Recall 19V065 affects 10,417 2019 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester vehicles for loss of electric power steering assist. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 10,417 2019 Crosstrek and Forester vehicles because a connector inside the electronic power steering unit can short circuit and shut off power steering assist. This makes the driver use more steering effort, increases crash risk, and Subaru dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The electronic power steering system on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester reduces the effort needed to turn the steering wheel. Its control unit is built into the steering gearbox and uses electrical connections to manage steering assist as you drive. One connector inside that unit carries signals through terminals attached to the circuit board.
On affected Subaru vehicles, small gaps formed in the connector's plastic molding during manufacturing. During assembly, excess soldering flux entered those gaps and weakened the isolation between connector terminals. When the terminals are not properly isolated from each other, the connector can short circuit. That short can turn off electric power steering assist, leaving the driver with manual steering effort.
The warning sign is illumination of the EPS warning lamp. If that light comes on, the power steering assist has been disabled or is at risk of being disabled, and steering effort increases.
Who's affected?
Both Subaru models are tied to the same power steering system component.
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Forester | power steering system |
| Units affected | 10,417 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific crossover.
What's the safety risk?
Loss of power steering assist means the Crosstrek or Forester needs more effort to steer, which increases the risk of a crash. An EPS warning lamp is the warning sign. If it appears, drive cautiously, avoid unnecessary trips, and contact a Subaru dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek or Forester is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free steering-gearbox inspection and replacement if the EPS connector short is found.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru sent one. If not, reference recall number 19V065 when you call.
- Call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 with questions about recall WUC-88.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer completes the inspection or repair; loss of electric power steering assist requires higher steering effort.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the steering gearbox and replaces it when the inspection shows it is needed. The inspection, replacement part, and labor are free under the recall. Subaru reported that none of the affected vehicles had been sold before dealer notification, so prior owner paid repairs are not expected. Subaru still has a general reimbursement plan on file for documented eligible costs tied to this recall; ask Subaru customer service or the service desk how to submit paperwork if this applies to you.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| February 6, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| February 7, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 7, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| February 7, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 7, 2019 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V065?
Recall 19V065 covers 10,417 2019 Subaru Crosstrek and Forester vehicles with an Electronic Power Steering connector that can short circuit and cause a loss of power steering assist. Subaru dealers inspect the steering gearbox and replace it as needed for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek or Forester is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 19V065. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the WUC-88 steering gearbox inspection. The dealer will replace the steering gearbox as needed for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to perform the recall repair at no cost. Subaru dealers inspect the steering gearbox and replace it as necessary free of charge under recall 19V065.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of electric power steering assist. If assist is lost, steering takes more effort, especially at low speed or during parking maneuvers, and that increases crash risk. The repair path is the free Subaru dealer inspection and gearbox replacement as needed.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V065000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V065 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V065000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →