2021 Subaru WRX
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict.
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.
Only 13 complaints on file — too few for a fair verdict. The data below is complete but unranked.
- Complaints
- 13
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- —
Too few to rank
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
Not enough data
Complaints per year
2021: 13 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2002 | 427 |
| 2003 | 60 |
| 2004 | 42 |
| 2005 | 19 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 0 |
| 2008 | 65 |
| 2009 | 41 |
| 2010 | 1 |
| 2011 | 4 |
| 2012 | 2 |
| 2013 | 7 |
| 2014 | 6 |
| 2015 | 52 |
| 2016 | 31 |
| 2017 | 53 |
| 2018 | 43 |
| 2019 | 30 |
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 25 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2024 | 14 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Only 13 complaints on file for this model year — too few to rank by share. Raw counts only, below.
Power train
6 of 13 total reports mention: power train.
Show complaint excerpts
10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my WRX refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine RPMs surged.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-19
Engine
5 of 13 total reports mention: engine.
Show complaint excerpts
Severe engine failure! Was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230F. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-03-07
Visibility/wiper
2 of 13 total reports mention: visibility/wiper.
Show complaint excerpts
I was de-frosting my windshield early in the morning when I watched a crack start at the base of the driver's side windshield and travel up the window and back down to the base of the windshield.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-08-23
Windshield cracked to the point of requiring repair from pinhead size chip that barely left a mark. The windshield is being replaced but photos are available upon request.
NHTSA ODI report, 2022-01-03
Electrical system
2 of 13 total reports mention: electrical system.
Suspension
1 of 13 total reports mentions: suspension.
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
2022-09-16Exterior lighting22V522000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles.
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Subaru WRX — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 6 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 5 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 2 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V522000 · Exterior lighting
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?
- There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru WRX?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru WRX have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.