2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK Complaints and Recall Information
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek has 10 complaints and 1 recall filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report issues related to drivetrain performance, unintended vehicle movement, and safety restraint malfunctions. Several complaints also involve mechanical failures such as brake rotor degradation and engine problems.
Common Issues- Viscous coupler failure. Owners report the coupler fails to engage front wheels properly, causing uneven power distribution and sudden jolts. This issue affects vehicle traction and control, especially in slippery conditions.
- Seat instability. The driver seat has been reported to rock due to problems with the seat rail attachment, which can brake and require replacement parts to restore proper function.
- Unintended rollaway. A vehicle rolled away while in park on a steep hill without the parking brake set, resulting in a total loss. Some question whether the park mechanism or front axle shaft was defective.
- Rear brake rotor delamination. Rotors have been reported to delaminate prematurely, with occurrences documented as early as 33,000 miles.
- Airbag and seatbelt malfunction. In a rear-end collision, airbags failed to deploy and front seatbelts did not lock. Front seats reclined fully backward and headrests broke, raising concerns about occupant safety during impact.
- Recurring engine warning lights. A P26A5 diagnostic code illuminated intermittently after 200 miles, then remained on without clearing.
- Motive power loss. The vehicle lost power unexpectedly while driving, accompanied by multiple warning lights. Dealer diagnostics cited battery and head gasket failures. Repairs were attempted but failures recurred, leaving the issue unresolved at 120,000 miles.
One recall affects the vehicle involving the powertrain system and automatic transmission components. It addresses a potential defect in the park/neutral start interlock switch, which could impact safety features related to reverse lights and rearview camera operation.
Recalls- Park/Neutral start interlock switch. NHTSA recall number 23V755000 affects 95,830 vehicles including the 2021 Crosstrek. An insufficient weld may allow water ingress causing the inhibitor switch to fail. Failure prevents reverse lights from illuminating and disables the rearview camera image, increasing crash risk. Dealers will replace the switch free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed on January 8, 2024.
Owners dealing with repeated repairs, safety system defects, or unresolved recall issues may have rights under their state’s lemon law. Consulting an attorney familiar with consumer protection and lemon law may provide guidance on these matters.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK Summary
2021
Model Year
10
Total Complaints
1
Total Recalls
95830
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
95830 vehicles affected
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
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.
Complaints
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2111787ENGINE
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2111786ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the battery. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with head gasket failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 120,000.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2111704UNKNOWN OR OTHER
P26A5 code came on after driving a little over 200 miles. It went off at one point but came back on and has not gone off.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2109734AIR BAGS
We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only the two seats that no one was in locked. Also, my headrest completely broke off. Our car was later determined by the insurance to be totaled.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2109733SEATS
We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only the two seats that no one was in locked. Also, my headrest completely broke off. Our car was later determined by the insurance to be totaled.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2109732SEAT BELTS
We were rear ended on the interstate. Cars in front of us stopped and we also came to a complete stop and a few moments later we were hit. During the collision, none of the airbags were deployed. Both our front seats fully reclined backwards. None of our seatbelts locked. Only the two seats that no one was in locked. Also, my headrest completely broke off. Our car was later determined by the insurance to be totaled.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2104682SERVICE BRAKES
Rear rotors delaminating at 33000 miles
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2067968POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:LEVER AND LINKAGE:FLOOR SHIFT
I just recently had my car come out of park while running at the top of a steep hill. I had stepped out of my car to deliver paperwork to my client. I walked to and from my car approximately 75-80 ft. As I was approaching my car I heard a clicking or a release sound then it began to roll. I wasn’t close enough to stop it and it rolled down a neighbor of my clients driveway and eventually rolled over landing against a tree. When I arrived at my car it was still running. I have awd and I noticed the tires in the air were not turning as they should have if it was in drive. My car was obviously totaled. How do I have someone check my car to see if there was defect that caused it to come out of park? I must say I forgot to set my handbrake. But I feel the car should not have come out of park regardless. Could it have been the front axle shaft or anything else?
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2066989SEATS
Driver seat began rocking. The dealer indicated it’s a problem they saw with other cars as well. The attachment to the rail you move your seat forward and backwards with, brakes. The dealer wants to sell you new brackets to make your car safe again.
2021 SUBARU CROSSTREK
ID: 2063479POWER TRAIN
I was experiencing a weird binding or lurching in my drive train which made my Subaru feel unstable. I am a mechanic so I investigated these symptoms online and found that a large number of Subaru owners with manual transmissions were experiencing the same issue......a failing viscous coupler was the issue. There were no warning lights or indications prior to failure A failing viscous coupler will not properly engage the front wheels when needed, causing reduced traction in slippery situations, increasing the risk of sliding or spinning out. Uneven power distribution: When a viscous coupler fails, it can lead to uneven power distribution between the front and rear wheels, potentially causing the vehicle to pull or jerk, especially during turns. Sudden engagement: In some cases, a failing viscous coupler might engage too aggressively, causing a sudden jolt or shudder, potentially leading to loss of control. I purchased and replaced this component at my own expense not knowing the magnitude of the issue. This is a definite safety issue that could lead to serious injury or even death. I have the old part in my possession, it failed around 85,000 miles. One of the mechanics in the Subaru forum said he had submitted a report to NHTSA but I didn't see anything on your sight. Thank you for your help. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)