FaultScore

FaultScore report

2019 Subaru WRX problems

Owners have filed 44 complaints about the 2019 Subaru WRX with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026. The largest single group is the electrical system. Across this model's run it ranks 11 of 17 worst.

B

FaultScore 36/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Subaru WRX.

How this is worked out

The numbers

44

Complaints

0

Crashes reported

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries reported

30,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

69%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 31 vs 50 Severity 0 vs 50 Early failure 100 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 31
Against the median year of the Subaru WRX. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 0
0% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 100
69% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2019 compares with every other Subaru WRX

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2019 Subaru WRX

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

Median failure at 23,500 miles

Engine & Cooling 11 25.0%

Median failure at 39,500 miles

Other & Unspecified 7 15.9%

Median failure at 21,000 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 3 6.8%

Median failure at 130,000 miles

Windows, Mirrors & Wipers 2 4.5%

Median failure at 225 miles

Transmission & Drivetrain 2 4.5%

Median failure at 30,000 miles

Seats 1 2.3%
Wheels 1 2.3%

Median failure at 45,000 miles

Suspension 1 2.3%
Steering 1 2.3%
Airbags 1 2.3%

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 2 15.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 2 15.4%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 7 53.8%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 2 15.4%

NHTSA crash tests

The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own photographs and star ratings.

Configuration Overall Front Side Rollover
2019 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Oct 2019 peak 4 Jun 2026

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

at 45,000 miles Shelbyville, KY

WHEELS:RIM

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru WRX. The contact stated that the driver's-side rear rim spoke was cracked in two pieces. The contact stated that new tires were installed on the vehicle. The contact replaced the tire with the spare. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the rim was replaced. The dealer indicated that the owner had damaged the rim. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.

NHTSA complaint #11745540 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The cam carriers for my vehicle are leaking oil. This is an incredible common, seemingly almost guaranteed, issue with these vehicles from Subaru at the 75-90k mile mark. The carrier are dripping oil, so worse than seeping, but not pouring. This runs the risk of the engine bleeding oil fast and running dry without checking oil levels every week or so and carrying extra emergency oil. This is a huge safety risk and given the proliferation of this issue across subaru vehicles and the CVT it needs to be addressed by SOA. There are no warning lights for this issue and this would not have been caught if I hadn't gone to the dealership for a general car inspection as I suspected something may be wrong. The problem has been reproduced at other shops/dealerships and is a very common almost guaranteed issue with these vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11742031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The cam carriers for my vehicle are leaking oil. This is an incredible common, seemingly almost guaranteed, issue with these vehicles from Subaru at the 75-90k mile mark. The carrier are dripping oil, so worse than seeping, but not pouring. This runs the risk of the engine bleeding oil fast and running dry without checking oil levels every week or so and carrying extra emergency oil. This is a huge safety risk and given the proliferation of this issue across subaru vehicles and the CVT it needs to be addressed by SOA. There are no warning lights for this issue and this would not have been caught if I hadn't gone to the dealership for a general car inspection as I suspected something may be wrong. The problem has been reproduced at other shops/dealerships and is a very common almost guaranteed issue with these vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11742031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

ENGINE

The cam carriers for my vehicle are leaking oil. This is an incredible common, seemingly almost guaranteed, issue with these vehicles from Subaru at the 75-90k mile mark. The carrier are dripping oil, so worse than seeping, but not pouring. This runs the risk of the engine bleeding oil fast and running dry without checking oil levels every week or so and carrying extra emergency oil. This is a huge safety risk and given the proliferation of this issue across subaru vehicles and the CVT it needs to be addressed by SOA. There are no warning lights for this issue and this would not have been caught if I hadn't gone to the dealership for a general car inspection as I suspected something may be wrong. The problem has been reproduced at other shops/dealerships and is a very common almost guaranteed issue with these vehicles.

NHTSA complaint #11742031 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Clara, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

fuel pump cut off intermeeting mager loss off power tech at subaru refuse to repair car has 72000 miles on well manetane

NHTSA complaint #11733161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Clara, CA

ENGINE

fuel pump cut off intermeeting mager loss off power tech at subaru refuse to repair car has 72000 miles on well manetane

NHTSA complaint #11733161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Santa Clara, CA

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

fuel pump cut off intermeeting mager loss off power tech at subaru refuse to repair car has 72000 miles on well manetane

NHTSA complaint #11733161 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Willowick, OH

STEERING

I'm driving down the road and unexpectedly the power steering completely goes out and the car is almost impossible to steer. When I shut the car off it usually resets sometimes for only a couple seconds, sometimes longer before the power steering fails again. It has happened in the middle of multiple turns, highways driving, city driving and is very dangerous. If you look online it is a very common issue amongst other Subaru models with the same steering system, as well as the wrx but not for my year. If you look online you will see multiple people complaining about it. Messaged Subaru and they said they weren't concerned with the safety issue, they were only concerned about it not being covered under warranty anymore. I did take it to a Subaru dealership and they even said it was very common and didn't even really look at the car to diagnose and its around 3000 to repair. This is going to cause an accident at some point if not in my car someone else's. It doesn't matter either what speeds you are going if it happens. It has happened multiple different days so I'm only putting today in since it happened today as well.

