2021 Subaru Impreza Problems, Complaints & Recalls
- Compared with other Impreza years
- Far fewer complaints than other years 27th of 32 for complaints
- Safety recalls
- 2 recalls: check your VIN
- 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.

- 14owner complaints
- 2safety recalls
- 0NHTSA investigations
- 1complaints mentioning a crash
Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.
Most common 2021 Subaru Impreza problems
Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Median miles | Owners mention most | Typical repair cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 3 | 21% | — | — | — |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 21% | — | — | — |
| Steering | 2 | 14% | 700 | — | — |
| Tires | 2 | 14% | 1,700 | — | — |
| Unknown or Other | 2 | 14% | — | — | — |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 2 | 14% | 7,000 | — | — |
| Air Bags | 1 | 7% | — | — | — |
| Engine | 1 | 7% | 7,000 | — | — |
| Power Train | 1 | 7% | — | — | — |
| Service Brakes | 1 | 7% | — | — | — |
One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.
Complaints by year received
2021 Subaru Impreza recalls (2)
Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.
Suspension:front:control arm:lower armDo not drive
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/rod
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…
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
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.
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…
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…
Other Subaru Impreza years
← 2020 Impreza · 2022 Impreza →
| Year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 Impreza | 1 | 0 |
| 2025 Impreza | 5 | 0 |
| 2024 Impreza | 32 | 2 |
| 2023 Impreza | 4 | 2 |
| 2022 Impreza | 13 | 1 |
| 2021 | 14 | 2 |
| 2020 Impreza | 85 | 1 |
| 2019 Impreza | 194 | 5 |
| 2018 Impreza | 151 | 5 |
| 2017 Impreza | 125 | 7 |
| 2016 Impreza | 75 | 1 |
| 2015 Impreza | 77 | 2 |
| 2014 Impreza | 108 | 3 |
| 2013 Impreza | 249 | 4 |
| 2012 Impreza | 243 | 6 |
| 2011 Impreza | 58 | 14 |
| 2010 Impreza | 46 | 15 |
| 2009 Impreza | 104 | 14 |
| 2008 Impreza | 176 | 14 |
| 2007 Impreza | 68 | 9 |
| 2006 Impreza | 56 | 10 |
| 2005 Impreza | 75 | 6 |
| 2004 Impreza | 96 | 8 |
| 2003 Impreza | 62 | 6 |
| 2002 Impreza | 292 | 6 |
| 2001 Impreza | 11 | 0 |
| 2000 Impreza | 41 | 0 |
| 1999 Impreza | 22 | 0 |
| 1998 Impreza | 30 | 0 |
| 1997 Impreza | 30 | 0 |
| 1996 Impreza | 20 | 0 |
| 1995 Impreza | 46 | 1 |
See all Subaru Impreza problems by year, every Subaru model, or the Subaru VIN decoder.
Similar Subaru models
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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.