2019 Subaru Crosstrek Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2019 Crosstrek
5
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (113 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 113 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (53 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 53 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (34 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 34 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (24 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 24 NHTSA complaints
Steering complaints Check
Check for looseness, pulling, or unusual noise in the steering at low and highway speeds. (15 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 15 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
36 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
7
Visibility Red flag
Improperly tempered glass can shatter into large pieces, increasing the risk of injury.
Seat Belts Red flag
In the event of a crash involving multiple impacts, the seat belt may not properly restrain the occupant, increasing the risk of injury.
Steering Red flag
Loss of power steering assist would require higher steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Suspension Check
Missing bolts may allow the rear stabilizer bracket to shift, increasing the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
A short circuit in the ignition coils may cause a stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Engine and Engine Cooling Red flag
An unexpected loss of power while driving can increase the risk of a crash.
Electrical System Red flag
If a short circuit occurs while driving, the vehicle may stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2019 Crosstrek–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2019 Crosstrek. The most serious involve Visibility (19V404000) and Seat Belts (20V189000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2019 Crosstrek?
The top complaint areas are Visibility/Wiper (113 complaints) and Electrical System (53 complaints), out of 284 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2019 Crosstrek?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Visibility/Wiper, which drew 113 complaints for this model-year.