Most common 2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems
Share of the 115 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Subaru Crosstrek complaints by model year
Best Crosstrek years: 2014, 2015, 2022. Years to avoid: 2018, 2016, 2024, 2019, 2017. Compare all years →
2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls (1)
Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
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.
What 2021 Subaru Crosstrek owners say
Windows, wipers & sunroof all 33 →
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, the sunroof exploded without impact. The contact stated that the majority of the shattered glass blew up and out of the vehicle. The dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated upon entering the vehicle, he noticed that the windshield had cracked on the passenger side. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to have it diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 5,700.
Driver assistance
While driving on the highway in the slow lane (furthest to the right), traveling at approximately 50 mph, I came to be behind a tractor trailer. Before I had a chance to pass the tractor trailer, it switched lanes abruptly. My vision past/beyond (in front of) the tractor trailer was heavily obstructed by the massive vehicle itself, so I could not see that in front of the 18-wheeler there was a mid-size sedan traveling at approximately 5-10 mph in the same active highway lane I was in. I had almost no time to react, and neither the Automatic Emergency Braking system nor the Forward Collision Warning system engaged. Both of these systems should have activated to prevent the collision and/or minimize injuries and damage. I subsequently collided (harshly) with the aforementioned sedan.
Traveling at speed of 30MPH. A tocoma truck in front of me suddenly stopped in road lane. Driver said that his vehicle made an auto assist stop were the brakes lock. My 2021 Crosstrek eyesight/braking system failed. I saw the truck stop but the system failed and I went into the back of a large truck. There is a witness who is happy to talk with you. He saw the truck's sudden stop and my crosstrek failure to stop. My car is totaled. I have the police report and have reported this to my insurance company.
Engine & cooling
The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while parking and the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and collided with a wall. The collision was at the front of the vehicle. The air bags deployed. The driver sustained arm, leg, thumb, back, and nose injuries. Medical attention was needed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,300.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid | CVT | AWD | 36 / 35 / 35 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 28 / 33 / 30 |
| 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | AWD | 27 / 34 / 29 |
| 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | AWD | 22 / 29 / 25 |
EPA ratings. Class: Small SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek a good car?
Based on 115 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Crosstrek rates use caution: 1.5× as many complaints as a typical year of the Crosstrek at the same age. It is one of the Crosstrek years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The windows, wipers & sunroof — 33 complaints, 29% of all complaints for this model year, most often about windshield. Next are the driver assistance (18) and engine & cooling (16).
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?
There is 1 recall for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, the most recent from November 9, 2023 (park/neutral start interlock switch). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Subaru Crosstrek?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2015 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2018, 2016, 2024, 2019 and 2017. See the full Subaru Crosstrek years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 2,000 miles; 76% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.