2021 Subaru Crosstrek Problems
Compared with other Subaru Crosstrek years
More complaints than typical for this model
93/100 2.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 2.7× that of a typical Subaru Crosstrek year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 72 of its 115 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported problem: Windshield cracks or chips easily (30 complaints, median 4,080 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2022, 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 115filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 2,460miles, 17 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 29 mpgcombined, 2.5L 4-cyl AWD · 27 city / 34 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2021 Crosstrek most often report windshield glass that cracks or chips easily, sometimes with no visible impact, and some report sunroof glass shattering while driving. A second frequent theme is engine-related warnings and stalling or reduced-power events, often tied to the thermo control valve (coolant bypass valve) and accompanied by EyeSight and other driver-assist systems shutting off. Battery drain and infotainment faults round out the electrical reports.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks or chips easily
- 30 complaints (26%)
- median 4,080 mi at 0.5 yrs old (6 state mileage, few)
- filed 2021–2024
Complaints describe windshields cracking or chipping from very small road debris, and in several cases cracks appearing with no impact at all, sometimes starting at the bottom edge or near the de-icer area while the car was parked. Several owners mention repeat replacements within the first year of ownership. Others note that replacing the glass on EyeSight-equipped cars requires recalibration, adding cost. Mostly reported under about 10,000 miles, including cars with only a few hundred miles, and often after highway driving or overnight parking.
What to check: Look closely at the windshield for chips or repaired cracks and along the lower edge and de-icer strip, and ask whether the glass has been replaced and whether EyeSight was recalibrated afterward.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When I bought the car last year I had it for less than 2 months before my windshield cracked from a rock while we were on the highway. I get this happens so I didn’t think anything of it until I saw how many other people have also had their windshield crack shortly after buying the car. Since I’ve gotten it replaced almost a year ago I haven’t had any issues.”
NHTSA complaint #11443493, filed 2021-12“bought the car last week and I got a crack on the windshield from a small rock. I did an insurance claim that I have an appt for next Wednesday and while driving to work another pebble hit the windshield. So the first crack has not even been fix and I got another one. In my years of driving I have never had this issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11504312, filed 2023-01 - Engine
Thermo control valve warning, power loss
- 18 complaints (16%)
- median 27,000 mi at 4.1 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2021–2026
Complaints describe a check engine light, often with codes pointing to the thermo control valve or coolant bypass valve, followed by EyeSight, pre-collision braking, and stability systems switching off. Some owners report the engine going into reduced power, running rough, or stalling and failing to restart, with dealers diagnosing and replacing the valve. Reported from roughly 27,000 to 120,000 miles in the sample, with several cases in the 40,000-90,000 mile range.
What to check: Ask whether the thermo control valve has been replaced and scan for stored codes; note that a lit check engine light on a test drive also disables several driver-assist features.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Was driving on highway when all of the lights on my dash illuminated. Eventually I got a warning for oil at temp alarm. Was giving code P2757 and P0700. Looks like this a common issue in Subarus but doesn’t look like it covers anything after 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11754078, filed 2026-07“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 Subaru on many occasions and they’ve told me to replace the battery, so I did, and nothing changed. I’ve also replaced the starter and that didn’t help either. …”
NHTSA complaint #11758970, filed 2026-08 - Forward collision avoidance
EyeSight braking and lane-keep false activations
- 14 complaints (12%)
- median 5,129 mi at 0.6 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe pre-collision braking engaging when no obstacle is present, sometimes reacting to exhaust vapor or shadows, and lane keep assist steering the car toward other vehicles or the center line. Some report the systems disabling themselves alongside a check engine light, and that dealers could not always reproduce the behavior. Reported at low mileage, often under 10,000 miles, in mixed highway and city driving conditions.
What to check: Test the adaptive cruise, pre-collision braking and lane keep on a highway drive, and ask whether the windshield or EyeSight camera has been replaced or recalibrated.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My vehicle is equipped with eyesight, which is a Subaru technology that includes adaptive cruise control, forward collison warning/breaking, lane departure warning, rear automatic braking, etc. Subaru claims that windshield replacements must use Subaru glass due the optical clarity of the windshield and that the eyesight system must be recalibrated. This is a $1339 cost (via safelight) to replace the windsheild. I have 8400 miles on my vehicle, and I am getting ready to have the second windshield put on the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11415184, filed 2021-05, 8,308 miles“I just leased a new '21 Crosstrek Limited. With only 90 miles on the car, while driving on the highway using the adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist, the vehicle started aggressively jerking over towards semi trucks (while going 70mph)- I had to give significant input to not be pulled into a semi truck. I turned off the feature then turned back on. Again, it was hard jerking only towards semi trucks. Drove back to the dealership. …”
NHTSA complaint #11451073, filed 2022-02 - Electrical system
Battery drains or fails, no-start
- 9 complaints (8%)
- median 43,500 mi at 4.5 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners report the battery going flat while the car sat parked, sometimes overnight, requiring jump starts. In some cases dealers replaced the battery and the problem returned, and a few complaints describe the vehicle shutting off while driving or failing to restart. Reported on vehicles with as little as 1,000 to 27,000 miles, often within the first months of ownership.
