NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 13 owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru WRX. Most complaints involve power train (6) and engine (5). The EPA rates it 18–23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to me in a condition that was unsafe to operate since their location did not have a loaner, fully aware of the issues at hand, exposing me and my family to serious risk while driving. As a result of this negligence, the engine has now deteriorated to the point of needing a full replacement. Subaru of Ontario is attempting to charge me $3,000 for an engine replacement, despite warranty coverage that should fully apply. The dealership has refused to acknowledge their failure in prior inspections or take accountability for releasing an unsafe vehicle back onto the road. I am reporting this as a vehicle safety hazard and potential warranty fraud, as the dealership’s actions directly led to unsafe operating conditions and are now being used as justification to deny coverage. I…”
“In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oil starvation. The failure put both myself and others at risk, as the engine lost power mid-operation on a busy road. The vehicle was towed to a certified Subaru dealership, where it has been detained since December 2024. Despite being under warranty, repairs have been delayed for over 6 months due to blame disputes between the dealership, the manufacturer, and the extended warranty provider. There were no prior dashboard warnings or messages before failure, only loss of power and engine noise at the time of the incident. The vehicle has been fully inspected and documented by the Subaru service center, and all evidence has been preserved. I have been without a primary vehicle for over 7 months.”
“Car battery keeps dying and is inadequately charged resulting in loss of electronics. The problem is a faulty DCM system.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WRX Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $3,450 | 390 |
| WRX Auto (AV-S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 24 | 21 | $3,800 | 432 |
| WRX Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.5 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 16 | 22 | 18 | $4,400 | 483 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
1 safety recall as of Oct 28, 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.
Owners filed 13 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (6), engine (5), electrical system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru WRX at 18–23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2021 Subaru WRX 5 out of 5 stars overall.