Subaru Crosstrek 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Subaru Crosstrek 2021 and 115 complaints filed by owners. It has 2% more complaints than the average Subaru Crosstrek from 2016–2025 (112 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Crosstrek 2021? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Crosstrek 2021
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 2023-11-09
What happens
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.
Consequence
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
115 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
8 with a crash · 2 with a fire · 6 injuries
Most reported problems on the Subaru Crosstrek 2021
- Wipers: 29 (25% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 16 (14% of complaints)
- Engine: 16 (14% of complaints)
- Powertrain and transmission: 14 (12% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 14 (12% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Crosstrek 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Start it cold, listen for noises, look for oil or coolant leaks and exhaust smoke.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Subaru Crosstrek recalls by year
- 2016 : 1 recalls · 132 complaints
- 2017 : 1 recalls · 97 complaints
- 2018 : 5 recalls · 195 complaints
- 2019 : 7 recalls · 285 complaints
- 2020 : 0 recalls · 69 complaints
- 2021 : 1 recalls · 115 complaints
- 2022 : 0 recalls · 31 complaints
- 2023 : 0 recalls · 34 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 120 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 44 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Crosstrek 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 1 safety recall issued for the Subaru Crosstrek 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Crosstrek 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: wipers (29 of 115 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 14, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).