2021 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Report
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (1) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (100) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 10 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2022 | Compare against the 2022 Subaru Crosstrek with 28 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Crosstrek before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Crosstrek Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Crosstrek years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Crosstrek | 28 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Subaru Crosstrek | 64 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Subaru Crosstrek | 29 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | 274 | 7 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Subaru Crosstrek | 100 | 2 | Use as a comparable safety baseline. |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | 192 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
26 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
12 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyEngine
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyPower Train
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyForward Collision Avoidance
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
5 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Reliability Score
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch Subaru is recalling certain 2021 Crosstrek models due to a faulty park/neutral start interlock switch, which could lead to unintended vehicle movement. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Front Passenger Window A front passenger window imploded while driving, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Occasional | Any mileage miles |
| Front Lower Control Arm Bushing Both front lower control arms have damaged bushings, discovered at 48,840 miles, indicating potential handling issues. |
Medium | Common | 48,840 miles miles |
| Steering Wheel Difficulty Steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction, reported by a mechanic. |
Medium | Common | Any mileage miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek:
Issues with the park/neutral start interlock switch and front lower control arm bushing.
Recall related to the park/neutral start interlock switch.
Backup camera issues and front passenger window imploding.
Front lower control arm bushing damage.
Recall Details for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 6 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires. 3 reported injuries or fatalities.
The backup camera on my Subaru Crosstrek started to a stop working a few weeks ago. It first started to intermittently transmit a video feed that was fuzzy and the colors were completely incorrect. That started to follow with the camera not working about half the time at all on my head unit. Now it's completely not showing up at all on my head unit when I go into reverse. I live near a school...
While driving 65mph on the freeway the front passenger window imploded into the car. This threatened the safety of both the driver and passenger as the glass flew at such high velocity it ended up in both occupants clothes, hair, and skin, the glass also was found as far as the trunk. This endangered the safety of others driving on the highway as the driver was shocked and caught off guard at the ...
On Friday evening, [XXX], while closing the rear driver-side window, I heard a loud mechanical snap, after which the window failed to operate. The window regulator has binding issues (as documented in Subaru TSB 07-189-21R). This mechanical binding disables the anti-entrapment (anti-pinch) safety feature. The sensor is bypassed by the binding/mechanical failure, the window will not reverse when ...
Traveling at speed of 30MPH. A tocoma truck in front of me suddenly stopped in road lane. Driver said that his vehicle made an auto assist stop were the brakes lock. My 2021 Crosstrek eyesight/braking system failed. I saw the truck stop but the system failed and I went into the back of a large truck. There is a witness who is happy to talk with you. He saw the truck's sudden stop and my crosst...
Both front lower control arms have damaged bushing discovered at 48,840 miles by my mechanic. Took to local dealership on 8/16/25 and they claimed per TSB from Subaru for cracks that although it had cracks, it was not necessary to be replaced due to it not being cracked enough. Brought back to my mechanic on 9/26/25 and cracking is worse, odometer is at 56,763 miles now. This part is supposed to ...
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was difficult to turn in either direction. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was repaired under an unidentified recall; however, the recall repair failed to prevent a failure. The contact stated that upon further inspection...
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred...
P26A5 code came on after driving a little over 200 miles. It went off at one point but came back on and has not gone off.
We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only the two seats that no one was in locked. Also, my headrest completely broke off. Our car was later determined by the insur...
Rear rotors delaminating at 33000 miles
I just recently had my car come out of park while running at the top of a steep hill. I had stepped out of my car to deliver paperwork to my client. I walked to and from my car approximately 75-80 ft. As I was approaching my car I heard a clicking or a release sound then it began to roll. I wasn’t close enough to stop it and it rolled down a neighbor of my clients driveway and eventually rolled ov...
Driver seat began rocking. The dealer indicated it’s a problem they saw with other cars as well. The attachment to the rail you move your seat forward and backwards with, brakes. The dealer wants to sell you new brackets to make your car safe again.
I was experiencing a weird binding or lurching in my drive train which made my Subaru feel unstable. I am a mechanic so I investigated these symptoms online and found that a large number of Subaru owners with manual transmissions were experiencing the same issue......a failing viscous coupler was the issue. There were no warning lights or indications prior to failure A failing viscous coupler wil...
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The USB A outlets under the head unit that allow connection to Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Yes it is available for inspection upon request How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The connection when hooked up to a phone is intermittent. This results in driver distraction whene...
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shut off unintendedly and failed to restart. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the battery had failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the ...
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 complete stop at an intersection, released brake, stepped on gas, and the car rolled forward as if in neutral and bucked up and down like a rodeo bull.
While driving in the left lane on a three lane highway (about 70mph) the car's automatic braking system engaged. The car would not accelerate creating a very dangerous situation on a congested highway at night. Luckily, we are able to navigate to a brake down lane without a collision. The check engine light, Eyesight light and RAB light turned on. The car would not function normally and was towed...
On two incidents randomly and without warning the car failed to accelerate while driving in traffic on an open road and I had to coast to safety and put in park, then drive, then travel less than five miles home. Both times I immediately scheduled service with suburu with appointments about a week out. The car drove without incident while awaiting service. Service failed to replicate the problem,...
Airbag shows OFF even when passenger is seated.
While driving down the freeway, all the warning lights came on and the engine sputtered and cut out. As we were in the left lane on a busy freeway, it put us at considerable risk. We were able to get to the left shoulder and get towed off the highway. This was caused, I later learned, by a faulty electronic thermostat which caused the system to fail.
Showing 20 of 100 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Has the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 1 recall on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
The 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 100 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 8 involved crashes. 6 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK involve visibility/wiper (26 complaints), unknown or other (12 complaints), engine (8 complaints). Other affected components include power train, forward collision avoidance, electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
There are 8 crash reports associated with the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK out of 100 total complaints (8.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK out of 100 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
6 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK is acceptable with caveats. It has 100 complaints, 1 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (26 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (12 complaints), 3. ENGINE (8 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (7 complaints), 5. FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 26 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Be aware of potential issues with the park/neutral start interlock switch, front passenger window, steering wheel, and front lower control arm bushing. Check for recalls and have your vehicle inspected regularly. The 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK has 100 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
The 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 100 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 10 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch and Front Passenger Window.
What are the known issues with the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK?
Known issues with the 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK include: Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch, Front Passenger Window, Front Lower Control Arm Bushing, Steering Wheel Difficulty. These are based on patterns found across 100 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request?
The park/neutral start interlock switch, front passenger window, steering wheel, and front lower control arm bushing have all experienced issues. Inspection is available upon request.
Can I inspect the front lower control arm bushing damage?
Yes, the front lower control arm bushing damage can be inspected by your mechanic.
What should I do if I experience steering wheel difficulty?
Have your vehicle inspected by a professional mechanic to diagnose and address the issue.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential issues with the park/neutral start interlock switch, front passenger window, steering wheel, and front lower control arm bushing. Check for recalls and have your vehicle inspected regularly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The data includes 100 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 8 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 6 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16