2021 Subaru CROSSTREK
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2021 Subaru CROSSTREK has 151 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 82. The most common issue is visibility problems (22% of all complaints), specifically: windshield cracked with less than 1000 miles on the car. never heard or saw any rock or other debris hit the windshield. There is 1 recall issued for this model year. ⚠️ 4 fire reports filed.
151
Total Complaints
1
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.8x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
VISIBILITY
33 complaints- • WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON THE CAR. NEVER HEARD OR SAW ANY ROCK OR OTHER DEBRIS HIT THE WINDSHIELD
- • THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT ANY IMPACT WHILE PARKED.
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS APPROXIMATELY EIGHT INCHES LONG. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CRACK WAS NOT CAUSED BY AN IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE
“WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON THE CAR. NEVER HEARD OR SAW ANY ROCK OR OTHER DEBRIS HIT THE WINDSHIELD”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2021 Subaru CROSSTREK
Based on 23 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 6K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
VISIBILITY
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (1)
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.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Subaru CROSSTREK
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Subaru CROSSTREK
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Subaru CROSSTREK Service Intervals
Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2021 CROSSTREK, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 151 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITH LESS THAN 1000 MILES ON THE CAR. NEVER HEARD OR SAW ANY ROCK OR OTHER DEBRIS HIT THE WINDSHIELD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: I HAD A CRACKED WINDSHIELD ABOUT A QUARTER INCH BULLSEYE WITH WEBBING ABOUT 8-9 INCHES. DIDN'T NOTICE ANYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED DURING DRIVING OR ON THE ROAD. IT WAS PARKED THE NIGHT ON FRIDAY UNTIL IT WAS DISCOVERED LATE AFTERNOON ON A SATURDAY.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: THE LANE KEEPING FEATURE WILL RANDOMLY CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO VEER TOWARDS THE CENTER LINE AT A VARIETY OF SPEEDS AND UNDER A VARIETY OF CONDITIONS, REQUIRING IMMEDIATE DRIVER CORRECTION TO AVOID CROSSING THE CENTER LINE. NO ACCIDENT HAS OCCURRED BUT THE SYSTEM IS NOW DEACTIVATED. IN ADDITION, THE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: THE ENGINE STOP START FUNCTION CAUSES THE ENTIRE CAR TO SHAKE WHEN GOING FROM ENGINE OFF TO ENGINE ON. IT IS WORSE WHEN YOU ARE STOPPED AND THE STOP START RE-ENGAGES WHILE YOUR FOOT IS ON THE BRAKE.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 1 recall have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Subaru CROSSTREK — Year Comparison
How does 2021 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 151
- Recalls
- 1
- Fire reports
- 4
- Crash reports
- 10
- Injury reports
- 5
- Segment avg
- 82
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2021 Subaru CROSSTREK