Verdict
2021 Subaru Impreza: Complaints, Recalls & Known Issues
What the public record actually says about the 2021 Subaru Impreza — every figure below is a NHTSA or EPA number, not an opinion.
The read
Middle-of-the-pack complaint volume for wagon.
Owners filed 14 NHTSA complaints — fewer complaints than 50% of 2021 wagons. Steering leads the reports (14%). 2 safety recall campaigns on record — check the VIN and remedy terms with a dealer.
Based on NHTSA complaint volume against 2021 wagons, not adjusted for how many were sold. It describes the model year, not the individual car you are looking at.
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
Complaint volume vs. segment peers
Fewer complaints than 50% of 2021 wagons
The bar is this car's percentile among 2021 wagons by complaint volume — a full bar means the fewest complaints in its class. Not adjusted for sales.
Known issues
Steering issues lead owner complaints (14% of 14 reports), followed by tires (14%).
+ 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.
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 +Close −
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.
Suspension · 21V675000Details +Close −
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.
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
Fuel economy by trim
| Trim | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Hwy | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 36 | 32 |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 36 | 31 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 | 35 | 30 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 | 36 | 30 |
| Impreza 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 24 | 31 | 26 |
| Impreza 4-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 | 31 | 26 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door | 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 22 | 30 | 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 Impreza: frequently asked
What does the complaint record show for the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
Owners filed 14 NHTSA complaints about the 2021 Subaru Impreza — fewer complaints than 50% of comparable 2021 wagons, so it sits toward the stronger 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 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.