Recall 19V856 affects 51,613 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester vehicles for a separating PCV valve. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 51,613 2019 Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester vehicles because the aluminum Positive Crankcase Ventilation valve can separate. The separated parts can enter the engine and cause unexpected loss of power while driving, which can increase crash risk; the Subaru dealer repair will be free once available.
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What's wrong?
The PCV valve on the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester is part of the engine's crankcase ventilation system. It routes pressure and vapor from inside the engine back through the intake system so the engine breathes cleanly instead of building pressure. On these vehicles, the valve uses an aluminum case with a steel washer inside it.
The problem is the joint between those pieces. Heat cycles from normal driving create a gap between the steel washer and the aluminum valve case. Parts around the valve also press against the case, which adds stress over time. If the valve separates, broken pieces enter the engine and the vehicle loses power while driving.
Owners have a warning sign to watch for. Subaru says the exhaust appearance or the amount of tailpipe exhaust changes before failure.
Who's affected?
Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester are grouped under the same crankcase PCV component, so the model name alone does not settle inclusion.
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | Crankcase (pcv) |
|---|---|
| 2019 Subaru Ascent | Crankcase (pcv) |
| 2019 Subaru Forester | Crankcase (pcv) |
| Units affected | 51,613 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2019 Subaru model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected loss of power while driving increases crash risk because the vehicle can slow or stall in traffic. A change in the look or amount of tailpipe exhaust is the warning sign to treat seriously. Drive cautiously, avoid long trips, and schedule the inspection soon. Repair will be free at any franchised Subaru dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent, or Forester is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free PCV-valve inspection and replacement that fixes the valve separation behind the loss-of-power risk.
- Bring Subaru's owner letter if you have it. If not, reference recall number 19V856 and Subaru recall WUW-08 when you call.
- Call Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614 with questions about your included VIN or dealer appointment.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. If the engine loses power, move out of traffic and stop in a safe place.
What happens at the repair
Subaru's remedy calls for a dealer inspection of the PCV valve. Once the recall repair is available, a Subaru technician will replace the PCV valve for free. If the valve has separated and the loose components cannot be found, Subaru will replace the short block engine at no cost under the recall. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file for related repairs paid before the recall notice. If you already paid for this repair, ask Subaru customer service or the service desk what documentation is needed for a claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 2, 2019 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 4, 2019 | Dealer notification began |
| December 4, 2019 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 24, 2020 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 24, 2020 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| January 31, 2020 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 19V856?
Recall 19V856 covers 51,613 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent, and Forester vehicles with an aluminum PCV valve that can separate. Separated parts can enter the engine and cause unexpected power loss while driving, increasing crash risk. Subaru dealers inspect and replace the PCV valve for free.
What should I do if my 2019 Subaru Crosstrek, Ascent, or Forester is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Subaru is included in recall 19V856. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall WUW-08 or 19V856. The dealer will inspect the PCV valve, replace it for free, and replace the short block engine for free if separated parts cannot be found.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Subaru dealers will inspect and replace the PCV valve free of charge, and Subaru says the short block engine replacement is also free when the PCV valve separated and parts cannot be found.
Is it safe to drive my 2019 Subaru before this recall is fixed?
The recall warns that unexpected power loss while driving can increase crash risk. If your vehicle loses power, use caution, move out of traffic when safe, and contact a Subaru dealer. Check your VIN first so the dealer can confirm whether this PCV valve recall applies.
What if I bought my Subaru used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your 2019 Crosstrek, Ascent, or Forester is included, then contact a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall WUW-08 or 19V856.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/19V856000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 19V856 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 19V856000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (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 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →