TireKick

Model-year record

2021 Subaru Impreza
Image: Wikimedia Commons contributor · See source file

2021 Subaru Impreza

See the complaints, recalls, crash rating, and fuel economy in the public record. Then check the mileage and history of the car you found.

This page shows records, not a buy or avoid call.

The same model year can include a well-kept car and a neglected one. Use these records to plan what to check. Use the specific-car check when you know the mileage.

Complaints filed

14

Reports to NHTSA, 2021

Safety recalls

2

NHTSA campaigns on record

NHTSA crash test

Overall NCAP rating

Combined MPG

30

EPA estimate

Known issues

Steering issues lead owner complaints (14% of 14 reports), followed by tires (14%).

Steering14% · 2 reports
Tires14% · 2 reports
Unknown Or Other14% · 2 reports
Vehicle Speed Control14% · 2 reports
Visibility/Wiper14% · 2 reports
Air Bags7% · 1 report
Forward Collision Avoidance7% · 1 report
Power Train7% · 1 report

+ 1 more component categories with fewer reports.

Share of all 14 NHTSA complaints for this model year, grouped by the component owners named. Bars are scaled to the largest category. Examples: ODI 11424277, ODI 11405795.

Individual complaint reports(14)

Showing the 14 most recent reports
Air BagsSep 2024 · ODI 11613846 · crash · 1 injuriesDetails +

The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The force of the impact caused the contact to hit another vehicle which then caused that vehicle to also hit another vehicle; in total, four vehicles were involved in the accident. The contact's air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was taken to hospital via an ambulance where they were treated for a nasal fracture. The contact also suffered additional bruises to the face, both arms and right upper thigh. During a recent surgery for an appendix removal, the contact's surgeon discovered bruising on the contact's colon; likely caused by the accident. The driver that caused the collision claimed to have suffered from a seizure which caused the accident; that driver did not suffer any physical injuries. The whereabouts of the other two drivers involved in the accident were unknown. A police report was filed. The contact's vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Reported
Sep 2024
Incident date
Sep 2024
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
Crash 1 injuries
Open ODI 11613846 at NHTSA →
Forward Collision AvoidanceApr 2023 · ODI 11516020Details +

The Eye Sight front collision warning did a hard brake going 55 mph when a car was well ahead of me slowing down to turn right. I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. This isn't the first time it's happened

Reported
Apr 2023
Incident date
Apr 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11516020 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherMar 2023 · ODI 11513829Details +

Went to my car this morning and the windshield was cracked on the top center from the edge of the windshield to around where the rear view mirror is. This crack was not there last night when I parked my car. And there was no accident/damage to the windshield before this morning.

Reported
Mar 2023
Incident date
Mar 2023
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11513829 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperNov 2022 · ODI 11494907Details +

Plastic parts of side mirror melt easily by heat and sunlight. (Not only side mirror, but also other components with the same plastic parts) It bothers driver visibility and safety when driving highway. The problem was reviewed by subaru service center, and they said it is not their problems. Subaru service center said they saw few cases but they said it is customers fault. Service center said customer needs to park in the shade or safe place.

Reported
Nov 2022
Incident date
Nov 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11494907 at NHTSA →
Service BrakesOct 2022 · ODI 11491546Details +

Vehicle is at 23520 miles, front brake pads are worn to 1mm on passenger side and 2mm on front driver side. Vehicle had been taken on October 04, 2022 for repairs and local Subaru dealer refuses to repair it, even though warranty still applicable for defects until 3 years or 36,000 miles as stated in pages 4 and 5 the Warranty and Maintenance 2021 Book. Also vehicle has oil leak under rear side of motor.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11491546 at NHTSA →
Visibility/WiperOct 2022 · ODI 11489783Details +

Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalibration (ADAS). First windshield was inspected by insurance and no impact point was found and was notified to contact dealer before filing a claim with insurance. The second cracked windshield is in the same area as the first with exactly the same shape and abruptness. Cracked while car was sitting over night. Temps at 6 am were 37 degress. Temps at time of crack were 60 degrees. Car is equipped with eyesight that is affected by the crack once it grows into the eyesight camera view.

