2021 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

Typical for Model

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Part of Generation 2 — 2018–2023.

20202022
Complaints
138
Crashes
14
Fires
4
Injuries
12
Fatalities
—
Recalls
1

Worst 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#129 complaints

Wipers & Visibility

Avg mileage:3,923 mi
#212 complaints

Engine Problems

Avg mileage:40,458 mi
Crash-related:1
Fires:2
#39 complaints

Electrical Faults

Avg mileage:90,000 mi
Crash-related:1
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All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.

Wipers & Visibility
29
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
3,923
Engine Problems
12
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Avg Miles
40,458
Electrical Faults
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
90,000
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
9
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
8,308
Transmission / Drivetrain
9
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control
5
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
1
Avg Miles
5,129
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
4
complaints
Crashes
2
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Fuel System
4
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
1
Avg Miles
—
Lane Departure: Assist
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat-Related Issues
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Steering Defects
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Body Structure
3
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Unintended Acceleration
3
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Airbags
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Brakes
2
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Suspension Failures
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Sunroof/Moonroof
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Visibility:Windshield
2
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Headlight/Taillight Failures
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
I Suspect The Car Seat Is Counterfeit
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Lane Departure: Warning
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Internal:Cvt
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Lever And Linkage:Floor Shift
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Power Train:Manual Transmission:Internal:Shift Forks
1
complaints
Crashes
—
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—
Seat Belt Issues
1
complaints
Crashes
1
Fires
—
Avg Miles
—

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.

Recalls for 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting ~95,830 vehicles.

23V755000Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/neutral Start Interlock Switch
~95,830 affected

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.

Other Subaru Crosstrek Years

201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

2021 Subaru Crosstrek — FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reliable?
Verdict: Typical for Model. The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 138 NHTSA complaints, 14 crash-related, and 1 recall campaign. The most common issue is Wipers & Visibility with 29 complaints. Source: NHTSA via VinItel.
What are common problems with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
Top reported problems: Wipers & Visibility (29 complaints, avg 3,923 mi); Engine Problems (12 complaints, avg 40,458 mi); Electrical Faults (9 complaints, avg 90,000 mi). Every complaint is filed by an owner with NHTSA — this is raw reported data, not editorial opinion.
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The weighted average mileage at time of complaint is about 23,589 miles. Some components fail earlier, some later — check the "All Problems by Category" table above for per-issue averages.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek include 14 crash-related reports, 4 fire reports, 12 injuries, and 0 fatalities. These are owner-reported incidents, not official crash-test ratings — a complaint being filed doesn't confirm a defect, but clusters around specific components are worth investigating.
Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign affecting an estimated 95,830 vehicles. Recalls are free to fix at the dealer. Always verify by VIN whether the specific car you're looking at has had its recalls addressed.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
Complaint levels are in line with what's expected. Normal used-car due diligence applies — check the specific VIN for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.

Wider context: See the full Subaru Crosstrek reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.

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