MYRModel Year Report

2021 Subaru Crosstrek

● Typical for this model
2021 Subaru Crosstrek
RENDERED 2026-08-02T10:17:07.022Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Crosstrek Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2012: 2 complaints 2012 2013: 25 complaints 2014: 16 complaints 2014 2015: 17 complaints 2016: 131 complaints 2016 2017: 94 complaints 2018: 194 complaints 2018 2019: 279 complaints 2020: 68 complaints 2020 2021: 108 complaints 2021 2022: 28 complaints 2022 2023: 32 complaints 2024: 104 complaints 2024 2025: 41 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2021: 108 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
20122
201325
201416
201517
2016131
201794
2018194
2019279
202068
2021108
202228
202332
2024104
202541
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY/WIPER 27%

27% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 29 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 14%

14% of complaints: engine — 15 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while parking and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and collided with a wall. The collision was at the front of the vehicle. The air bags deployed.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230919

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 11%

11% of complaints: electrical system — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
POWER TRAIN 9%

9% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

DRIVE TRAIN, TRANSMISSION ISSUE. CAR WAS RUNNING, IN PARK. I GOT OUT TO PICK UP A FLYER FROM YARD. CAR ACCELERATED AND DROVE THROUGH GARAGE DOOR, AND CRASHED INTO THE BACK WALL OF GARAGE. NO ONE HAS INSPECTED THE CAR, AS IT HAPPENED LATE YESTERDAY.

NHTSA ODI report, 20220415

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 9%

9% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 10 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20240108 — power train

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.

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.

Campaign 23V755000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Subaru Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (29 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (12 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 23V755000 (power train) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2025 ▲ 2020

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ◆ 2018 ◆ 2016

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.