2019 Subaru WRX engine problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2019 Subaru WRX — 37% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The cam carriers for my vehicle are leaking oil. This is an incredible common, seemingly almost guaranteed, issue with these vehicles from Subaru at the 75-90k mile mark. The carrier are dripping oil, so worse than seeping, but not pouring. This runs the risk of the engine bleeding oil fast and…”
filed Jun 4, 2026
“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…”
filed Jan 23, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and…
02-193-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued May 13, 2026
Engine problems in other WRX years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 WRX | 15 | 60% |
| 2018 WRX | 11 | 26% |
| 2017 WRX | 12 | 23% |
| 2016 WRX | 8 | 26% |
| 2015 WRX | 18 | 35% |
| 2009 WRX | 4 | 10% |
| 2008 WRX | 2 | 3% |
| 2004 WRX | 2 | 5% |
| 2002 WRX | 2 | 0% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2019 Subaru WRX
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.