Model year record

2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls & problems

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 1 safety recall and 115 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper (29 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints115filed by owners

Crashes · fires8 · 2reported in complaints

NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars

2021 Subaru Crosstrek in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Power trainNov 9, 2023

Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

Recall 23V75500095,830 vehicles

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

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	15.6%

Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: Optional

2021 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2021 Subaru Crosstrek NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Crosstrek AWD

30mpg combined

City / highway	28 / 33 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,250/year to fuel

Crosstrek AWD

29mpg combined

City / highway	27 / 34 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S8) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Crosstrek AWD

25mpg combined

City / highway	22 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Manual 6-spd · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,700/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
Visibility/wiper	29	0	0	0	2,460 mi
Unknown or other	25	0	0	0	—
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings	21	4	1	4	8,308 mi
Engine	16	1	2	1	1,300 mi
Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery	16	1	0	0	43,500 mi
Power trainManual transmission › Internal › Shift forks; Automatic transmission › Internal › Cvt	15	2	0	0	—
Lane departureAssist; Warning	5	0	0	0	—
VisibilityWindshield; Sun/moon roof assembly	4	0	0	0	5,700 mi
Fuel/propulsion system	4	1	1	0	—
Service brakes	4	1	0	1	—
Suspension	3	0	0	0	—
Steering	3	0	0	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Unknown or other
Drivers side door, interior automatic door lock switch spins and makes a clicking sound when you just start go forward.
Sep 4, 2026
Electrical system
There have been multiple instances where my car has failed to ârestartâ if the auto-start-stop feature is on. I immediately turn that setting off every time I get into my car because if I pause for too long at a light/stop sign etc.the engine will stall and turn off (without being in park). I have reported this to Subaru on many occasions and theyâve told me to replace the battery, so I did, and nothing changed. Iâve also replaced the starter and that didnât help either. Iâm now unable to turn my car off at gas stations because Iâm worried it wonât restart. I just saw that a law suit has opened because of this electrical issue so I wanted to formally report my concerns. This…
Aug 23, 2026
Service brakes
We brought the vehicle in for routine maintenance. They reported that all brake hoses were bulging and at risk of failing at any time. They said that there was a related recall for a similar issue on other CrossTrek's but that ours was not included in the VIN list, so was not a part of the recall. This appears to be a serious component failure which could result in a fatal accident. The fact that this happened with all brake hoses indicates a defective component. We were lucky that we found it and were able to have it addressed before the brakes failed.
Jul 17, 2026
Electrical system
Was driving on highway when all of the lights on my dash illuminated. Eventually I got a warning for oil at temp alarm. Was giving code P2757 and P0700. Looks like this a common issue in Subarus but doesnât look like it covers anything after 2020.
Jul 31, 2026
Engine
- Rod #4 failure of unknown cause, although there is speculation that current failure may be related to a major repair in oil system a year ago. - My safety along with my unborn childâs, husbandâs and brother in lawâs were all at risk. Another driver had to take evasive action to avoid hitting us in an active fast lane on I-70 going between 65-70 mph. There was no shoulder available to pull off on until a half mile up the road. - Yes the problem has been confirmed from the dealership partially. They did not identify a cause for the sudden failure. However stated it could not be determined if this failure is or is not related to a previous major engine repair made a year ago. - The…
Jun 29, 2026
Power train
Viscous Coupling and center differential failing. unable to turn at low speeds. Low mileage vehicle, under 40,000. This is a several 1000$ repair that happens right after warranty
Jul 14, 2026
Suspension
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and turning to the right or the left, the steering wheel and the vehicle were shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the control arms and struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Jan 25, 2025 · 85,000 miles
Engine
Thermo Control Valve (TCV) causes a check engine light to come on and disables eyesight issue started May 29, 2026. The check engine would go on and off. Now it just stays
May 29, 2026

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.