2021 Subaru Wrx Safety Report
2021 SUBARU WRX Safety Analysis
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Subaru Wrx
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Subaru Wrx. 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 | Low (12) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 0 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train,Engine | Compare power train,engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Subaru Wrx with 6 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Subaru Wrx before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Wrx 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 Wrx 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 Wrx | 22 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Wrx | 17 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Subaru Wrx | 6 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Wrx | 27 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Subaru Wrx | 13 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Subaru Wrx | 40 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Subaru Wrx Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Subaru Wrx, 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.
Power Train,Engine
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Subaru onlyPower Train
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyVisibility/Wiper
2 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlySeats
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Seats issues Subaru onlyEngine
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Subaru onlyEngine,Fuel/Propulsion System
1 owner complaint mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Subaru Wrx
Reliability Score
The 2021 Subaru Wrx 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 Wrx
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 Wrx
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Wrx:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clutch Release Bearing Failure A design change bulletin has been issued for the clutch release bearing, indicating potential issues at around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine Map Sensor Contamination Excessive blow-by can contaminate MAP sensors, leading to lean or rich conditions, power loss, and stalling. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Driver Seat Loose-Rocking A manual driver seat has become loose-rocking, which can be a safety concern, especially at lower mileage. |
High | Occasional | 47k miles |
| Transmission Binding Transmission binding has been reported at around 10,510 miles, causing the vehicle to refuse acceleration. |
Medium | Common | 10,510 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 Wrx:
Engine issues, including MAP sensor contamination and clutch release bearing problems, are the most common.
Transmission binding has been reported, causing the vehicle to refuse acceleration.
Driver seat issues, such as becoming loose-rocking, have been reported.
Windshield cracking has been reported, though it is less common.
Recall Details for the 2021 Subaru Wrx
The following 1 recall has been issued for the 2021 Subaru Wrx by NHTSA:
Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Subaru Wrx
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Subaru Wrx with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Manual (not power) Driver seat is loose-rocking car only has 47000 miles but this hardware failure will get worse over time definitely a safety concern if bolt breaks it appears that the plastic washer is wearing most likely poor material should be polyurethane or something like the form of a grommet that absorbs since vehicle has hard suspension NOTE: I have video however cannot create video < t...
In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oi...
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to m...
Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty
NHTSA ID:#10186366 SUBARU TSB #[XXX] This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Lifetime Tracking Data Displayed Incorrectly with higher data results. High rev's max speed 131mp. I have never gone over 89 mp. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 09-79-21 Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING NHTSA ID Number: 10201791 Manufacturer Communication Number: 09-79-21 Summary This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files to address isolated concern...
Severe engine failure! Was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230F. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking. I made it to an exit and the engine stalled at the red light. No smoke, oil level good, coolant level good. Had it towed to Subaru dealer, where they sa...
10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my WRX refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine RPMs surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the WRX wouldn’t engage in gear. I narrowly avoided collisions three times before managing...
Mileage is 19,300 On 4/5/23 i was entering the gated community where i live stoped pressed remote to open gate then with clutch engaged shifted my wrx into first and the entire steel shaft broke at base where pin secures shaft to linkage this is a wrx sti short throw shifter pn C1010VA001 445 dollar option the Subaru of Ontario repair department indicated that they have never seen such an issue ...
Hello my name is [XXX], I'm the first time owner of this vehicle, purchased this vehicle new of the dealer with 5 miles, ever since I bought it the car has an issue that it steers to the right at any speed, road, condition very dangerous. Over the past months and years I told Subaru dealers, service department, sales guy and Subaru corporate about the issue, long story short I've gone to the servi...
I was de-frosting my windshield early in the morning when I watched a crack start at the base of the driver's side windshield and travel up the window and back down to the base of the windshield. The car was not moving, there was no impact to the windshield at all. I contacted the Subaru dealer and brought the car in to be inspected. They told me that the crack was because of a rock chip although ...
Windshield cracked to the point of requiring repair from pinhead size chip that barely left a mark. The windshield is being replaced but photos are available upon request. The crack quickly spread to the outer edge of the windshield, causing further risk to the structural integrity of the entire windshield. The problem was confirmed by a glass shop as requiring a replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Subaru Wrx
Has the 2021 SUBARU WRX been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 SUBARU WRX 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 WRX have?
The 2021 SUBARU WRX has 12 complaints filed with NHTSA. None of the complaints involved crashes. No injuries or deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 SUBARU WRX?
The 2021 SUBARU WRX received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 5/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 SUBARU WRX?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 SUBARU WRX involve power train,engine (2 complaints), power train (2 complaints), visibility/wiper (2 complaints). Other affected components include seats, engine, engine,fuel/propulsion system.
How many crash reports does the 2021 SUBARU WRX have?
There are no crash reports associated with the 2021 SUBARU WRX in the NHTSA database.
How many fire reports does the 2021 SUBARU WRX have?
There are no fire reports for the 2021 SUBARU WRX in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 SUBARU WRX?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU WRX.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 SUBARU WRX?
No injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU WRX.
Should I buy a 2021 SUBARU WRX?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 SUBARU WRX is generally recommended. It has 12 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 WRX?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 SUBARU WRX are: 1. POWER TRAIN,ENGINE (2 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (2 complaints), 3. VISIBILITY/WIPER (2 complaints), 4. SEATS (1 complaints), 5. ENGINE (1 complaints). POWER TRAIN,ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 2 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 SUBARU WRX?
Be cautious of engine and transmission issues, especially around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2021 SUBARU WRX has 12 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 SUBARU WRX?
The 2021 SUBARU WRX receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 12 owner complaints, 1 recalls, and 0 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Clutch Release Bearing Failure and Engine MAP Sensor Contamination.
What are the known issues with the 2021 SUBARU WRX?
Known issues with the 2021 SUBARU WRX include: Clutch Release Bearing Failure, Engine MAP Sensor Contamination, Driver Seat Loose-Rocking, Transmission Binding. These are based on patterns found across 12 NHTSA complaints. 1 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common engine issues in the 2021 Subaru WRX?
Excessive blow-by contaminating MAP sensors and clutch release bearing problems are the most common engine issues.
Is the driver seat issue a common problem?
Yes, a manual driver seat becoming loose-rocking is a significant safety concern, especially at lower mileage.
What should I do if I notice transmission binding?
Seek professional diagnosis and repair as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of engine and transmission issues, especially around 30,000 to 60,000 miles. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Subaru Wrx
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Subaru Wrx. The data includes 12 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Subaru Wrx an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 5 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