2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls & problems

1 recall 115 complaints

1recalls
115owner complaints
8crashes reported
2fires reported
12 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek and 115 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is visibility/wiper (29 reports), followed by unknown or other (25). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers – enter your VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether your car still has an open recall.

2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

Power Train · NHTSA 23V755000 · Nov 9, 2023

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.

95,830 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems by component

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility/Wiper 29
000
Unknown or Other 25
000
Forward Collision Avoidance 21
414
Electrical System 16
100
Engine 16
121
Power Train 15
200
Lane Departure 5
000
Visibility 4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System 4
110
Service Brakes 4
101
Back Over Prevention 3
000
Vehicle Speed Control 3
100
Suspension 3
000
Structure 3
000
Steering 3
000
Seats 3
102
Air Bags 2
102
Seat Belts 1
102
I Suspect the Car Seat IS Counterfeit 1
000
Exterior Lighting 1
000

Latest owner complaints

Unknown or Other · Sep 5, 2026 · MA

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

Electrical System · Aug 24, 2026 · RI

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…

Service Brakes · Aug 21, 2026 · MN

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…

Forward Collision Avoidance · Jul 31, 2026 · KY

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.

Power Train · Jul 31, 2026 · KY

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.

Electrical System · Jul 31, 2026 · KY

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 · Jul 16, 2026 · CO

- 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…

Suspension · Jul 14, 2026 · 85,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and turning to the right or the left, the steering wheel and the vehicle were shaking and vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the control arms and struts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet…

Power Train · Jul 14, 2026 · UT

Viscous Coupling and center differential failing. unable to turn at low speeds. Low mileage vehicle, under 40,000. This is a several 1000$ repair that happens right after warranty

Unknown or Other · Jul 6, 2026 · VA

Thermo Control Valve (TCV) causes a check engine light to come on and disables eyesight issue started May 29, 2026. The check engine would go on and off. Now it just stays

Engine · Jul 6, 2026 · VA

Thermo Control Valve (TCV) causes a check engine light to come on and disables eyesight issue started May 29, 2026. The check engine would go on and off. Now it just stays

Electrical System · Jun 10, 2026 · WI

The DCM on our 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is causing a parasitic drain on the battery. It left us stranded several times. We replaced the battery twice in the past 15 months. There is a class action lawsuit against Subaru for this exact problem, but they won't replace it on our vehicle because it has over 45,000 miles. A defective DCM is a widely known problem with many Subaru…

Other Subaru Crosstrek years

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent one (23V755000) for power train. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

Based on 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are visibility/wiper (29), unknown or other (25), forward collision avoidance (21).

Have there been crashes or injuries linked to the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?

Owners reported 8 crashes, 2 fires, 12 injuries and 0 deaths in complaints to NHTSA. These are unverified owner reports, not findings of fault.