TireKick

Problems to check

2021 Subaru Crosstrek reported problems

These problems appeared in the records we reviewed. This is not a list of what happens most often, and it does not predict the condition of one car.

What to look for

Electrical System owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Medium confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.

Symptom
4 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 82,500 to 122,500 miles.

Based on 3 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The DCM on our 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. It left us stranded several times. We replaced the battery twice in the past 15 months. There is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this exact problem, but they won't replace it on our vehicle because it has over 45,000 miles. A defective DCM is a widely known problem with many Subaru models. We never received notice of this problem from Subaru, nor were there any warnings, messages, or indications that this was a problem, until we took it to a mechanic for service, who sent us to a Subaru dealer because it had to be repaired by them.”
NHTSAcomplaintJun 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Purchased in August 2024, had to get a new battery 2 days after purchase & then went to the dealership January 2025 because my battery kept dying & I was stranded at the airport late night. They acknowledged is has a parasitic draw but did not notate the source. They claimed I needed a new battery when my previous Subaru branded battery was only 5 months old. The new battery was almost $600 which is double/ triple a store branded equivalent. I purchased yet another battery but non-Subaru branded since theirs did not last even 6 months. Still have been experiencing the same issue. I pulled the dcm fuse and let my car sit for several days as a test. The battery did not die with the dcm fuse removed. The front speakers and Bluetooth are linked to the dcm fuse so they do not work if it is unplugged.”
NHTSAcomplaintMay 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The contact stated that after moving the vehicle 10 feet from a pile of snow in cold weather, the vehicle restarted but failed to run and then shut off after 2 minutes. The contact changed the 12-Volt battery. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the “Service 12-Volt Battery” message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the inverter connector was corroded. The wires underneath the vehicle had been damaged due to water, salt, and sand, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V0800000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered partial claim assistance, but the owner declined. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSAcomplaintFeb 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Medium confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“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.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2025Open source record

Engine owner reports

Moderate severity
Evidence: Limited confidence

Owner reports are bound to model year 2021.

Symptom
3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 15,975 to 45,325 miles.

Based on 2 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the inspection and service records to check whether this car shows the reported problem.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while parking and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and collided with a wall. The collision was at the front of the vehicle. The air bags deployed. The driver sustained arm, leg, thumb, back, and nose injuries. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,300.”
NHTSAcomplaintSep 2023Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“- 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 child’s, husband’s and brother in law’s 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 engine has been inspected by the dealership and warranty company. - There were no warning signals prior to either engine failures. The first one being a year ago for head gasket failure that allowed oil to mix with coolant. With the most recent failure the engine ticked briefly after braking to merge for construction, the oil pressure light followed by engine light turned on 5 seconds before engine completely lost power.”
NHTSAcomplaintJul 2026Open source record
Source recordEvidence: Limited confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The vehicle shuddered violently when turning the ignition, and then failed to start entirely. The mechanic found that the engine coil was severely damaged, no external influence, just that it had become worn out remarkably fast. The vehicle has less than 60,000 miles and just 5 years in service. The repair will end up costing about 1500 with tows included and the vehicle has not gone without maintenance or care.”
NHTSAcomplaintApr 2026Open source record

Power Train recall

High severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record for model year 2021.

Symptom
Subaru of America, Inc.
Why it matters
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 31,050 to 90,350 miles.

Based on 2 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Confirm the VIN-specific recall status and keep the completion receipt.

Fix listed in the records: 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.

Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.

“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. An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. 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.”
NHTSArecallSep 2023Open source record

Manufacturer warranty extension

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record for model year 2021.

Symptom
This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 16,050 to 111,250 miles.

Based on 6 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles. ”
NHTSAtsbApr 2024Open source record

Manufacturer warranty extension

Moderate severity
Evidence: High confidence

Official record covers model years 2019 through 2022.

Symptom
As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Why it matters
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

Mileage in the reports

In reports that included mileage, this problem showed up around 16,375 to 60,000 miles.

Based on 22 reports that included mileage. This is not a failure rate or a prediction.

What to inspect

  • Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.

Ask the inspector to check: Independent pre-purchase inspection.

What may help

  • Use the official record to focus the inspection and service-history review.
Sources and limitsShow
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing a Warranty Extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Infotainment head units for the models listed. ”
NHTSAtsbJan 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing a Warranty Extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Infotainment head units for the models listed. ”
NHTSAtsbJan 2025Open source record
Source recordEvidence: High confidence

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing a Warranty Extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Infotainment head units for the models listed. ”
NHTSAtsbJan 2025Open source record

The records cannot show the service history, repairs, title, accidents, or condition of the car you found.

Check a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek at its mileage