Verdict
2021 Subaru Crosstrek: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for SUV.
Owners filed 109 NHTSA complaints — more complaints than 64% of 2021 SUVs. Visibility/Wiper leads the reports (25%). 1 safety recall campaign on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 SUVs, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
Complaints filed
109
Reports to NHTSA, 2021
Safety recalls
1
NHTSA campaigns on record
NHTSA crash test
Overall NCAP rating
Combined MPG
29.5
EPA estimate
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
More complaints than 64% of 2021 SUVs
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 SUVs by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Visibility/Wiper issues lead owner complaints (25% of 109 reports), followed by unknown or other (18%).
+ 9 more component categories with fewer reports.
Share of all 109 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11720721, ODI 11573860, ODI 11568509, ODI 11539952, ODI 11527684.
Recalls(1)
Open a recall to read what NHTSA says is wrong, what can happen, and how it gets fixed. Check the VIN and remedy eligibility with a dealer; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though a manufacturer may offer more coverage.
Power TrainSep 2023 · 23V755000Details +Close −
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.
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.
A campaign can apply to this model year without being incomplete on a specific vehicle. Check the VIN with NHTSA or a dealer to confirm whether a particular car needs repair.
Investigations
0 NHTSA investigations on record
No investigations are on record as of Jul 2026. An empty record is not a clean bill of health.
Crash-test ratings
2021 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD NHTSA source
- Overall
- Frontal
- Side
- Rollover
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek Hybrid AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 36 | 35 | 35 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 28 | 33 | 30 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S8) | 27 | 34 | 29 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 6-spd | 22 | 29 | 25 |
EPA laboratory estimates by trim and engine. Actual mileage varies with driving, weather, load, and maintenance. EPA source.
Before you buy
Useful next checks
Federal records tell you about patterns. These checks can tell you more about the specific car in front of you.
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Compare model years
"Fewest reports" and "most complained" describe raw NHTSA complaint totals, not vehicle reliability. The last few model years are left unlabelled because they have had less road time.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners filed 109 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek — more complaints than 64% of comparable 2021 SUVs, so it sits toward the weaker end of its class. That's a signal, not a guarantee about any single car.
What are the most common problems on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The most-reported problem areas are Visibility/Wiper (25% of complaints) and unknown or other (18%).
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?
1 recall has been issued that affect the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, covering components such as power train. Check the VIN with NHTSA and ask a dealer to confirm remedy eligibility; federal no-charge requirements have an age limit, though manufacturers may offer more coverage.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek between 25 and 35 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.