2021 Subaru Crosstrek
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.
- Complaints
- 115
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility/wiper
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
25% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 115 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 25 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 132 |
| 2017 | 94 |
| 2018 | 195 |
| 2019 | 286 |
| 2020 | 71 |
| 2021 | 115 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 36 |
| 2024 | 119 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 11 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Visibility/wiper
25% · 29 reportsForward collision avoidance
18% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Show complaint excerpts
My brand new Subaru ignited in the engine compartment, burst into flames and exploded while I was driving it.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-11-07
Was driving on highway when all of the lights on my dash illuminated. Eventually I got a warning for oil at temp alarm. Was giving code P2757 and P0700. Looks like this a common issue in Subarus but doesnât look like it covers anything after 2020.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-31
Also filed under Electrical system and power train
Engine
14% · 16 reportsShow 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, 2023-09-19
- Rod #4 failure of unknown cause, although there is speculation that current failure may be related to a major repair in oil system a year ago. - My safety along with my unborn childâs, husbandâs and brother in lawâs were all at risk.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
Electrical system
14% · 16 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery.
Power train
13% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing shift forks and floor shift.
Show complaint excerpts
I just recently had my car come out of park while running at the top of a steep hill. I had stepped out of my car to deliver paperwork to my client. I walked to and from my car approximately 75-80 ft.
NHTSA ODI report, 2025-02-24
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, 2022-04-15
Viscous Coupling and center differential failing. unable to turn at low speeds. Low mileage vehicle, under 40,000. This is a several 1000$ repair that happens right after…
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-14
Safety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2024-01-08Power train23V755000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Subaru Crosstrek — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 29 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 16 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 23V755000 · Power train
Other years of this model
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 25% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.