2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems and complaints
Owners have filed 115 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The most-reported areas: Visibility/Wiper (29), Unknown Or Other (25), Electrical System (16).
Key takeaways
- 115 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
- 8 involve a crash, 2 a fire, 6 reported injuries.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 29 | 25% |
| Unknown Or Other | 25 | 22% |
| Electrical System | 16 | 14% |
| Engine | 16 | 14% |
| Power Train | 14 | 12% |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 14 | 12% |
| Lane Departure | 5 | 4% |
| Service Brakes | 4 | 3% |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | 3% |
| Visibility | 4 | 3% |
| Suspension | 3 | 3% |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 3% |
One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 |
Latest complaints, as filed
Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.
Unknown Or Other - filed 2026-09-05
Drivers side door, interior automatic door lock switch spins and makes a clicking sound when you just start go forward.
Electrical System - filed 2026-08-24
There have been multiple instances where my car has failed to “restart” if the auto-start-stop feature is on. I immediately turn that setting off every time I get into my car because if I pause for too long at a light/stop sign etc.the engine will stall and turn off (without being in park). I have reported this to Suba...
Service Brakes - filed 2026-08-21
We brought the vehicle in for routine maintenance. They reported that all brake hoses were bulging and at risk of failing at any time. They said that there was a related recall for a similar issue on other CrossTrek's but that ours was not included in the VIN list, so was not a part of the recall. This appears to be...
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More for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek
Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.