2021 Subaru WRX Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
40/100
#10 most-complained of 16 WRX years
The 2021 Subaru WRX has 13 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and a Complaint Index of 40, ranking 10th out of 16 model years — a Good verdict compared with other WRX years like 2015, 2017, and 2018.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 1
- Crashes / fires
- 0 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 0 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 21
- 18 city / 24 hwy
Top 2021 Subaru WRX problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Windshields crack spontaneously starting at the edge or from a small chip, sometimes spreading without any impact.
- Some owners report the vehicle pulling or steering to the right at various speeds and road conditions.
- Short-throw shifter linkage has broken at the base where the pin secures the shaft, disabling gear selection.
- Owners describe engine knocking noises on deceleration, rising oil temperatures, jerking, and stalling, in some cases leading to complete engine failure.
- Fuel system complaints describe excessive blow-by contaminating MAP sensors, causing lean or rich conditions, power loss, and stalling.
- Clutch release bearing issues are noted, tied to a production design change.
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?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 WRX has a Complaint Index of 40 and ranks 10th out of 16 model years, earning a Good verdict relative to other WRX years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru WRX?
- Transmission and powertrain issues make up 46% of complaints, followed by engine problems at 38%, and electrical and visibility issues each at 15%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2021 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 22V522000) for a backup light switch that can corrode, causing the backup lights and rearview camera image to fail.
- How does the 2021 WRX compare to other bad WRX years?
- The 2021 WRX's Complaint Index of 40 is much lower than the 2017 WRX's 100 or the 2015 WRX's 80, both rated Avoid, making 2021 a comparatively better year.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Subaru WRX?
- The EPA rates the 2021 WRX at 21 mpg combined (18 city / 24 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,800.