update performed for another case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 21V264000 ECM software update (partial response); recall coil replacement did not resolve hesitation issue
Recurring check engine light and multiple component failures
Check engine light illuminates repeatedly (reported 8 times in one case), disabling safety features and requiring replacement of multiple engine-related components. Owner replaced fuel pressure sensor, charcoal canister assembly, air conditioning computer and harness, and ECM control module, but failures continue.
When: Recurring across ownership; ECM replacement is recent
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light activation (disables safety features); Vehicle failure requiring garage storage
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pressure sensor replacement, charcoal canister assembly replacement, air conditioning computer and harness replacement, ECM control module replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific campaign or recall mentioned for this recurring failure pattern
Battery drain – inability to hold charge
Battery fails to hold charge for more than a few days of parking, resulting in dead battery overnight in winter and after short parking periods. Owner had battery replaced three times by Subaru dealer, each time with no detected root cause. Problem persists across multiple battery replacements.
When: Ongoing; no specific mileage or timeframe given
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dead after 6 days of parking; Battery dead overnight in winter despite normal daily driving; Battery will not hold charge over time
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced 3 times by Subaru dealer; no root cause identified
Engine failure and improper recall service
Engine failed on highway after recall service completion. Technician reportedly failed to recalibrate computer and/or valves after recall work, causing the vehicle to lose power during highway driving. Additionally, vehicle was flooded with water attributed to clogged air conditioner.
When: After recall service completion; timing unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine failure on highway after recall completion; Vehicle flooding due to clogged air conditioner
Repairs/costs cited: Service technician did not recalibrate computer and/or valves after recall work
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall service (campaign number unspecified); improper recalibration not addressed
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 7,621 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.