NHTSA complaint #11715651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Willowick, OH

SUSPENSION

I'm driving down the road and unexpectedly the power steering completely goes out and the car is almost impossible to steer. When I shut the car off it usually resets sometimes for only a couple seconds, sometimes longer before the power steering fails again. It has happened in the middle of multiple turns, highways driving, city driving and is very dangerous. If you look online it is a very common issue amongst other Subaru models with the same steering system, as well as the wrx but not for my year. If you look online you will see multiple people complaining about it. Messaged Subaru and they said they weren't concerned with the safety issue, they were only concerned about it not being covered under warranty anymore. I did take it to a Subaru dealership and they even said it was very common and didn't even really look at the car to diagnose and its around 3000 to repair. This is going to cause an accident at some point if not in my car someone else's. It doesn't matter either what speeds you are going if it happens. It has happened multiple different days so I'm only putting today in since it happened today as well.

NHTSA complaint #11715651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Willowick, OH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I'm driving down the road and unexpectedly the power steering completely goes out and the car is almost impossible to steer. When I shut the car off it usually resets sometimes for only a couple seconds, sometimes longer before the power steering fails again. It has happened in the middle of multiple turns, highways driving, city driving and is very dangerous. If you look online it is a very common issue amongst other Subaru models with the same steering system, as well as the wrx but not for my year. If you look online you will see multiple people complaining about it. Messaged Subaru and they said they weren't concerned with the safety issue, they were only concerned about it not being covered under warranty anymore. I did take it to a Subaru dealership and they even said it was very common and didn't even really look at the car to diagnose and its around 3000 to repair. This is going to cause an accident at some point if not in my car someone else's. It doesn't matter either what speeds you are going if it happens. It has happened multiple different days so I'm only putting today in since it happened today as well.

NHTSA complaint #11715651 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Denver, CO

ENGINE

At 77,000 miles, my vehicle suffered a major failure where the #2 connecting rod and piston were destroyed, requiring a short block replacement. This repair was performed by Autonation West Subaru in Golden, Colorado and was covered under the SAS gold plan, certified pre-owned 7yr/100,00mi. warranty purchased with the vehicle. According to the technician's report at that time, the failure was so violent it cracked the engine block and contaminated the entire oiling system with metal shrapnel. A short 18,000 miles after receiving the vehicle back at 95,335 miles the clutch went out, needing to be replaced. Keep in mind that this clutch had recently been replaced at 35,757mi. by this same dealership who at the time charged me $900 even though I had just bought the car in July of 2021 with 22,000mi on it. Now, I am at 128,000 miles—only 50,000 miles after the dealership repair—and the engine has failed again. Fortunately, just as I was pulling up to my friend's house, it stalled with an engine code of p0171 present and several dash lights illuminated. And all I've gotten it to do is crank but not start, since early September. In October I had it towed to Subie Smith in Thornton, Colorado. Who did an inspection and compression test, reporting low compression in 2 of the 4 cylinders. And recommended a full engine replacement, either used or new. I don't have the means to afford an engine replacement now out of warranty.

NHTSA complaint #11712991 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Tampa, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

There is what looks to be water spots inside the radio screen causing the radio to malfunction. After reading online this is happening to many cars my same year and the website mentioned a recall for this issue. I have less than 60,000 miles on my car.

NHTSA complaint #11634458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Warrens, WI

ENGINE

With 61,700 miles on the car the engine lost a rod bearing going around a sharp corner on and off ramp of interstate highway. If failure had caused block to crack or break it would have put oil down on the highway and would of caused loss of control of the car. From research done online it seems sharp corners cause engine catastrophic failure. Car is currently at Subaru dealership. Subaru will not do anything about the issue. Vehicle had fresh oil change 2 days before failure with no noise or warning before failure.

NHTSA complaint #11613050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Molalla, OR

SEATS

Mid-Drive the Airbag (SRS) light came on indicating here was a fault in the system. After some diagnostic testing it was determined that there was a fault in the Occupant detection system causing the vehicle to not activate the airbag regardless of the fact that someone was sitting in the seat. The issue was present in same type of seats (heated) that were previously recalled shortly before this vehicle was produced.

NHTSA complaint #11600704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Molalla, OR

AIR BAGS

Mid-Drive the Airbag (SRS) light came on indicating here was a fault in the system. After some diagnostic testing it was determined that there was a fault in the Occupant detection system causing the vehicle to not activate the airbag regardless of the fact that someone was sitting in the seat. The issue was present in same type of seats (heated) that were previously recalled shortly before this vehicle was produced.

