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    Subaru Crosstrek

    EPA MPG: 29 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    We expect the 2025 Crosstrek will be more reliable than the average new car. This prediction is based on data from 2024 models.

    The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Subaru Crosstrek owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "Battery failed and had to be replaced."

    Anonymous A., FL (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Battery failed - dealer replaced it under warranty"

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Cant hold a charge for multiple weeks without driving the vehicle or jumping it. Let sit for 3+ weeks and the car is dead"

    Anonymous, MI (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "This is a very confusing survey. I only have one Subaru Crosstrek and it is the latest vehicle I have purchased."

    Anonymous, (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Keyless entry

    "Both driver and passenger front door keyless actuators warranty replaced"

    Anonymous A., WA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Approximately 25% of the time the ignition and door locks do not recognize the key. I must hold it ON the start button to start the car. Also, takes about 3-4 attempts to lock/unlock door."

    Anonymous, PA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Unsure)
    Other electrical system problem

    "I reported this in the previous answer."

    Anonymous, (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Apple CarPlay

    "Started around 3 months ago. Happens 1-2x/week"

    Anonymous, NS (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen freezes up

    "Happens 1x/month."

    Anonymous, NS (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    "It starts making a very loud buzzing sound and then shuts down. It is likely not just the screen but the system. Had it replaced by dealer a couple years ago but still has this issue occasionally."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek)

    "I answered this previously."

    Anonymous A., PA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Had our windshield replaced 3 times because of calibration problems. I call ed Dealer and asked about OME windshield vs aftermarket that are callibrated OME. Told should be fine. initially used a generic that was supposed to be to Original manufacturer specifications. took it back to local Winshield replacement company, they rechecked there calibration, it showed everything was fine. Still eyesight, & cruise control not working. they replaced the windshield. again brought to specs. still not working. took it to dealer who checked it. still not working. Local Glass repair again put a new windshield in back to dealer who said they didn't do a more complete scan originally. Had dealer install a OME windshield, no problems now. Took 3 Windshield and two 100 mile round trips to dealer to remedy."

    Anonymous, BC (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    "The whole radio and electronic display broke down. I took it to the dealer, and they ordered the new radio system and installed it. The new part was listed as costing $1800 dollars, but they contacted Subaru, and because the car had such low mileage, even though a few months out of warranty, and they only charged me $100. They also gave me a loaner car during the repair time."

    Anonymous A., PA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Base 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "About once every other month the display will drop a radio station and I have to reprogram it back in."

    Anonymous, NV (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Continuing key fob problem 3 times I had AAA start motor. It has been okay for a while now , also the dealer gave us nice loaner cars. However, I used all my AAA coverage for the Year during the time. I have heard from friends that this has happened to them and they have completely different cars and dealers. I still think key fobs are one of the best inventions ever!"

    Anonymous, MA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium)

    "The problems were not the fob battery but the way it had been programmed is the best way I can explain it."

    Anonymous, MA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium)

    "The Crosstrek has a special battery that is related to the auto stop start system. The system itself is a little rugged and it can be destroy by a minor accident but nothing tells you that it was damaged and a dealer will charge you over $600 to replace the battery. But the insurance co. will not pay for it apparently because it is a very new system that has not been integrated with the insurance industry standards."

    Anonymous, (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Premium 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Car battery began died frequently after not driving in few days - could be less mileage driven after retired. Then replaced new battery in April and still experienced no power at all on starting. Have to jump start it. The car battery was checked by Dealer Svc Dept - checked out ok, and no charging issue. But found out that I have to completely power off the Radio-Info screen by hard pressed the power button until screen is black out. With lightly touching the power button just turn-off the radio without completely power off the whole info system, resulting power is drained to zero if parked for few days. Also car sensor keeps telling me unable to find the car fob even when the car is running and I have the fob [with new battery] with me in my pocket.....not knowing how to rectify this issue."

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Limited 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    "Electric window doesn't always go up all the way"

    Anonymous, PA (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Replace oxygen sensor and coolant control valve."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Premature brake wear

    "Rear brake pads wore down premature"

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Rotors

    "Started noticing excessive noise and vibration when braking; continued to experience almost every time braking until brakes and rotors replaced (rear axle only)"

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Other body problem

    "It is the same problem - the moulding around the windshield that came apart. I checked it twice, but there was only one problem. I actually tried to put it back in place, but it came apart again so I took it to the dealer."

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Dealer says there is no problem - Suburu considers this normal, but we add a quart of oil about every 5000 miles."

    Anonymous A., IL (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport)

    Steering And Suspension

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Wheel bearings

    "I hit a curb with both tires which were replaced about 2 months ago n have been thinking something was off in the sound one/both tires were making. The wheel bearings are being replaced this week."

    Anonymous, NY (2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises And Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Powertrain cooling leaks

    "radiator had to be replaced because of leak."

    Anonymous A., IL (2021 Subaru Crosstrek Sport)

    Paint And Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "The weather stripping/moulding around the windshield came apart and was replaced under warranty."

    Anonymous, ON (2021 Subaru Crosstrek 2.0-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Subaru vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Steering and Suspension
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for over 300,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2024 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes to power equipment and the electrical accessories. NA indicates that we did not receive a large enough sample size to provide data for a specific year. An X indicates that the vehicle was not manufactured for a specific year.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    POWER TRAIN
    Nov 09, 2023
    An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V755000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 95830
    Check Vehicle for Unrepaired Recalls
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