2019 Subaru WRX: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
VA WRX with recurring battery-drain and rod-bearing engine-failure complaints; thrilling turbo AWD performance offset by clutch wear, high insurance and above-average repair costs. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2019 Subaru WRX ranged from $27,195 to $36,595 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
VA WRX with recurring battery-drain and rod-bearing engine-failure complaints; thrilling turbo AWD performance offset by clutch wear, high insurance and above-average repair costs.
Sources (5)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=wrx&mo…
- crawfordperformance.comhttps://crawfordperformance.com/blogs/news/wrx-subaru-engine-guide
- maperformance.comhttps://www.maperformance.com/blogs/maperformance-blog/77034371-how-to-avoid-…
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_WRX
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/wrx
Known issues
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Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines.
commonly reported · 50 NHTSA complaints · typically 30k–90k miles · engine
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Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced.
commonly reported · 35 NHTSA complaints · electrical
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Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage.
commonly reported · 25 NHTSA complaints · typically 5k–50k miles · transmission
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Spontaneous windshield cracking from minor chips or with no apparent impact, a complaint pattern shared across Subaru models of this era.
occasional · 12 NHTSA complaints · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=wrx&mo…
- crawfordperformance.comhttps://crawfordperformance.com/blogs/news/wrx-subaru-engine-guide
- maperformance.comhttps://www.maperformance.com/blogs/maperformance-blog/77034371-how-to-avoid-…
- en.wikipedia.orghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subaru_WRX
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Rally-bred standard symmetrical all-wheel drive with a turbocharged boxer engine gives exceptional all-weather grip and quick point-to-point pace.
- Communicative chassis and a slick 6-speed manual make it one of the most engaging affordable sport sedans to drive.
- Practical four-door body with a usable rear seat and trunk, so it works as a daily driver as well as a weekend toy.
- Huge enthusiast following and aftermarket parts support, plus historically strong resale value.
Cons
- Firm ride, loud cabin, modest fuel economy and a premium-fuel requirement make for high running costs.
- Interior materials and infotainment feel cheap and dated next to similarly priced rivals.
- Turbo-boxer engines can suffer expensive rod-bearing failures, a real risk on modified or hard-driven used examples with unknown maintenance history.
- Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear and recurring parasitic battery drain are common owner complaints.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $27,195 | $32,495 | — | — |
| Premium | $29,495 | $33,995 | — | — |
| Limited | $31,795 | $38,995 | — | — |
| STI | $36,595 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2019-subaru-wrx-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-wrx-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($27,195). Higher trims started higher (up to $36,595), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2019 loses roughly another 25% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-wrx/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (high tier) | ≈ $3,400–3,500/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
Requires premium fuel
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (3)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/wrx
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-wrx-insurance/
- sportsubarusouth.comhttps://www.sportsubarusouth.com/blog/subaru-gas-requirements-guide/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2019 Subaru WRX have?
Documented issue patterns include: Turbocharged boxer engines (FA20 in the WRX, EJ257 in the STI) are prone to connecting-rod bearing failure ("rod knock") and catastrophic engine failure, especially on cars that were modified, tracked, or had neglected oil changes; a class-action covered 2012-2017 STI engines; Parasitic battery drain leaving the car unable to start after a day or two of inactivity, often persisting even after the battery is replaced; Premature clutch and throw-out bearing wear on the 6-speed manual, with owners reporting failures and replacements at relatively low mileage; Spontaneous windshield cracking from minor chips or with no apparent impact, a complaint pattern shared across Subaru models of this era. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2019 Subaru WRX reliable?
VA WRX with recurring battery-drain and rod-bearing engine-failure complaints; thrilling turbo AWD performance offset by clutch wear, high insurance and above-average repair costs.
How much did the 2019 Subaru WRX cost new?
Between $27,195 and $36,595 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Subaru WRX expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs. Note: it requires premium fuel.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.