2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Visibility/Wiper (29) · Engine (11) · Power Train (9)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Subaru Crosstrek model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (1)
Power Train:automatic Transmission:park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch 2023-11-09 · campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles
Defect: 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.
Service bulletins (334)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Unknown Or Other 2026-10-05 · SubaruNet Announcement (M · Other
this announcement provides information on a new software update for the midtronics dss and dca machines.
Power Train 2026-09-28 · SubaruNet Announcement (T · Other
this announcement provides information on an enhancement of the techshare cvt diagnostic assitance application.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-18 · 13-109-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
Electrical System 2026-09-18 · 18-244-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
"this bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following dtcs: dtc c1956: rh actuator circuit dtc c1957: lh actuator circuit"
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-15 · SubaruNet Announcement (C · Other
this announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
Unknown Or Other 2026-09-14 · 15-333-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. this is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Showing the 6 most recent of 334 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2026-09-05 · Unknown Or Other“drivers side door, interior automatic door lock switch spins and makes a clicking sound when you just start go forward.…”
2026-08-24 · Electrical System“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’…”
2026-08-21 · Service Brakes“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 w…”
2026-07-31 · Power Train“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. …”
2026-07-16 · Engine“- 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 m…”
2026-07-14 · Power Train“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…”
2026-07-14 · Suspension · 85,000 mi“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 replace…”
2026-07-06 · Unknown Or Other“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 …”
2026-06-10 · Electrical System“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 …”
2026-05-20 · Power Train“on [xxx] ~[xxx] pm, at highway speed on [xxx] eastbound near frisco, co (a mountain interstate), returning to denver from salt lake city, my 2021 subaru crosstrek suddenly and without warning dropped into reduced-power limp mode and began lurching and shaking while the engine kept running. i lost the ability to accelerate or maintain speed. at the …”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.