Moderate Risk / Inspect First NHTSA Record ID #2021-subaru-crosstrek

2021 Subaru Crosstrek Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
45 / 100
Exercise Caution
Owner Complaints
115
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
1
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
10
8 Crashes • 2 Fires
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2021 Subaru Crosstrek Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Visibility & Wipers 23.5%
27 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 18.3%
21 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 12.2%
14 reported failures
Electrical System 10.4%
12 reported failures
Engine & Cooling 10.4%
12 reported failures
Driver Assist & Tech 5.2%
6 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2021 Subaru Crosstrek (1)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #23V755000 Component: Powertrain & Transmission

Defect Summary: 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.

Safety Hazard: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.

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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11762313 • Unknown Or Other 09/05/2026

"Drivers side door, interior automatic door lock switch spins and makes a clicking sound when you just start go forward."

ODI #11758970 • Electrical System 08/24/2026

"There have been multiple instances where my car has failed to “restart” if the auto-start-stop feature is on. I immediately turn that setting off every time I get into my car because if I pause for too long at a light/stop sign etc.the engine will stall and turn off (without being in park). I have reported this to Subaru on many occasions and they’..."

ODI #11758570 • Braking System 08/21/2026

"We brought the vehicle in for routine maintenance. They reported that all brake hoses were bulging and at risk of failing at any time. They said that there was a related recall for a similar issue on other CrossTrek's but that ours was not included in the VIN list, so was not a part of the recall. This appears to be a serious component failure w..."

ODI #11754078 • Powertrain & Transmission 07/31/2026

"Was driving on highway when all of the lights on my dash illuminated. Eventually I got a warning for oil at temp alarm. Was giving code P2757 and P0700. Looks like this a common issue in Subarus but doesn’t look like it covers anything after 2020."

ODI #11750897 • Engine & Cooling 07/16/2026

"- Rod #4 failure of unknown cause, although there is speculation that current failure may be related to a major repair in oil system a year ago. - My safety along with my unborn child’s, husband’s and brother in law’s were all at risk. Another driver had to take evasive action to avoid hitting us in an active fast lane on I-70 going between 65-70 m..."