The 2019 Subaru WRX has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 27 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Subaru WRX. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Engine (6), Unknown Or Other (2).
WRX reliability snapshot
72/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$682
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#32/36
Ranking in compact cars · better than 11% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru WRX before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Electrical System11
Engine6
Unknown Or Other2
Power Train2
Steering1
Air Bags1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2019 Subaru WRX
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐Check for engine knocking or unusual noises during test drive
☐Inspect battery health and test for parasitic drain
☐Verify infotainment system functions properly without freezing or erratic behavior
☐Test drive to ensure smooth gear shifting, especially into second gear
☐Check for any visible cracks or chips in the windshield
What owners reported
2019 Subaru WRX owner complaints in detail
Owner complaints11
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent issues with battery drainage in the 2019 Subaru WRX, often linked to the telematics system and parasitic drain. Complaints commonly describe dead batteries after short periods of inactivity, with some vehicles failing to start after being left idle for just a day. Multiple owners mention experiencing these problems even with low mileage, such as under 20,000 miles. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle shutting down momentarily during operation, causing temporary loss of steering control, which poses a safety risk. These patterns suggest potential reliability concerns for used car buyers considering this model.
Owner complaints6
ENGINE
Owners report multiple engine failures in the 2019 Subaru WRX, often involving connecting rods and rod bearings. Complaints frequently mention catastrophic failures leading to engine seizures, with some incidents occurring as early as 9,000 miles and others around 61,700 to 128,000 miles. Symptoms described include abnormal popping sounds, engine stalling, and low compression in cylinders. Safety implications are noted, with several reports of the vehicle stalling on highways, posing a risk of loss of control. Buyers should be aware of these issues, particularly when considering vehicles with higher mileage or those without a warranty.
Owner complaints2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Subaru WRX report issues with the radio and infotainment screen, describing symptoms such as water spots inside the screen leading to malfunction, and erratic behavior including freezing, unexpected volume changes, and the screen going black. These problems typically occur when the vehicle is in motion and seem to happen randomly without a discernible pattern. Both complaints involve vehicles with less than 60,000 miles. No safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are reported in these complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of these infotainment issues, which appear to affect multiple vehicles from the same model year.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2019 Subaru WRX report issues with the power train, specifically related to gear shifting and loss of power. One complaint describes an inability to shift into second gear, while still being able to engage other gears. Another owner mentions experiencing a sudden loud noise followed by a complete loss of power, with the vehicle being out of service for an extended period as the issue remains unidentified. No specific mileage range is noted in these reports, and there are no mentions of crashes or fires. These complaints highlight potential concerns with gear engagement and power loss that prospective buyers should consider.
2019 WRX recalls (2)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2019 WRX. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
EXTERIOR LIGHTINGNHTSA 22V522000Jul 21, 2022
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.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 29, 2021
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.
Used-market value
2019 Subaru WRX resale snapshot
$29,998median asking price from 18 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2019 Subaru WRX scores a 72 out of 100, placing it moderately above the segment average of 67. This suggests a mixed reliability profile. While the vehicle generally performs adequately, potential buyers should be mindful of recurring issues. Complaints are concentrated primarily in the electrical system, which may indicate a pattern worth considering. Engine-related complaints also contribute to the overall reliability profile but to a lesser extent.
The vehicle has two recalls, a limited number that suggests these issues are not widespread across the model. However, the presence of complaints across various categories, though fewer in number, reflects a need for cautious evaluation of specific systems. In summary, the 2019 Subaru WRX presents a moderate reliability risk, warranting careful consideration of its known issues.
What you get in a 2019 Subaru WRX report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2019 Subaru WRX now
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2019 Subaru WRX — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2019 Subaru WRX reliable?
The 2019 Subaru WRX scores a 72 out of 100, placing it moderately above the segment average of 67. This suggests a mixed reliability profile. While the vehicle generally performs adequately, potential buyers should be mindful of recurring issues. Complaints are concentrated primarily in the electrical system, which may indicate a pattern worth considering. Engine-related complaints also contribute to the overall reliability profile but to a lesser extent.
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru WRX have?
2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2019 Subaru WRX. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2019 Subaru WRX problems?
The most-reported 2019 Subaru WRX problem areas are: Electrical System (11), Engine (6), Unknown Or Other (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2019 Subaru WRX?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2019 Subaru WRX, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
