2021 Subaru Crosstrek Recalls, Problems & MPG

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 116 owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The EPA rates it 25 to 35 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.

Recalls
2
Owner complaints
116
Crashes / fires reported
8 / 2
EPA combined
25–35 MPG

2021 Subaru Crosstrek recalls

  • Power TrainNov 9, 2023 · NHTSA 23V755000+

    Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: 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.

    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.

  • Electrical SystemFeb 14, 2023 · NHTSA 23V080000+

    Risk: A 12-Volt battery that is unable to recharge can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

    Fix: Dealers will replace the converter terminal mounting bracket. If corrosion is found on the terminals, the 12-Volt output harness and terminals will also be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 12, 2023. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-23.

    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.

Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.

Most reported 2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems

Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.

  • Visibility/Wiper29
  • Unknown or Other25
  • Electrical System17
  • Engine17
  • Power Train14
  • Forward Collision Avoidance14
  • Lane Departure5
  • Service Brakes4

2021 Subaru Crosstrek gas mileage

EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).

VersionEngineCityHwyComb.Fuel / yr
Crosstrek Hybrid AWD2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios)363535$1,850
Crosstrek AWD2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8)283330$2,150
Crosstrek AWD2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8)273429$2,200
Crosstrek AWD2.0 L 4 cyl, Manual 6-spd222925$2,550

Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.

Questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, most recently for the power train (Nov 9, 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Crosstrek problems?

Owners filed 116 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are visibility/wiper (29), unknown or other (25), electrical system (17).

What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek get?

The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek at 25 to 35 MPG combined (best version: 36 city / 35 highway).

Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.