Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD

2021 Subaru Crosstrek HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 1 owner complaint for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (1) and engine (1). The EPA rates it 35 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
35mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Feb 2023
Owner complaints
1
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$1,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Electrical system: 12v

Free remedy

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2022 Crosstrek Hybrid vehicles. The harness terminal that supplies low-voltage power from the converter to the 12-Volt battery may corrode and break, preventing the 12-Volt battery from charging.

Electrical systemReported Feb 14, 2023NHTSA 23V080000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 12, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2026 – Feb 2026
  1. Electrical system1
  2. Engine1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Crosstrek Hybrid model year we’ve synced.

Only one model year synced so far.

Crashes reported
0
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
0
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 12, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Electrical system

1 report
“The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid. The contact stated that after moving the vehicle 10 feet from a pile of snow in cold weather, the vehicle restarted but failed to run and then shut off after 2 minutes. The contact changed the 12-Volt battery. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated, and the “Service 12-Volt Battery” message was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the inverter connector was corroded. The wires underneath the vehicle had been damaged due to water, salt, and sand, causing the vehicle to become inoperable. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was previously repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V0800000 (Electrical System). The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was contacted and offered partial claim assistance, but the owner declined. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000. The VIN was not available.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 11, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11717316

Engine

1 report
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 12, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

1 version rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybrid
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
EV range
480 mi (EPA)

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Crosstrek Hybrid AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive
363535$1,700151
  • Crosstrek Hybrid AWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L
    36 city · 35 hwy · $1,700/yr
    35
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 12, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid as of Nov 12, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 12, 2026Vehicle 15633
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2021 Crosstrek Hybrid questions

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 12, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid problems?

Owners filed 1 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (1), engine (1). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid at 35 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 12, 2026