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2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Solid pick. The public record on this car is clean for its age. Inspect it, then negotiate with confidence.
108 owner complaints · 1 recalls · data verified July 12, 2026 · source: NHTSA
Why buy?
Visibility & wipers problems dominate (31% of complaints, typically reported near 2k miles).
The math, shown
Full methodology →Complaints filed per year
Fading = early teething worked out. Climbing = problems aging in.
The road ahead
What breaks on a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, plotted where owners report it happening.
Also reported (mileage varies): Engine (15) · Driver assistance (13) · Transmission & drivetrain (12) · Lane Departure (5)
Mileage medians come from owners who mentioned an odometer reading in their NHTSA complaint, a rough guide, not a schedule.
Visibility & wipers
31%33 complaints · typically near 2k mi · 1 in the last 2 years
“This is my 3rd Subaru. This one has now has 3 windshield cracks. 2 spontaneous, one by a tiny pebble. The photos are all from this one vehicle.”
Engine
14%15 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“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 s…”
Electrical system
13%14 complaints · typically near 20k mi · 9 in the last 2 years
“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 month…”
Driver assistance
12%13 complaints · 4 in the last 2 years
“Check engine light came on while idling. "Eyesight" tech turned off along with certain associated safety features. Next day, vehicle struggled to ignite. Came to a com…”
Recalls (1)
Safety recall repairs are free at the brand’s franchised dealers. Before buying, run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and make the seller show the work was done.
Power Train · 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.
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.
Before you hand over money
Check the VIN for open recalls
NHTSA’s free lookup shows whether this exact car had its recall remedies completed.
Free NHTSA VIN check ↗Get a pre-purchase inspection
A $150 to $250 independent inspection of this exact 2021 Subaru CROSSTREK beats every score on the internet, including ours.
What to ask forNot set on the 2021? See how every Crosstrek model year scores →
Cross-shopping? Compare the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek against another car →
What owners say
Real owners of this exact model-year, shown separately from the NHTSA score. If they disagree, that’s worth knowing.