Reported
Oct 2022
Incident date
Oct 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11489783 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlJun 2022 · ODI 11470131Details +

I was using the adaptive cruise control on the highway set to 55 mph. The car suddenly decelerated to ~44 mph so quickly I had whiplash. There was no other vehicle in front of me and the highway was clear of debris. The dealership said this could be caused by a glare.

Reported
Jun 2022
Incident date
Jun 2022
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11470131 at NHTSA →
Power TrainMay 2022 · ODI 11466537Details +

JULY 09 2021 REPORTED TO SUBARU EL PASO AT TIME OF FIRST MAINTENANCE (6000 MILES) VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND STALLS WHEN MAKING TURNS, IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE MAKING A LEFT TURN. TECHNICIAN SAID COUDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO FURTER ACTION WAS NEEDED. HOWEVER A YEAR ;LATER FROM TIME TO TIME VEHICLE DOES STALL WHILE MAKING TURNS MAKING, ODOMETER READS 18081. THE OHER ISSUE IS ITS WINDSHIELD, IT CRACKED WHILE DRIVING IT ON JANUARY 29, 2022, THERE IS NO STRESS MARKS FROM PEBBLES, ROCKS, OR ANY OTHER FLYING FROM THE ROAD OR VEHICLES. WROTE AN INQUIRY TO MANUFACTURER, SENT A PICTURE, BUT WE NEVER GOT A RESPONSE TO THIS INQUIRY, TOOK VEHICLE FOR ITS 18000 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, LET SUBARU OF EL PASO TO LOOK AT IT, AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS TO CALL OUR AUTO INSURANCE TO HANDLE ITS REPAIR, TECHNICIAN DID NOT BOTHER TO INSPECT THIS ISSUE AND DIDN'T RECORDER ON MAINTENANCE

Reported
May 2022
Incident date
Jun 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11466537 at NHTSA →
TiresJan 2022 · ODI 11448665Details +

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Impreza equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact TX, Tire Size: P205/55/R16, DOT Number: A3T2WC892420. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. While inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the passenger’s side front tire had blown out and that the rim was damaged. The contact called AAA Roadside Assistance who was able to replace faulty tire with spare tire. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front passenger’s side tire and rim replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The tire manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,700.

Reported
Jan 2022
Incident date
Nov 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11448665 at NHTSA →
SteeringJul 2021 · ODI 11424277Details +

New lease beginning in March 2021. The steering column is erratically loose, noticeable at highway speed in April 2021, accompanied by slight swerve. Subaru dealer (cityside) begrudgingly assessed and found it needed alignment Aligned. Steering column now again erratically loose, less so than before, but still disconcerting, and accompanied by slight swerve. Does not feel safe to drive at highway speed.

Reported
Jul 2021
Incident date
Jul 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11424277 at NHTSA →
TiresMay 2021 · ODI 11417861Details +

Tiers are Yokohama P225/40R18 88V This vehicle now has slightly more than 8,000 miles and has only been driven over local roads under normal operating conditions and speeds. A couple of weeks ago, while getting gas, I noticed a knot/bulge developing on front driver's side sidewall. The integrity of the tire was compromised so I contacted the dealership and arranged to have the tire replaced. I can produce the dealership repair bill upon request. Yesterday while taking my wife to an appointment, I noticed a knot/bulge developing on rear driver's side sidewall requiring another trip to the dealership and another tire replacement. I can take a photo of bulge in rear tire or have dealership preserve the tire if you would like it for your investigation of my complaint. Fortunately I have the resources to have the tires repaired. In my case the bulges appeared in the sidewall visible to me. I knew that integrity of the tire was compromised and immediate action was necessary. I am more than 60 years old. I have owned several new cars and this is the first time I have experienced this. It is possible that other motorists encountering the same problem may not have the resources to purchase multiple replacement tires. It is also possible that the bulge might appear on the backside of the sidewall where it would not be noticed. It is possible that another motorist might not recognize the integrity of the tire was compromised and that their life and the lives of others were potentially at risk.

