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EnginePart report

2019 Subaru WRX Engine Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
37%of 30 total for the year
Median mileage
39,500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2019 Subaru WRX, 37% of the 30 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The vehicle stalled at highway speed as I began to decelerate on the interstate highway. I attempted several times to restart the engine until the vehicle reach a rolling stop in the middle of the 4 lane highway. I turned on my hazard lights and after approximately a minute I managed engage the engine for a brief period to reach the shoulder of the highway before the engine stalled again. There were no indicators or warning lights on. I tried several times to start the engine with no success so I called for service. …”

NHTSA complaint #11375389, filed 2020-11, 29,500 miles

“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 driver fault?”

NHTSA complaint #11268703, filed 2019-10, 30,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11564661, filed 2024-01, 49,000 miles

“The contact stated owns a 2019 SUBARU WRX. The contact stated that while her spouse was driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle started making an abnormal sound as if the engine was sputtering. The driver was concerned that fuel was not running through the engine correctly. The vehicle began to fail to accelerate forward then lose motive power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated the driver was able to pull to the side of the road. The vehicle made a large popping sound and white smoke was coming from the tailpipe. …”

NHTSA complaint #11437131, filed 2021-10, 130,000 miles

“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. …”

NHTSA complaint #11712991, filed 2026-01

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202417%
2023222%
20221560%
2021538%
2020317%
20191137%
20181228%
20171223%
2016826%
20151835%
2014233%
2013114%
2009410%
200823%
2006214%
2005211%
200425%
200220%

Other parts of the 2019 Subaru WRX

Electrical system
14 complaints
Other or unknown
7 complaints
Fuel system
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
2 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
Air bags
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints
Suspension
1 complaints
Wheels
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2019 Subaru WRX

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology