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2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls and problems

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 1 safety recall and 116 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls
1
Complaints
116
Crashes / fires
8 / 2
Injuries / deaths
6 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Subaru Crosstrek vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

Recall 23V-755: Power Train

Reported Nov 9, 2023 · 95,830 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

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

Fix: 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.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Visibility/Wiper29
Unknown or Other25
Forward Collision Avoidance22
Electrical System17
Engine16
Power Train15
Lane Departure5
Visibility4
Fuel/Propulsion System4
Service Brakes4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Suspension3

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 10
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 6
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 6
  • Lane Departure › Assist — 3
  • Structure › Body — 3
  • Visibility › Windshield — 2
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 2
  • Visibility › Sun/Moon Roof Assembly — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 2,460 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Subaru Crosstrek complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Nov 10, 2026
There are 2 reoccurring problems that shows up to the Subaru Crosstrek hybrid 2021. First, it is the battery of the car, it would constantly die out or refuses to start. Second, the other issue that also constantly shows up is the flashing warning lights on the car's dashboard. It would show up multiple times every week and goes away randomly. Whenever, the warning lights do shows up it would disable Subaru's Eyesight which has majority of the car safety feature connected to it. We have brought up these concerns to the Subaru dealership multiple times in the past, but they have only "look at…
Electrical System · reported Aug 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’ve told me to replace the battery, so I did, and nothing changed. I’ve also replaced the starter and that didn’t help either. I’m now unable to turn my car off at gas stations because I’m worried it won’t restart. I just saw that a…
Service Brakes · reported Aug 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 which could result in a fatal accident. The fact that this happened with all brake hoses indicates a defective component. We were lucky that we found it and were able to have it addressed before the brakes failed.
Electrical System · reported Jul 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.
Engine · reported Jul 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 mph. There was no shoulder available to pull off on until a half mile up the road. - Yes the problem has been confirmed from the dealership partially. They did not identify a cause for the sudden failure. However stated it could not be…

Other Subaru Crosstrek years

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Compare all Subaru Crosstrek years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek: 23V-755 (power train). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owners report visibility/wiper problems most often (29 reports), followed by unknown or other (25). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 2,460 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.