The Lemon Index

All cars · Subaru Crosstrek · 2021

2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Advanced data.

The raw numbers: engines, recall campaign numbers, failure mileage and manufacturer communications.

Lemon Index71100 = average car
Complaints87NHTSA, first 3 years
Sold127,466U.S. model year
Per 100K sold68complaints
Year rank#8 of 10#1 = fewest complaints

Engines and drivetrains 4

EngineTransmissionDriveCity / hwy / combinedFuelFuel cost/yr
2.0L 4-cylAuto (AV-S8)AWD28 / 33 / 30Regular$2,100
2.0L 4-cylManual 6-spdAWD22 / 29 / 25Regular$2,500
2.0L 4-cyl plug-in hybridAuto (variable gear ratios)AWD36 / 35 / 35Regular$1,800
2.5L 4-cylAuto (AV-S8)AWD27 / 34 / 29Regular$2,150

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,000 and 60,000 miles. Median 4,100, from 18 complaints with a mileage.

SystemMedianMiddle halfComplaints
Electrical60,00014,200–122,5005

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

SystemShare of complaints
Wipers & visibility32%
Automatic emergency braking18%
Engine13%
Transmission & drivetrain11%
Electrical10%

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

TotalCrashesFiresInjuriesDeathsTows
11682409

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 1

  • 23V755000 Nov 2023 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

    Defect. 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.

    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.

    Remedy. 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.

Manufacturer communications 334

Subaru filed 334 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

  • This Bulletin announces design changes to the engine oil and CVT fluid drain plugs

Crash ratings by version

VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
Subaru Crosstrek SW AWD★★★★★★★★★☆★★★★★★★★★☆
Subaru Crosstrek Hybrid SW AWDnot ratednot ratednot ratednot rated

Safety equipment

Electronic stabilityForward collision warningLane departure warning
StandardStandardStandard

Nearby model years

YearLemon IndexComplaintsSoldTop system
201890132144,384Wipers & visibility
2019167229131,152Wipers & visibility
20204652119,716Wipers & visibility
20217187127,466Wipers & visibility
20221528155,142Wipers & visibility
20231835159,193Automatic emergency braking
202477120181,811Automatic emergency braking

Sources: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communications; EPA fuel economy data; YouTube video titles. Complaints are owner reports, not proof of a defect.

Updated

Free to use with credit: Source: The Lemon Index (lemonindex.com). Get the data