This page covers 2 recalls, 14 owner complaints and NHTSA crash-test ratings for the 2021 Subaru Impreza.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2021 Subaru Impreza are spread across a handful of systems, with automatic emergency braking drawing the most reports. Owners describe the forward collision warning and automatic braking system, marketed as EyeSight, triggering unexpectedly at highway speeds when a vehicle ahead is slowing or turning, causing hard, sudden stops that put the driver at risk of being rear-ended. Tire and steering complaints each account for two reports, though the narratives are varied enough that no single clear pattern emerges across those categories. A couple of isolated reports mention a windshield cracking overnight without any apparent impact, and premature front brake pad wear before 24,000 miles. The most consistent thread owners describe is the automatic braking system activating in situations where most drivers would not expect intervention.
14
Total Complaints
1
Crash-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Subaru Impreza has 2 recalls, both rated equally serious: a transmission gear selector that can stop functioning properly, and a front suspension arm that can break free and cause the tire to grind against the wheel well.
On the drivetrain side, a nut in the continuously variable transmission shift cable may not have been tightened enough, allowing it to loosen over time and leave the gear selector unable to reliably engage the intended range. On the suspension side, a weld on the left front lower control arm can fail, letting the arm separate from the crossmember and allowing the tire to contact the wheel well, which can cause a sudden loss of steering control.
At a glance
What can fail
The weld on the left-front lower control arm may fail, causing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the control arm and replace it if necessary, at no cost to you.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
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
The nut securing the CVT select lever cable may not be tight enough, causing it to loosen over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the nut and tighten it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
