2021 Subaru WRX Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Good The 2021 Subaru WRX has a complaint index of 45, ranking 12th out of 21 model years, with a Good verdict. It has 13 NHTSA complaints and one recall for a corroding backup light switch.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 45/100
- #12 of 21 WRX years
- Verdict
- Good
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 13
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 1
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 0
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 0
- Top issue
- Transmission & Powertrain
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 24 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
Top 2021 Subaru WRX problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Transmission & Powertrain6 (46%)
- Engine5 (38%)
- Electrical System2 (15%)
- Other2 (15%)
- Visibility & Wipers2 (15%)
- Fuel System1 (8%)
- Steering1 (8%)
- Structure & Body1 (8%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (8%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshields crack spontaneously from a small chip or during defrosting, spreading across the glass without impact.
- Owners describe the car pulling or steering to the right at various speeds and road conditions.
- The short-throw shifter's steel shaft can break at the linkage pin, leaving the transmission unable to shift.
- Engines have reported knocking noise on deceleration, rising oil temperature, jerking, and stalling, sometimes leading to catastrophic failure.
- Excessive blow-by has been reported to contaminate MAP sensors, causing lean/rich conditions, power loss, and stalling.
- Clutch release bearing issues have been noted, tied to a design change referenced in a manufacturer communication.
2021 Subaru WRX recalls
1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.
- NHTSA 22V522000Jul 21, 2022Electrical System59,934 vehicles
Exterior lighting:back up lights:switch
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
2021 Subaru WRX fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 18 MPG
- Highway
- 24 MPG
- Combined
- 21 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Premium
- 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 WRX years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?
- Compared with other WRX model years, 2021 rates Good, with a complaint index of 45 and 13 NHTSA complaints, ranking 12th worst out of 21 years covered.
- What is the main problem area for the 2021 Subaru WRX?
- Transmission & Powertrain leads with 6 complaints, 46% of the total, followed by Engine issues at 5 complaints, or 38%.
- Does the 2021 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
- Yes, one recall (22V522000) covers a backup light switch that can corrode and fail, disabling the rearview camera image and backup lights.
- How does the 2021 WRX compare to other years like 2017 or 2015?
- 2021 has a much lower complaint index (45) than 2017 (100) and 2015 (85), both rated Avoid, making 2021 one of the better years for the WRX.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Subaru WRX?
- The 2021 WRX gets 21 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway) and costs an estimated $3,800 per year in fuel.