VehicleVerdict

2021 Subaru WRX problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 21 complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru WRX — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

21

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other WRX years?

WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted461 complaints2002: 461 complaints2003: 65 complaints2004: 46 complaints2005: 24 complaints2006: 14 complaints2007: 0 complaints2008: 119 complaints2009: 72 complaints2010: 3 complaints2011: 5 complaints2012: 4 complaints2013: 11 complaints2014: 9 complaints2015: 73 complaints2016: 40 complaints2017: 73 complaints2018: 62 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 23 complaints2021: 21 complaints2022: 33 complaints2023: 7 complaints2024: 15 complaints2025: 4 complaints
WRX NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all WRX years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Subaru WRX problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission629%
Engine524%
Electrical System210%
Other210%
Visibility & Wipers210%
Steering15%
Suspension15%
Fuel System15%
Seats15%

Does the 2021 Subaru WRX have recalls?

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

22V522000LightingJuly 21, 2022 · 59,934 units

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Consequence

Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“NHTSA ID:#10186366 SUBARU TSB #[XXX] This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA),…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · May 11, 2023

“Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 31, 2024

“Hello my name is [XXX], I'm the first time owner of this vehicle, purchased this vehicle new of the dealer with 5 miles, ever since I bought it the car has an issue that it steers to the right at any speed, road, condition very dangerous. Over the past months and years I told Subaru dealers,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 29, 2021

“Car battery keeps dying and is inadequately charged resulting in loss of electronics. The problem is a faulty DCM system. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 4, 2026

“Windshield cracked to the point of requiring repair from pinhead size chip that barely left a mark. The windshield is being replaced but photos are available upon request. The crack quickly spread to the outer edge of the windshield, causing further risk to the structural integrity of the entire…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 2, 2022

2021 Subaru WRX — common questions

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?

The record is thin — 21 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

What are the most common 2021 WRX problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (6 complaints), engine (5 complaints), electrical system (2 complaints).

Does the 2021 Subaru WRX have recalls?

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

Which Subaru WRX years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the WRX years to avoid are 2002, 2008, 2017, 2015, 2009, 2003, 2018, 2004, 2019, 2016. The cleanest record among WRX years belongs to 2007.

How safe is the 2021 Subaru WRX?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Subaru WRX 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.