How many engine complaints does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?

NHTSA lists 19 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Crosstrek, which is 17% of the 115 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek engine?

No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls listed for engine problems on the 2021 Crosstrek.

At what mileage do engine problems show up on the 2021 Crosstrek?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 1,300 miles, suggesting many issues surfaced very early in ownership.

Is engine trouble worse on the 2021 Crosstrek than other years?

The 2021 Crosstrek's engine complaints make up 17% of its total complaints, higher than 2020 (10%) and 2024 (9%), but lower than 2018 (22%) among the years listed.

Did any 2021 Crosstrek engine complaints involve fire or injury?

Yes, NHTSA records show 2 fires, 2 crashes, and 1 injury among the complaints filed in this model year's data.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 19 engine-area complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, 17% of its 115 total complaints. There are no related recalls on file, and the median mileage at failure reported is 1,300 miles, pointing to early-life defects rather than wear.

Engine complaints: 19; 17% of 115
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 2
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 1,300 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners describe unexpected loss of power on the highway, with the check engine light coming on followed by the engine cutting out or stalling.
Several owners report the stop-start system causing the whole car to shudder or jerk when the engine restarts, especially with a foot still on the brake.
Some describe the engine bogging down or hesitating for a moment after pressing the gas pedal, occasionally forcing the engine to shut off mid-drive.
Owners report a defective starter connector cable causing the engine to shut off completely at a stop, triggering dashboard warning alarms.
One owner traced a highway engine sputter and cutout to a faulty electronic thermostat that caused the system to fail.
A few complaints describe smoke coming from the engine area or fire starting in the engine compartment while driving.

When 2021 Subaru Crosstrek engine complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 15, 2020, latest Jul 16, 2026.

19 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2020 to Jul 2026; peak Sep 2023 (3).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Crosstrek model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20122 (100%)
201312 (46%)
20143 (19%)
20156 (35%)
201620 (15%)
201713 (14%)
201842 (22%)
201942 (15%)
20207 (10%)
202119 (17%)
20225 (16%)
20236 (18%)
202411 (9%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How many engine complaints does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?: NHTSA lists 19 engine-related complaints for the 2021 Crosstrek, which is 17% of the 115 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek engine?: No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls listed for engine problems on the 2021 Crosstrek.
At what mileage do engine problems show up on the 2021 Crosstrek?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 1,300 miles, suggesting many issues surfaced very early in ownership.
Is engine trouble worse on the 2021 Crosstrek than other years?: The 2021 Crosstrek's engine complaints make up 17% of its total complaints, higher than 2020 (10%) and 2024 (9%), but lower than 2018 (22%) among the years listed.
Did any 2021 Crosstrek engine complaints involve fire or injury?: Yes, NHTSA records show 2 fires, 2 crashes, and 1 injury among the complaints filed in this model year's data.