Quick take
The 2019 WRX is the newest car in our set, and the federal data for it looks quiet: 30 complaints, the fewest of the five years, and no crashes, fires or injuries reported. That makes it attractive to buyers who want the most recent version of this generation, with the freshest condition and the least time on the clock.
A short list is not a clean bill of health, though. This car has had less time on the road to collect reports. Verify three things before you buy: the fuel pump recall, the electrical system and battery, and the engine's history, since a handful of owners describe serious bearing damage at moderate mileage. Also learn how the car has been modified.
What changed for 2019
The 2019 WRX was close to a carryover from 2018, which had brought the generation's styling and equipment update. It is a sedan with a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine, a six-speed manual as the core choice and an optional automatic. If you drive a 2018 and a 2019 back to back, expect them to feel very similar.
Being one of the last years of the generation matters in one way: the next-generation WRX arrived for 2022, so a 2019 is about as developed as this design got. It also carries two recalls in the data, the fuel pump and the backup light switch. The WRX STI is a separate, more extreme car shoppers often compare, and federal records may not separate it from the WRX, so treat counts here as approximate.
Known trouble spots to check
Owners filed 30 complaints. They break down into electrical (14), engine (11), unknown or other (7), fuel system (2), power train (2) and wheels (1).
Electrical system. This is the largest group. Battery drain comes up repeatedly: a battery that failed within two years, a car that would not start after a day off, a dead battery within the first thousand miles of a new car, and one owner who traced a drain to the built-in telematics unit. Others describe the car briefly shutting down and restarting on its own, sometimes with CarPlay active, and sudden loss of power steering assist that reset after the car was turned off. On a drive, check for dash warnings, make sure the infotainment is stable, and restart the car after it has sat. Ask how many batteries it has had.
Engine. Several owners describe serious failures: a connecting rod and piston destroyed at around 77,000 miles, a lost rod bearing at around 61,700 miles, an engine that seized at moderate speed after a popping noise, and another that failed while driving. One person also complains of oil leaking from the cam carriers and says it is common, but that is an individual opinion. Look for oil seepage around the top of the engine, listen for ticking or knocking when warm, and ask for full service records. If the engine was replaced, ask for the paperwork.
Unknown or other. This group includes screens that freeze, jump volume and reboot, water spots inside the radio display, and a battery issue. The infotainment complaints are about the multimedia touchscreen. Test it for several minutes with a phone connected.
Fuel system. Two owners describe fuel pump trouble. One had a pump replaced three times, and another says the car cut out with a sudden loss of power. This lines up with the fuel pump recall. Check that recall status and look out for stalls or power cuts.
Power train. One owner reports the car would not engage second gear at times. Another describes a sudden clunk and total power loss in a nearly new car. Try every gear and shift smoothly.
Wheels. A cracked rear wheel spoke appeared after new tires were fitted. Check each wheel for cracks or bends, especially on cars that have seen potholes or track days.
General checks:
- Wheels and tires. Look for curb damage, matching tire brands and even wear.
- Brakes. Check the rotors and pads, and ask about any upgrades.
- Cooling. Look for stains around hoses, a steady temperature gauge, and fans that cycle.
- Oil leaks. Check the top and sides of the engine and the ground under the car after a drive.
- Clutch. On manual cars, feel for smooth engagement and ask when it was last replaced.
Recalls on a car this age
The data lists two recalls for the 2019 WRX. Both are free to fix at a Subaru dealer.
- Low-pressure fuel pump. It covers certain vehicles in several Subaru models and years, including 2018 and 2019 WRX cars. The pump inside the tank may fail. It does not apply to every car in the groups, so the VIN decides.
- Backup light switch. It covers certain 2015 to 2021 WRX cars. The switch can corrode, so the backup lights may not work and the rearview camera may not show an image in reverse.
One owner mentions a recall for water getting into the screen. That does not appear in this model year's data, so do not assume it exists or does not. Check the VIN at NHTSA's free recall lookup and ask a dealer about any open campaigns.
Test-drive checklist
- Arrive for a cold start. Check that no warning lights stay on and that the engine sounds smooth.
- Test the infotainment for several minutes. Connect a phone, switch sources and watch for freezing or random changes.
- Select reverse. The camera and lights should come on straight away.
- Run the clutch through its range, then pull away on a slope. Check the engagement point and listen for noise.
- Shift through every gear, including second, at normal and brisk pace. It should be smooth, with no crunch or hesitation.
- Accelerate at moderate throttle through the rev range. Look for even boost and no stumbling or power cut.
- Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock while rolling slowly, and drive over rough road to check for sudden loss of assist or clunks.
- Turn the car off for several minutes, restart it, and check the battery's strength.
Before you hand over money
- A VIN recall check at the NHTSA link above.
- A vehicle history report, to look for accidents, title problems and odometer trouble.
- An independent pre-purchase inspection with a code scan, a battery and charging test, a fuel system check, and a look at the top of the engine for leaks.
On a newer car, a seller may say the powertrain is still under warranty. Verify that in writing with a dealer, and ask whether aftermarket parts or a tune could affect coverage. Ask for the same details you would for any WRX: what has been changed, who tuned it, whether the stock parts are available, and whether it has been on a track or strip. A stock car with full records is easier to trust than a modified one with a story.
Use the payment calculator to work out the monthly cost with tax, fees and interest.
Is it the right car for you?
The 2019 suits buyers who want the newest car in this generation, are comfortable with turbocharged performance, and will insist on records. It is also a decent choice for someone who values the lower complaint count but still plans to inspect carefully. See the 2018 page for the closest alternative and the overview for the larger picture.
Look elsewhere if you want a car with a long track record of reports, or if you expect to add a lot of power without budgeting for the engine and clutch to cope.
Bottom line
The 2019 WRX has the quietest complaint record of the five years, but not a spotless one: batteries, fuel pump and engine bearing reports all deserve attention. Check the recalls, verify service and modification history, and get an independent inspection.