NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek scores 74 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 278 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Seven recall campaigns and a defect-record subscore of just 7/20 restrict the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek's overall safety assessment. While strong crash-test scores anchor its NHTSA Safety Index of 74/100, placing it in the Average band, potential owners should examine the specifics of its recall history.
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek received a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 104 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 74 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.6% |
| Recalls on file | 7 |
| Owner complaints | 278 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 104 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek registers a Safety Index score of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. This rating reflects a mixed safety profile, with strong crash protection offset by a notable recall history. NHTSA crash tests show a robust performance. The Crosstrek earned a 5 out of 5 stars for overall protection and also for side impact protection. The vehicle passed the dynamic tip test without incident. This strong showing is reflected in its crash-protection subscore of 61 out of 70, a primary contributor to its overall Index. However, the vehicle's defect record for this model year presents a significant concern, earning a subscore of 7 out of 20. Seven recall campaigns were initiated for the 2019 Crosstrek. These addressed diverse issues including rear suspension geometry, two separate ECM software corrections, failures in the rear seat belt locking mechanism, and a PCV system defect. This volume of recalls is a defining characteristic for the 2019 model year. Further affecting its Safety Index is the avoidance-tech subscore of 6 out of 10. While electronic stability control is standard, critical safety technologies such as forward collision warning and lane departure warning were offered only as optional equipment for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek perform in crash tests?
The 2019 Crosstrek earned an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its strongest result was a perfect 5-star rating in side-impact protection. Frontal crash and rollover protection each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk for this model year stands at 16 percent, with the vehicle successfully passing the dynamic tip test without incident.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13402
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Seven recall campaigns cover this model year. Components addressed include the rear suspension, Engine Control Module software (two separate campaigns), rear seat belt assemblies with a dual-mode locking mechanism, and the aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation system in the engine exhaust and emission control circuit. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign descriptions, but buyers should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
SUSPENSION:REAR21V263000
Risk: Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will retorque and replace any missing bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 17, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-21.
Reported 2021-04-15
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE21V264000
Risk: A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils and, if necessary, the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 1, 2021. Owners can contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-21. Note: This recall includes all vehicles previously repaired under Recall 19V7
Reported 2021-04-15
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER20V189000
Risk: In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace rear seat belt assemblies, free of charge. The began April 15, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRC-20.
Reported 2020-03-31
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CRANKCASE (PCV)19V856000
Risk: An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve, free of charge. If the PCV valve has separated and the components cannot be found, the short block engine will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began January 31, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUW-08.
Reported 2019-12-02
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE19V743000
Risk: If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECM software and inspect and replace the ignition coil, as necessary, free of charge. In addition, on vehicles with confirmed ignition coil damage and a certain stored diagnostic trouble code (DTC), Subaru will replace the front exhaust pipe, free of charge. The recall began December 4, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844
Reported 2019-10-18
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR19V404000
Risk: Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's side rear-door window glass, free of charge. The recall began June 11, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUG-92.
Reported 2019-05-30
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM19V065000
Risk: Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: None of the affected vehicles have been sold yet. Subaru has notified dealers and they will inspect the steering gearbox, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUC-88.
Reported 2019-02-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA has received 278 unverified consumer complaints against the 2019 Crosstrek. Alleged issues are concentrated in Visibility and Wipers at 113 reports, followed by the Electrical System at 51, and Engine at 33. Reported allegations include 6 crashes, 3 fires, and 5 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
278 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
Seven recall campaigns were opened against the 2019 Crosstrek, a significant number for a single model year. For any prospective buyer, it is critical to run the specific vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to determine its service history. Remedy completion varies, and buyers should obtain written confirmation of which campaigns have been addressed and which, if any, remain open.
- Seven recall campaigns are on record for this specific model year, covering rear suspension, ECM software, rear seat belt assemblies, and the PCV system. This recall volume directly produced the 7/20 defect-record subscore that holds the Safety Index at 74/100.
- The 5-star NHTSA overall rating is supported by a 5-star side score and a passed dynamic tip test, but frontal and rollover protection each landed at 4 stars, meaning the overall figure reflects a mixed crash-test profile rather than a uniform top result.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, on this model year. The avoidance-tech subscore of 6/10 reflects that gap. Shoppers should verify which safety technology packages are actually installed on any specific used unit.
- NHTSA holds 278 unverified consumer complaints for this model year, with Visibility and Wipers alone accounting for 113 of them. Three alleged fires are among the reported allegations, which, while unverified, warrants attention when reviewing a used example's service history.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek places
The 2019 Subaru Crosstrek qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Subaru Crosstrek safety questions
Was the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 74 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 278 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Crosstrek years
Rivals in Sedan (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Acura RLX Sport | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2019 Audi S4 | 98/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2019 Tesla Model S 60d | 98/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13402), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Crosstrek 2019.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 104 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.