Subaru Impreza 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Impreza 2021 and 14 complaints filed by owners. One of them carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning until repaired. It has 80% fewer complaints than the average Subaru Impreza from 2016–2025 (70 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 Impreza 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 Impreza 2021
Suspension
NHTSA campaign 21V675000 · 2021-08-30 !
NHTSA and the manufacturer advise NOT to drive this vehicle until it is repaired.
What happens
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
Consequence
A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 21V024000 · 2021-01-26
What happens
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Consequence
A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Remedy
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
14 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
1 with a crash · 1 injury
Most reported problems on the Subaru Impreza 2021
- Forward collision avoidance: 3 (21% of complaints)
- Wipers: 3 (21% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 2 (14% of complaints)
- Tires: 2 (14% of complaints)
- Steering: 2 (14% 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 Impreza 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test cruise control and smooth throttle response.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Impreza SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| 2021 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Subaru Impreza recalls by year
- 2016 : 1 recall · 75 complaints
- 2017 : 7 recalls · 125 complaints
- 2018 : 5 recalls · 151 complaints
- 2019 : 5 recalls · 194 complaints
- 2020 : 1 recall · 85 complaints
- 2021 : 2 recalls · 14 complaints
- 2022 : 1 recall · 14 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 4 complaints
- 2024 : 2 recalls · 32 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 5 complaints
Guides for this check
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Impreza 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Impreza 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 Impreza 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: forward collision avoidance (3 of 14 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 23, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).