2021 Subaru Crosstrek: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Transmission & drivetrain
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 23V755000
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.
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.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2021 Subaru Crosstrek safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
115 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Subaru Crosstrek years
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator