2019 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 44 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median WRX year — the 2019 model ranks #9 of 24 WRX years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Electrical System leads the complaint categories with 14 reports (32% of the total).

NHTSA complaints

Recalls

Investigations

Crash-involved

Fires reported

Injuries

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2019 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Subaru WRX problems?

Component	Complaints	Share	vs prior year
Electrical System	14	32%	▲ up
Engine	11	25%	— flat
Other	7	16%	— flat
Fuel System	3	7%	▼ down
Transmission	2	5%	▼ down
Visibility & Wipers	2	5%	▼ down
Seats	1	2%	— flat
Airbags	1	2%	▼ down
Steering	1	2%	▼ down
Suspension	1	2%	▼ down
Tires & Wheels	1	2%	▼ down

Does the 2019 Subaru WRX have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

22V522000LightingJuly 21, 2022 · 59,934 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

21V587000Fuel SystemJuly 29, 2021 · 175,968 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence

Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I was an hour into a 5-hour trip. I stopped the vehicle at a interstate rest area. I then went to start the car again after 5 minutes or so, and it would not start. After getting a jump start, I drove back to my dealership, and they informed me I needed to replace my battery. This vehicle is only 2…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 7, 2021

“VERY SIMILAR ISSUES DESCRIBED IN PREVIOUS ENGINE FAILURES REPORTED. NEW CAR, OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, SERVICED ON FREQUENT. THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOUD CLUNKY NOISE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. 7 WEEKS LATER STILL AT SUBARU AND DEALERSHIP NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE BUT NOT STARTED TO SAY IT WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 23, 2019

“VERY SIMILAR ISSUES DESCRIBED IN PREVIOUS ENGINE FAILURES REPORTED. NEW CAR, OFF THE SHOWROOM FLOOR, SERVICED ON FREQUENT. THERE WAS A SUDDEN LOUD CLUNKY NOISE AND COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. 7 WEEKS LATER STILL AT SUBARU AND DEALERSHIP NOT ABLE TO IDENTIFY THE ISSUE BUT NOT STARTED TO SAY IT WAS…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 23, 2019

“I've had two fuel pumps replaced under warranty after the 2nd fuel pump failed hours after the Subaru dealership installed it. They installed the 3rd which worked until a week ago when my car stalled at a red light. The car would not start back up and it has since been diagnosed as a fuel issue.”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 10, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 SUBARU WRX. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED AT THE TOP WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF WICHITA (11610 E KELLOGG DR N, WICHITA, KS 67207; [PHONE]) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO A…”
Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · April 10, 2020

2019 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2019 Subaru WRX reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 44 complaints put the 2019 model at #9 of 24 WRX years. It is one of the WRX years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (14 complaints), engine (11 complaints), other (7 complaints).

Does the 2019 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2019 Subaru WRX. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the WRX years to avoid are 2002, 2008, 2017, 2015, 2009, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among WRX years belongs to 2007.

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.

How does 2019 compare to other WRX years?

What are the most common 2019 Subaru WRX problems?

Does the 2019 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

2019 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2019 Subaru WRX reliable?

What are the most common 2019 WRX problems?

Does the 2019 Subaru WRX have recalls?

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

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