2021 Subaru Impreza Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2021 Subaru Impreza has a complaint index of 20 and ranks 17th worst out of 21 model years, but its verdict is capped at Caution because of a Do Not Drive recall for a control arm weld failure. It carries 14 complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 crash reported to NHTSA.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 20/100
- #17 of 21 Impreza years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 14
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- 1 Do Not Drive
- Crashes
- 1
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 27 city / 35 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
Top 2021 Subaru Impreza problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (21%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (21%)
- Engine2 (14%)
- Other2 (14%)
- Steering2 (14%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (14%)
- Airbags1 (7%)
- Brakes1 (7%)
- Transmission & Powertrain1 (7%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Steering feels loose or fails to track straight and self-center, noticeable at highway speed and reported as unsafe by owners.
- Some vehicles rolled forward or backward on their own without driver input on the accelerator, even over a speed bump.
- A tire and wheel issue produced a loud noise and pulling to the right while driving around 30 mph, with no warning light.
- Adaptive cruise control has suddenly cut speed sharply on the highway with no obstacle present.
- Windshields have cracked spontaneously near the defroster area, with one owner reporting a second cracked windshield on the same car.
- Side mirror plastic has melted from heat and sunlight, reducing visibility for the driver.
2021 Subaru Impreza recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 21V675000Aug 30, 2021Suspension, Wheels & Tires802 vehiclesDo Not Drive
Suspension:front:control arm:lower arm
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.
- NHTSA 21V024000Jan 26, 2021Transmission & Powertrain383 vehicles
Power train:shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
2021 Subaru Impreza fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 27 MPG
- Highway
- 35 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,150
- 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 Impreza years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza reliable?
- NHTSA data shows a complaint index of 20 for the 2021 Impreza, ranking 17th worst of 21 model years, which is comparatively low. However, its verdict is capped at Caution because of a Do Not Drive recall for a control arm weld issue.
- Does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one Do Not Drive recall for a left-front lower control arm weld that may fail, and one for a CVT select lever cable nut that could loosen.
- What is the top complaint area for the 2021 Impreza?
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras is the top problem area, accounting for 3 of 14 complaints, or 21% of the total, tied with Visibility & Wipers.
- How does the 2021 Impreza compare to other Impreza years?
- With a complaint index of 20, the 2021 model year is far below Avoid-rated years like 2019 (complaint index 100) and 2013 (complaint index 90), and its verdict is Caution rather than Avoid.