2021 Subaru Crosstrek: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 101 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated energy efficiency for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Values shown in MPGe (miles per gallon equivalent).
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
15.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 101 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Crosstrek
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 101
- Crash-related complaints
- 8
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPGe combined
- 30
- EPA MPGe city / highway
- 28 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electric range (miles)
- 480
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Uncategorized Issues, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the visibility/wiper system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and AEB.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the visibility/wiper system for proper operation.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components, especially engine and AEB.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 101 complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, issues are concentrated in the visibility/wiper system, with a notable number of uncategorized complaints. Engine problems and forward collision avoidance (AEB) also appear as recurring themes. However, the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Engine problems and forward collision avoidance (AEB) are among the top reported components.
- There is one recall associated with this model year.
- Visibility/Wiper system complaints are the most frequently reported issue.
- Engine problems are a notable concern with 13 complaints.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB has 12 complaints, indicating potential system malfunctions.
All 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 29 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 12 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 2 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| I Suspect The Car Seat Is Counterfeit | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The vehicle shuddered violently when turning the ignition, and then failed to start entirely. The mechanic found that the engine coil was severely damaged, no external influence, just that it had become worn out remarkably fast. The vehicle has less than 60,000 miles and just 5 y…
The backup camera on my Subaru Crosstrek started to a stop working a few weeks ago. It first started to intermittently transmit a video feed that was fuzzy and the colors were completely incorrect. That started to follow with the camera not working about half the time at all o…
While driving 65mph on the freeway the front passenger window imploded into the car. This threatened the safety of both the driver and passenger as the glass flew at such high velocity it ended up in both occupants clothes, hair, and skin, the glass also was found as far as the t…
On Friday evening, [XXX], while closing the rear driver-side window, I heard a loud mechanical snap, after which the window failed to operate. The window regulator has binding issues (as documented in Subaru TSB 07-189-21R). This mechanical binding disables the anti-entrapment (…
Traveling at speed of 30MPH. A tocoma truck in front of me suddenly stopped in road lane. Driver said that his vehicle made an auto assist stop were the brakes lock. My 2021 Crosstrek eyesight/braking system failed. I saw the truck stop but the system failed and I went into the…
Both front lower control arms have damaged bushing discovered at 48,840 miles by my mechanic. Took to local dealership on 8/16/25 and they claimed per TSB from Subaru for cracks that although it had cracks, it was not necessary to be replaced due to it not being cracked enough. …
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unid…
P26A5 code came on after driving a little over 200 miles. It went off at one point but came back on and has not gone off.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle…
We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only th…
Rear rotors delaminating at 33000 miles
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. As I was approaching my car I heard a clicking or a release sound then it began…
Driver seat began rocking. The dealer indicated it’s a problem they saw with other cars as well. The attachment to the rail you move your seat forward and backwards with, brakes. The dealer wants to sell you new brackets to make your car safe again.
I was experiencing a weird binding or lurching in my drive train which made my Subaru feel unstable. I am a mechanic so I investigated these symptoms online and found that a large number of Subaru owners with manual transmissions were experiencing the same issue......a failing vi…
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The USB A outlets under the head unit that allow connection to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Yes it is available for inspection upon request How was your safety or the safety of…
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was d…
Check engine light came on while idling. "Eyesight" tech turned off along with certain associated safety features. Next day, vehicle struggled to ignite. Came to a complete stop at an intersection, released brake, stepped on gas, and the car rolled forward as if in neutral and bu…
While driving in the left lane on a three lane highway (about 70mph) the car's automatic braking system engaged. The car would not accelerate creating a very dangerous situation on a congested highway at night. Luckily, we are able to navigate to a brake down lane without a colli…
On two incidents randomly and without warning the car failed to accelerate while driving in traffic on an open road and I had to coast to safety and put in park, then drive, then travel less than five miles home. Both times I immediately scheduled service with suburu with appoin…
Airbag shows OFF even when passenger is seated.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 101 owner complaints, 8 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (29 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (21 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (13 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, NHTSA complaints include 8 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 101 total complaints. 6 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Visibility/Wiper during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.