2021 Subaru WRX recalls & problems

1 recall 13 complaints

1recalls

13owner complaints

0crashes reported

0fires reported

0 / 0injuries / deaths

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall for the 2021 Subaru WRX and 13 owner complaints. The part owners complain about most is power train (6 reports), followed by engine (5). 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 WRX recalls

Exterior Lighting · NHTSA 22V522000 · Jul 21, 2022

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.

Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

59,934 units potentially affected · Full recall details →

2021 Subaru WRX problems by component

Component	Complaints		Crashes	Fires	Injuries
Power Train	6		0	0	0
Engine	5		0	0	0
Electrical System	2		0	0	0
Unknown or Other	2		0	0	0
Visibility/Wiper	2		0	0	0
Fuel/Propulsion System	1		0	0	0
Seats	1		0	0	0
Steering	1		0	0	0
Suspension	1		0	0	0

Latest owner complaints

Electrical System · May 26, 2026 · MD

Car battery keeps dying and is inadequately charged resulting in loss of electronics. The problem is a faulty DCM system.

Seats · Jun 22, 2025 · CA

Manual (not power) Driver seat is loose-rocking car only has 47000 miles but this hardware failure will get worse over time definitely a safety concern if bolt breaks it appears that the plastic washer is wearing most likely poor material should be polyurethane or something like the form of a grommet that absorbs since vehicle has hard suspension NOTE: I have video however…

Engine · Jun 21, 2025 · TX

In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service…

Engine · Jun 11, 2025 · CA

I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturerâs powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the…

Power Train · Jun 11, 2025 · CA

Engine · Feb 2, 2025 · CO

Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty

Fuel/Propulsion System · Feb 2, 2025 · CO

Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty

Power Train · Mar 14, 2024 · OH

NHTSA ID:#10186366 SUBARU TSB #[XXX] This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine · Mar 8, 2024 · WA

Lifetime Tracking Data Displayed Incorrectly with higher data results. High rev's max speed 131mp. I have never gone over 89 mp. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 09-79-21 Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING NHTSA ID Number: 10201791 Manufacturer Communication Number: 09-79-21 Summary This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files to…

Electrical System · Mar 8, 2024 · WA

Power Train · Mar 8, 2024 · WA

Power Train · Mar 7, 2024 · GA

Severe engine failure! Was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230F. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking. I made it to an exit and the engine stalled at the red light. No smoke, oil level good, coolant level good. Had it towed to Subaru…

Other Subaru WRX years

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Subaru WRX have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall covering the 2021 Subaru WRX, the most recent one (22V522000) for exterior lighting. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

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

Based on 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most reported areas are power train (6), engine (5), electrical system (2).