2021 Subaru Impreza Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Sep 10, 2024 · 14 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Impreza years
Far fewer complaints than other years 27th of 32 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Impreza. That ranks 27th out of 32 Impreza model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (3 complaints, 21%). Complaints mention 1 crash, 1 injury. There are 2 safety recalls covering this model year.

Subaru Impreza
Subaru Impreza (GU) at Auto Zürich 2023. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2021 Subaru Impreza problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Forward Collision Avoidance3
Visibility/wiper3
Steering2 · ~700 mi
Tires2 · ~1,700 mi
Unknown or Other2
Vehicle Speed Control2 · ~7,000 mi
Air Bags1
Engine1 · ~7,000 mi
Power Train1
Service Brakes1
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Forward Collision Avoidance321%———
Visibility/wiper321%———
Steering214%700——
Tires214%1,700——
Unknown or Other214%———
Vehicle Speed Control214%7,000——
Air Bags17%———
Engine17%7,000——
Power Train17%———
Service Brakes17%———

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 6 complaints
2021: 5202152022: 6202262023: 2202322024: 120241

n = 14 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2021 Subaru Impreza recalls (2)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Suspension:front:control arm:lower armDo not driveAug 30, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V675000 · 802 vehicles

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.

Risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.

Power train:shift linkage/cable/rodJan 26, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V024000 · 383 vehicles

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

Risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The force of the impact caused the contact to hit another vehicle which then caused that vehicle to also hit another vehicle; in total, four vehicles…

Air Bags · received Sep 10, 2024 · NHTSA complaint 11613846

The Eye Sight front collision warning did a hard brake going 55 mph when a car was well ahead of me slowing down to turn right. I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. This isn't the first time it's happened

Forward Collision Avoidance · received Apr 7, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11516020

Went to my car this morning and the windshield was cracked on the top center from the edge of the windshield to around where the rear view mirror is. This crack was not there last night when I parked my car. And there was no accident/damage to the windshield before this morning.

Unknown or Other · received Mar 26, 2023 · NHTSA complaint 11513829

Plastic parts of side mirror melt easily by heat and sunlight. (Not only side mirror, but also other components with the same plastic parts) It bothers driver visibility and safety when driving highway. The problem was reviewed by subaru service center, and they said it is not their problems…

Visibility/wiper · received Nov 25, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11494907

Vehicle is at 23520 miles, front brake pads are worn to 1mm on passenger side and 2mm on front driver side. Vehicle had been taken on October 04, 2022 for repairs and local Subaru dealer refuses to repair it, even though warranty still applicable for defects until 3 years or 36,000 miles as stated…

Service Brakes · received Oct 30, 2022 · NHTSA complaint 11491546

Other Subaru Impreza years

← 2020 Impreza · 2022 Impreza →

See all Subaru Impreza problems by year, every Subaru model, or the Subaru VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Impreza?

Owners most often report forward collision avoidance, visibility/wiper, steering problems. The top one, forward collision avoidance, accounts for 3 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2021 Subaru Impreza?

Yes, 2 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2021 Subaru Impreza a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Impreza model years, the 2021 has far fewer complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.