What to check: Ask about battery replacement history and any no-start or jump-start incidents; a service bulletin describes a procedure for diagnosing battery drain with the ignition off.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The main battery drained completely while parked, once when left overnight, and once while on an errand for 30 minutes only. AAA jump-started car first time and Subaru Roadside Assistance the second. First incident was mid January 2022 when the new car had been in my possession for only 5 weeks (Dec 3 2021). Second incident happened one month later on February 5 2022. Subaru had no explanations other than I might have left doors open. …”
NHTSA complaint #11450784, filed 2022-02“The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that the battery was drained quickly, causing the battery to need frequent recharging. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the replacement was not covered under warranty. The failure mileage was 1,300.”
NHTSA complaint #11481159, filed 2022-08, 1,300 miles - Other or unknown
Sunroof glass shatters
- 6 complaints (5%)
- median 60,000 mi at 1.7 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- filed 2022–2026
Owners describe the sunroof glass breaking with a loud bang and shards falling into the cabin or flying off the back of the car, with no impact or debris involved. Several say the car was simply being driven or had been parked, and dealers reportedly replaced the glass through insurance rather than as a warranty repair. Reported across a wide mileage range, from a few thousand miles up to around 60,000 miles, often at highway speed.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof panel for replaced glass, unusual scratches, or sealant residue, and ask the seller whether the panel has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought this car January 2021. In June 2021, the smallest pebble cracked my windshield while I was driving on the freeway. Yesterday, 3/28/22, I was driving home from work like usual and my sunroof spontaneously exploded and completely shattered. Yep, you read that right. Don’t believe me? Search up: Subaru exploded sunroof on Google. Thank god I had the sunroof shade closed or else the glass would’ve fallen all over me. …”
NHTSA complaint #11458866, filed 2022-03“We were driving on a major highway today and the sunroof of my Subaru Crosstrek randomly exploded with a loud bang. Glass shattered everywhere in the car, covering us passengers with shards. Thankfully no one was hurt and we were able to pull off safely and remove the shards from our clothing and seats, but I could easily see this situation causing significant harm if it were to happen again. I have photos and my vehicle is available for inspection. …”
NHTSA complaint #11508225, filed 2023-02
Buying note. Check the windshield and sunroof glass carefully, scan for stored engine codes, and ask for records on the thermo control valve and battery. Confirm that any windshield replacement was followed by EyeSight recalibration.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 115 consumer complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 76% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 2,460 miles. Of all complaints, 8 involved a crash, 2 a fire, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 334 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 8 Subaru Crosstrek model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 93 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Other or unknown26 23%
- Electrical system16 14%
- Engine16 14%
- Lane departure5 4.3%
- Brakes4 3.5%
- Fuel system4 3.5%
Also reported: Seats (3), Steering (3), Body and structure (3), Suspension (3), Vehicle speed control (3), Air bags (2), Exterior lighting (1), Seat belts (1).
Example complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “Windshield is very fragile. (I think it cracks when a flower petal falls on it...) But seriously, I have about 20 chips in my windshield and have not had any significant boulders or trucks with rocks that have hit my windshield. It appears to be from every day urban commute, which is unusual. I have never had a car that I have had to replace the windshield in due to fragility. Also, the windshield seal has come completely off at the base near the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #11487919, filed 2022-10Other or unknown: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11413138, filed 2021-04, 6,600 milesElectrical system: “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, diagnose or remedy it after having the car a week and I was told“vehicle is operating properly at that time”. …”
NHTSA complaint #11603340, filed 2024-07Engine: “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.”
NHTSA complaint #11383551, filed 2020-12, 75 milesMileage when problems were reported
76% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 1,050 and 27,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek · wagon AWD | ★★★★★ | 4 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.6% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking optional.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2021 Subaru Crosstrek version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 28 | 33 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 29 | 25 | $2,700 |
| Crosstrek AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 27 | 34 | 29 | $2,300 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switchCovers: Subaru Crosstrek 2021, Outback 2021–2023, Legacy 2021–2023 +1 more
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.
Recall details for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 334 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026Electrical system, Transmission and drivetrain. This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026Electrical system. "This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026Electrical system, Other or unknown. In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed models and model years…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036822Aug 31, 2026Body and structure. This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of surface rust accumulating in the top center retaining nut area of the front strut mounts. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026Transmission and drivetrain, Electrical system. This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
Other model years of the Subaru Crosstrek
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 10 | — | 1 | — | 29 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 46 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 120 | 10,100 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 35 | 16,500 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 34 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 31 | 34,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 15 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 115 | 2,460 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 93 · More | Stable |
| 2020 | 69 | 5,200 | 0 | 5 | 30 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2019 | 285 | 10,542 | 7 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 195 | 18,000 | 5 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 94 | 27,800 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 132 | 37,620 | 1 | 5 | — | 49 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 17 | 50,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2014 | 16 | 60,000 | 1 | — | — | — | Stable |
| 2013 | 26 | 68,050 | 1 | — | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
All Subaru Crosstrek model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
Owners of the 2021 Crosstrek most often report windshield glass that cracks or chips easily, sometimes with no visible impact, and some report sunroof glass shattering while driving. The issues reported most often: Windshield cracks or chips easily; Thermo control valve warning, power loss; EyeSight braking and lane-keep false activations.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA recorded 115 consumer complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek is reported most often?
Visibility is named most often, in 33 complaints (29% of the total), followed by other or unknown with 26.
Has the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek (Crosstrek AWD, 2.5L 4-cyl) at 29 mpg combined, 27 city and 34 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek reported?
Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 2,460 miles and the middle half falls between 1,050 and 27,000 miles; 76% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.