2021 Subaru Wrx: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Subaru Wrx? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 12 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2021 Subaru Wrx Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2021 Subaru Wrx trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2021 Subaru Wrx 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
10.1% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
10.1% 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 Wrx has 12 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Good Record.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Wrx
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 12
- Crash-related complaints
- 0
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Good Record
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 18 / 24
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Subaru Wrx Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues. 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 Wrx?
The 2021 Subaru Wrx looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car.
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 Wrx
Inspection Focus
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of abnormal operation or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on drivetrain and engine health.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission/drivetrain for any signs of abnormal operation or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and transmission-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on drivetrain and engine health.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Subaru Wrx, 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 12 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Subaru WRX, issues appear concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and engine. No crash-related complaints were reported, but the low complaint volume limits confidence in these patterns.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints account for half of all reports (6 out of 12).
- Engine problems are the second most common issue, with 5 complaints.
- No crash-related complaints were filed for the 2021 model year.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported component.
- Engine Problems are also a recurring theme in complaints.
- Visibility/Wiper and Uncategorized Issues each have 2 complaints.
All 2021 Subaru Wrx Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Wrx. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension 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 Wrx. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Manual (not power) Driver seat is loose-rocking car only has 47000 miles but this hardware failure will get worse over time definitely a safety concern if bolt breaks it appears that the plastic washer is wearing most likely poor material should be polyurethane or something like …
In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled an…
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or…
Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty
NHTSA ID:#10186366 SUBARU TSB #[XXX] This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN…
Lifetime Tracking Data Displayed Incorrectly with higher data results. High rev's max speed 131mp. I have never gone over 89 mp. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 09-79-21 Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING NHTSA ID Number: 10201791 Manufacturer Communicat…
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. I made it to an exit and the eng…
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. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Desp…
Mileage is 19,300 On 4/5/23 i was entering the gated community where i live stoped pressed remote to open gate then with clutch engaged shifted my wrx into first and the entire steel shaft broke at base where pin secures shaft to linkage this is a wrx sti short throw shifter pn…
Hello my name is [XXX], I'm the first time owner of this vehicle, purchased this vehicle new of the dealer with 5 miles, ever since I bought it the car has an issue that it steers to the right at any speed, road, condition very dangerous. Over the past months and years I told Sub…
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. The car was not moving, there was no impact to the windshield at all. I contacted th…
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. The crack quickly spread to the outer edge of the windshield, causing further risk to the structural integri…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Wrx.
2021 Subaru Wrx Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Wrx. 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 Wrx Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Wrx reliable?▾
Good Record. NHTSA currently shows 12 owner complaints, 0 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2021 Subaru Wrx looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Wrx?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (6 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (5 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (2 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Wrx?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Wrx?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Subaru Wrx, NHTSA complaints include 0 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 12 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Wrx have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2021 Subaru Wrx. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS: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 Wrx?▾
The 2021 Subaru Wrx looks comparatively lower-risk based on complaint volume, but model-year averages do not confirm the condition of any specific used car. 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 Transmission / Drivetrain 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 Wrx reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Subaru Wrx 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.