2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. This model year has 101 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Visibility/Wiper.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Visibility/Wiper
Uncategorized Issues
Engine Problems
Considering a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| 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.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 101 most recent complaints
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.
Recalls for 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 101 NHTSA owner complaints, 8 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most reported issue is Visibility/Wiper (29 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
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?▾
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 8 crash-related complaints and 2 fire reports out of 101 total NHTSA complaints. 6 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?▾
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The largest issue: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?▾
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Visibility/Wiper issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
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.
Check Your Specific 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.