2021 SUBARU Crosstrek

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

1RecallsNHTSA Verified97ComplaintsNHTSA Data0InvestigationsNHTSA Data
Expert Verdict
ℹ️Average Safety Profile

This 2021 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 1 recall affecting the power train system.

Key Factor:power train recalls

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
📊

Expert Analysis

  • 📈
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • ⚠️
    Primary Risk Area:Crack
  • ⚖️
    Vs Brand: Better than avg (1.3)
    📝
    Summary:
Critical Component: Crack

Safety & Reliability Score

87/100
Very Good

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-8
Complaint Impact-4.85
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 SUBARU Crosstrek

Model Year2021
MakeSUBARU
ModelCrosstrek
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Dec20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Sep23
RECALLRecall Issued

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

30 complaints (31% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
✅

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 97 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
11(11%)
🟡Medium
16(16%)
🟢Low
70(72%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 33,849 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 14 of 97 complaints (14% coverage)
0-20k
6 reports (43%)
20k-40k
3 reports (21%)
40k-60k
1 reports (7%)
60k-80k
2 reports (14%)
80k-100k
1 reports (7%)
100k+
1 reports (7%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

POWER TRAIN

Official Safety Recalls (1)

Campaign: 23V755000

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Summary

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
✓

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

97 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Crosstrek.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Crack31%
Warning21%
Acceleration Issues11%
Check Engine Light7%
Battery6%
Explode6%
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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 truck. There is a witness who is happy to talk with you. He saw the truck's sudden stop and my crosstrek failure to stop. My car is totaled. I have the police report and have reported this to my insurance company.

Nov 6, 2025Open
Steering/Suspension🔵 Low
SUSPENSION

Both front lower control arms have damaged bushing discovered at 48,840 miles by my mechanic. Took to local dealership on 8/16/25 and they claimed per TSB from Subaru for cracks that although it had cracks, it was not necessary to be replaced due to it not being cracked enough. Brought back to my mechanic on 9/26/25 and cracking is worse, odometer is at 56,763 miles now. This part is supposed to last around 100,000 miles. Premature cracking puts me at risk of losing control of my car should the parts fail.

Oct 19, 2025Open
Electrical🔵 Low
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unidentified recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that upon further inspection, the vehicle occasionally experienced an abnormal battery energy consumption, although the battery was previously recharged. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Oct 17, 2025Open
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

P26A5 code came on after driving a little over 200 miles. It went off at one point but came back on and has not gone off.

Jul 21, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V755000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Jul 21, 2025Under Review
Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS

We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only the two seats that no one was in locked. Also, my headrest completely broke off. Our car was later determined by the insurance to be totaled.

Jul 15, 2025Under Review
Brakes🔵 Low
SERVICE BRAKES

Rear rotors delaminating at 33000 miles

Jun 30, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
POWER TRAIN

I just recently had my car come out of park while running at the top of a steep hill. I had stepped out of my car to deliver paperwork to my client. I walked to and from my car approximately 75-80 ft. As I was approaching my car I heard a clicking or a release sound then it began to roll. I wasn’t close enough to stop it and it rolled down a neighbor of my clients driveway and eventually rolled over landing against a tree. When I arrived at my car it was still running. I have awd and I noticed the tires in the air were not turning as they should have if it was in drive. My car was obviously totaled. How do I have someone check my car to see if there was defect that caused it to come out of park? I must say I forgot to set my handbrake. But I feel the car should not have come out of park regardless. Could it have been the front axle shaft or anything else?

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V755000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Feb 24, 2025Under Review
Body/Interior🔵 Low
SEATS

Driver seat began rocking. The dealer indicated it’s a problem they saw with other cars as well. The attachment to the rail you move your seat forward and backwards with, brakes. The dealer wants to sell you new brackets to make your car safe again.

Feb 20, 2025Under Review
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ High
POWER TRAIN

I was experiencing a weird binding or lurching in my drive train which made my Subaru feel unstable. I am a mechanic so I investigated these symptoms online and found that a large number of Subaru owners with manual transmissions were experiencing the same issue......a failing viscous coupler was the issue. There were no warning lights or indications prior to failure A failing viscous coupler will not properly engage the front wheels when needed, causing reduced traction in slippery situations, increasing the risk of sliding or spinning out. Uneven power distribution: When a viscous coupler fails, it can lead to uneven power distribution between the front and rear wheels, potentially causing the vehicle to pull or jerk, especially during turns. Sudden engagement: In some cases, a failing viscous coupler might engage too aggressively, causing a sudden jolt or shudder, potentially leading to loss of control. I purchased and replaced this component at my own expense not knowing the magnitude of the issue. This is a definite safety issue that could lead to serious injury or even death. I have the old part in my possession, it failed around 85,000 miles. One of the mechanics in the Subaru forum said he had submitted a report to NHTSA but I didn't see anything on your sight. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

✨ AI Insight

This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:

Recall #23V755000

*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.

Feb 9, 2025Under Review

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2021 SUBARU Crosstrek?

Yes, the 2021 SUBARU Crosstrek has 1 recorded recall from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH.

Is the 2021 SUBARU Crosstrek safe to drive?

The 2021 SUBARU Crosstrek has 1 recall. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2021 SUBARU Crosstrek has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local SUBARU dealer.

📊Year-over-Year Context

➡️Stable Pattern

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Power train

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

✅

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:23V755000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 1 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your SUBARU dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒

If You're Buying Used

  • Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
  • Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.
⚖️

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Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.