YearToAvoid

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

77/100

#4 most-complained of 14 Crosstrek years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has a Complaint Index of 77 and ranks 4th worst of 14 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 115 complaints, 1 recall, 8 crashes, 2 fires, and 6 injuries, with Visibility & Wipers as the top problem area.

Complaints
115
Recalls
1
Crashes / fires
8 / 2
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
29.5
27.5 city / 33.5 hwy

Top 2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Visibility & Wipers33 (29%)
  2. Other26 (23%)
  3. Engine19 (17%)
  4. Electrical System17 (15%)
  5. Collision Avoidance & Cameras17 (15%)
  6. Transmission & Powertrain14 (12%)
  7. Structure & Body6 (5%)
  8. Lane Departure5 (4%)
  9. Brakes4 (3%)
  10. Fuel System4 (3%)

What owners report

  • Owners report unintended acceleration in reverse or while parking, sometimes hitting walls or parked vehicles.
  • Some describe the engine losing power on the highway, with check engine light on and smoke from the engine bay before stopping.
  • Drivers say the transmission failed to hold the vehicle in park, allowing it to roll away unattended.
  • Several complaints describe the collision avoidance/EyeSight braking system failing to stop for a vehicle ahead, resulting in a rear-end crash.
  • One owner reported the vehicle catching fire in the engine compartment while driving.
  • A seat belt complaint describes seats reclining and belts not locking during a rear-end collision.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek complaints: complaints filed per quarter132020 Q42021 Q32022 Q22023 Q12024 Q12024 Q42025 Q32026 Q2
154 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2020 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2021 Q2 (13).

2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain95,830 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch

    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.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek fuel economy and fuel cost

City
27.5 MPG
Highway
33.5 MPG
Combined
29.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,200
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2021 compared with other Crosstrek years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2019Avoid92284729
2020Good4669030
2021Avoid77115129.5
2022Good3131029
2023Caution6234029.5

All Subaru Crosstrek years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Compared to other Crosstrek model years, the 2021 ranks 4th worst out of 14 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 77 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
What is the biggest problem with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
Visibility & Wipers is the top problem area, accounting for 33 of 115 complaints (29% share), with a median mileage at failure of 4,080 miles.
Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes, one recall (23V755000) covers the transmission inhibitor switch, where an insufficient weld may let water in and cause switch failure; Subaru replaces the switch free of charge.
How does the 2021 Crosstrek compare to the 2019 and 2024?
The 2019 Crosstrek has a higher Complaint Index of 92 and is also rated Avoid, while the 2024 has the highest index at 100, also Avoid; the 2021 sits below both at 77.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
EPA rates it at 29.5 mpg combined (27.5 city / 33.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,200.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.