VehicleVerdict

2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 151 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.7 times the median Crosstrek year — the 2021 model ranks #4 of 15 Crosstrek years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 12 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (33), driver assistance (28), and other (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

151

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

14

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

12

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Crosstrek years?

Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted355 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 27 complaints2016: 164 complaints2017: 132 complaints2018: 253 complaints2019: 355 complaints2020: 82 complaints2021: 151 complaints2022: 41 complaints2023: 51 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 57 complaints2026: 3 complaints
Crosstrek NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Crosstrek years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers3322%
Driver Assistance2819%
Other2416%
Electrical System149%
Engine149%
Transmission139%
Fuel System43%
Steering32%
Brakes32%
Seats32%
Speed Control32%
Body & Structure32%
Airbags21%
Suspension21%
Seat Belts11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V755000TransmissionNovember 9, 2023 · 95,830 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.

Consequence

An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“When I bought the car last year I had it for less than 2 months before my windshield cracked from a rock while we were on the highway. I get this happens so I didn’t think anything of it until I saw how many other people have also had their windshield crack shortly after buying the car. Since…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · December 19, 2020

“Traveling at speed of 30MPH. A tocoma truck in front of me suddenly stopped in road lane. Driver said that his vehicle made an auto assist stop were the brakes lock. My 2021 Crosstrek eyesight/braking system failed. I saw the truck stop but the system failed and I went into the back of a large…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 5, 2025 · crash

“Power train automatic transmission park/neutral start interlock Reverse lights not illuminating increasing risk of collision Recall was issued not listed here WRQ-23 Recall issued 1/8/23 My issue started in 2026 off and on Why is this Recall not listed Subaru service department states not able to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 10, 2026

“I was driving my 2021 Subaru Crosstrek slowly in a parking lot when it unexpectedly accelerated on its own without me pressing the gas pedal. I believe the Crosstrek was now going 40mph. I tried to shut off the engine and brake at the same time but neither one had any effect. I thought maybe I had…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · January 29, 2023 · crash

“The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while parking and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and collided with a wall. The collision was at the front of the vehicle. The air bags deployed. The driver sustained arm, leg, thumb, back, and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 13, 2023 · crash

2021 Subaru Crosstrek — common questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 151 complaints put the 2021 model at #4 of 15 Crosstrek years. It is one of the Crosstrek years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Crosstrek problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (33 complaints), driver assistance (28 complaints), other (24 complaints).

Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Crosstrek years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Crosstrek years to avoid are 2019, 2018, 2016, 2021, 2017, 2024. The cleanest record among Crosstrek years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.