Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Owners filed 115 complaints about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek with NHTSA between Dec 2020 and Sep 2026. The most-cited component is visibility/wiper (29).

Complaints
115
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
8
Reported by owners
Fires
2
Reported by owners
Injuries
6
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Visibility/wiper29
  2. Electrical system16
  3. Engine16
  4. Power train14
  5. Forward collision avoidance14
  6. Lane departure5
  7. Service brakes4
  8. Fuel/propulsion system4
  9. Visibility4
  10. Suspension3
  11. Back over prevention3
  12. Steering3
  13. Seats3
  14. Vehicle speed control3

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20202
202125
202225
202320
202415
202510
202618

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Visibility/wiper

29 reports
“On Friday evening, [XXX], while closing the rear driver-side window, I heard a loud mechanical snap, after which the window failed to operate. The window regulator has binding issues (as documented in Subaru TSB 07-189-21R). This mechanical binding disables the anti-entrapment (anti-pinch) safety feature. The sensor is bypassed by the binding/mechanical failure, the window will not reverse when it hits an obstruction. This creates a direct entrapment and crush risk for passengers, specifically young children. A Subaru Customer Advocacy Manager (Jennifer) admitted on a recorded line that “the part should not break” (Case #[XXX]). Despite this admission and the documented safety risk, Subaru of America refused to authorize a safety repair. The failure was inspected and confirmed by an authorized Subaru Service Center (Walser St Paul). No warning lights appeared prior to the failure as it is a pure mechanical defect. I have the recordings, but I’m not able to upload them at the moment. Please let me know if needed.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 26, 2026Visibility/wiperODI 11720721

Electrical system

16 reports1 crash
“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. I’m now unable to turn my car off at gas stations because I’m worried it won’t restart. I just saw that a law suit has opened because of this electrical issue so I wanted to formally report my concerns. This needs to be a safety recall.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 24, 2026Electrical systemODI 11758970

Engine

16 reports1 crash2 fires
“- Rod #4 failure of unknown cause, although there is speculation that current failure may be related to a major repair in oil system a year ago. - My safety along with my unborn child’s, husband’s and brother in law’s were all at risk. Another driver had to take evasive action to avoid hitting us in an active fast lane on I-70 going between 65-70 mph. There was no shoulder available to pull off on until a half mile up the road. - Yes the problem has been confirmed from the dealership partially. They did not identify a cause for the sudden failure. However stated it could not be determined if this failure is or is not related to a previous major engine repair made a year ago. - The engine has been inspected by the dealership and warranty company. - There were no warning signals prior to either engine failures. The first one being a year ago for head gasket failure that allowed oil to mix with coolant. With the most recent failure the engine ticked briefly after braking to merge for construction, the oil pressure light followed by engine light turned on 5 seconds before engine completely lost power.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 16, 2026EngineODI 11750897

Power train

14 reports2 crashes1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 31, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11754078

Forward collision avoidance

14 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The car in front of me was about a two car's lengths away. It was very cold and that car's exhaust plume was larger than normal. The exhaust plume was highlighted by sunlight, and I believe my car thought it was an object. The auto braking system alerted and immediately slammed on the brakes in the middle of heavy traffic. There was no time for me to respond. Thankfully no one hit me. If I'd been on the highway it could have been catastrophic. The problem has not been reproduced or inspected.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 7, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11736429

Lane departure

5 reports
“Power train automatic transmission park/neutral start interlock Reverse lights not illuminating increasing risk of collision Recall was issued not listed here WRQ-23 Recall issued 1/8/23 My issue started in 2026 off and on Why is this Recall not listed Subaru service department states not able to provide service without the recall on file Car purchased August 2025”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 12, 2026Unknown or other, Lane departure, Back over preventionODI 11737413
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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