This page covers 3 recalls, 106 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek.
25–35 mpg combined
6.7–9.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Visibility and wiper complaints dominate what 2021 Crosstrek owners report, making it the most frequently cited system by a wide margin. Owners describe wiper failures, poor wet-weather visibility, and issues with the windshield or related components interfering with normal driving. Engine complaints come in second, with owners reporting problems like premature ignition component wear and starting failures on vehicles still under 60,000 miles. Forward collision avoidance generates the next-largest cluster, where owners describe the system triggering unexpected hard braking in response to exhaust plumes, shadows, or other non-obstacle conditions, typically in bright sunlight or cold weather. A smaller but recurring thread involves the backup camera progressively degrading from intermittent fuzzy or discolored images before failing entirely.
106
Total Complaints
8
Crash-Related
2
Fire-Related
4
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 3 recalls, the most serious affecting Crosstrek Hybrid models, where a corroded power harness terminal can stop the 12-volt battery from recharging and cause a sudden loss of drive power.
The remaining two recalls describe the same underlying issue: water can work its way into the transmission's inhibitor switch and cause it to fail. When that happens, the reverse lights stop working, the rearview camera image does not appear when backing up, and the gear selector indicator on the instrument panel goes dark. A driver reversing without camera assistance or working reverse lights is harder for pedestrians and other drivers to see or anticipate. Note that the hybrid battery charging concern only affects Crosstrek Hybrid trim vehicles, while the inhibitor switch issue applies more broadly across the 2021 model year.
At a glance
What can fail
Water can enter the inhibitor switch and cause it to fail, which may prevent the backup lights from turning on, stop the rearview camera image from displaying when backing up, and prevent the gear selection indicator from showing in the instrument panel.
What the fix does
Subaru will mail you a notice. Take your vehicle to a Subaru dealership to have the inhibitor switch replaced.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld on the inhibitor switch allows water to enter and damage the switch, causing it to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A connection terminal that delivers power from the converter to the 12-volt battery may corrode and break, stopping the battery from charging.
What the fix does
The dealer will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket, and if corrosion is present, also replace the 12-volt output harness and terminals.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