Reported
May 2021
Incident date
May 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11417861 at NHTSA →
Unknown Or OtherApr 2021 · ODI 11413520Details +

CRACKED WINDSHIELD WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF PURCHASING NEW 2021 SUBARU IMPREZA HATCHBACK AWD

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Apr 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11413520 at NHTSA →
Vehicle Speed ControlApr 2021 · ODI 11406308Details +

THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT ANY INPUT FROM DRIVER. DRIVER DID NOT APPLY PRESSURE TO GAS PEDAL HOWEVER THE CAR STILL MOVES BOTH FORWARD AN BACKWARDS. CAR ACCELERATED ENOUGH TO DRIVE OVER A SPEED BUMP WITHOUT STOPPING, ROUGHLY 5 MPH. THREE VIDEOS WERE TAKEN TO DOCUMENT THE ISSUE. THE EVENT HAPPEN IN A PARKING LOT, THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT FIRST HOWEVER AS SOON AS THE DRIVER REMOVED PRESSURE FROM BRAKES PAFEL, THE CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT INPUT. THE CAR DIDNT SLOW DOWN EVEN WHEN TURNING, IN FACT THE CAR APPEARS TO HAVE SPEED UP. UNABLE TO UP LOAD VIDEO

Reported
Apr 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11406308 at NHTSA →
SteeringMar 2021 · ODI 11405795Details +

THIS CAR WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. NICE FIRM STEERING, BUT SIMPLY WILL NOT TRACK STRAIGHT. THERE IS NO SENSE OF CENTER. IF LEFT ALONE, THE STEERING WILL GO SLIGHTLY LEFT, OR SLIGHTLY RIGHT, BUT NEVER CENTER. THIS IS ANNOYING FAIR WEATHER, BUT OUTRIGHT DANGEROUS IN WEATHER OR WIND. A MAJOR IMPACT ON VEHICLE STABILITY AND SAFETY. THIS CAR IS NEW, WITH 700 MILES AND HAS DONE THIS SINCE DAY ONE. A SUBARU DEALER IS CHECKING THE ALIGNMENT, BUT THEY SAY THE ARE AWARE OF THIS ISSUE, AND HAVE NO ANSWERS. EVEN AN ALIGNMENT MAY NOT FIX THE ISSUE. FOR THE RECORD, MY LEVEL OF CAR AND MECHANICAL KNOWLEDGE IS VERY HIGH, SO THIS IS NOT A CASUAL COMPLAINT. I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR THREE WEEKS, NOT GETTING BETTER.

Reported
Mar 2021
Incident date
Mar 2021
Mileage
Not provided
Outcome flags
None reported
Open ODI 11405795 at NHTSA →

Recalls(2)

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 Train · 21V024000Details +

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

Risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.

Open full NHTSA recall record →
Suspension · 21V675000Details +

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.

Risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.

Open full NHTSA recall record →

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 Impreza 4 DR AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

2021 Subaru Impreza SW AWD NHTSA source

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).

Fuel economy by trim

TrimEngineDrivetrainCityHwyCombined
Impreza 4-Door2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive283632
Impreza 5-Door2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive283631
Impreza Sport 5-Door2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive273530
Impreza Sport 4-Door2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive273630
Impreza 5-Door2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive243126
Impreza 4-Door2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive233126
Impreza Sport 5-Door2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel Drive223025

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.

These are affiliate links. TireKick may earn a fee if you use one.

Compare the year-by-year record

Open another year for its own evidence-gated decision. TireKick does not crown a best year from raw complaint totals.

2021 Subaru Impreza: frequently asked

What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Subaru Impreza?

Owners filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Subaru Impreza. This is raw owner-reported complaint volume with no production or exposure normalization, so it is not a reliability score or a best/worst-year ranking.

What are the most common problems on the 2021 Subaru Impreza?

The most-reported problem areas are Steering (14% of complaints) and tires (14%).

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have?

2 recalls have been issued that affect the 2021 Subaru Impreza, 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 Impreza get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Impreza between 25 and 32 mpg combined, depending on trim and drivetrain.