NHTSA complaint #11600704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 49,000 miles Bradenton, FL

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Subaru WRX. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, there was an abnormal popping sound detected, and the engine seized. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who informed the contacts that the repair was not covered under the warranty. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The technician checked the black box, which indicated that the vehicle had been driven at 144 MPH, the turbo was spun, and the warranty was declined. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.

NHTSA complaint #11564661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Akron, OH

ENGINE

Engine failed while driving causing vehicle to stall

NHTSA complaint #11556424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Alpharetta, GA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

There is a current drain (approximately 135mA) by the built-in telematics system (DCM) even when the car is completely powered off. The drain will drop battery voltage levels beyond recharge/repair. Dead batteries can leave people stranded in unsafe areas or make them susceptible to potentially dangerous situations such as being approached by bad actors. The vehicle has been inspected by me, who confirmed the current draw through a multimeter and pulling fuses 1-by-1. It has been confirmed by multiple people online with similar symptoms: https://www.subaruoutback.org/threads/dark-current-drain.550299/ https://www.reddit.com/r/Subaru_Outback/comments/zzh5d3/drained_battery_and_dcm_fuse/ http://www.subarucomplaints.com/battery-drain/ No warnings, messages, or symptoms. Just kept waking up to dead batteries.

NHTSA complaint #11519850 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arlington, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

at random, the vehicle will shut down for a second and start back up without pressing the start button. usually occurs while using carplay but has occurred without using the stereo. will happen back to back and cause the steering wheel to lock up at highway speeds, taking control of the vehicle away from me (driver). steering wheel has locked up several times when the car shuts off while driving. vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostics and they were unable to pinpoint an issue.

NHTSA complaint #11493131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Arlington, TX

ENGINE

at random, the vehicle will shut down for a second and start back up without pressing the start button. usually occurs while using carplay but has occurred without using the stereo. will happen back to back and cause the steering wheel to lock up at highway speeds, taking control of the vehicle away from me (driver). steering wheel has locked up several times when the car shuts off while driving. vehicle was taken to dealership for diagnostics and they were unable to pinpoint an issue.

NHTSA complaint #11493131 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lago Vista, TX

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The battery in my 2019 Subaru WRX failed after buying it brand new from the dealer, after less than 2 years of owning the vehicle. Almost one year later, my car now won't start if I leave it off for more than 24 hrs. In 2019 I left the car powered off for over a week and it started right up no hesitation. This is a huge problem now as I work remotely and don't need to drive my car every day however I do need my brand new car to reliably START even if I haven't driven it for a day or so! I took it to the dealership and they state their battery diagnostics and the alternator both pass, and no software updates pertaining to an issue of this nature was available. I'm going back tomorrow for a tech to run "extended electrical diags" on it but I've read about this issue affecting SO MANY OTHERS that there is now a lawsuit about it! Wanted y'all to know I'm experiencing this as well. https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-battery-drain-lawsuit-new-claims-now-include-forester-wrx-and-legacy/amp

NHTSA complaint #11492032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lago Vista, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The battery in my 2019 Subaru WRX failed after buying it brand new from the dealer, after less than 2 years of owning the vehicle. Almost one year later, my car now won't start if I leave it off for more than 24 hrs. In 2019 I left the car powered off for over a week and it started right up no hesitation. This is a huge problem now as I work remotely and don't need to drive my car every day however I do need my brand new car to reliably START even if I haven't driven it for a day or so! I took it to the dealership and they state their battery diagnostics and the alternator both pass, and no software updates pertaining to an issue of this nature was available. I'm going back tomorrow for a tech to run "extended electrical diags" on it but I've read about this issue affecting SO MANY OTHERS that there is now a lawsuit about it! Wanted y'all to know I'm experiencing this as well. https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-battery-drain-lawsuit-new-claims-now-include-forester-wrx-and-legacy/amp

NHTSA complaint #11492032 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hoyt Lakes, MN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This vehicle has less than 20,000 miles on it and I’ve had the battery drain on me 3 different times from just leaving a door open with the car off while doing general maintenance things. The car lacks a feature to shut off the dome lights and I thought that was what the problem stemmed from. Each time the car died on me the door was open for no more than 20 minutes or so. Once I saw there’s a class action lawsuit against them for issues related to this I knew this issue is the same one. No battery should be going dead from a light being on for 20 minutes with nothing else running.

NHTSA complaint #11486196 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seattle, WA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Battery cannot hold a charge even after jumping the car. Once jumped, the car will drive but when the engine is turned off, it cannot turn back on without a jump.

NHTSA complaint #11485126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Naples, FL

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The STARLINK 7-inch Multimedia Plus unit gets locked-up, sometime not responsive to touch, skips around to different songs, in a phantom way scans different radio stations, disconnects phone calls.

NHTSA complaint #11480522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.