2021 SUBARU WRX Complaints and Recall Information
The 2021 Subaru WRX has 6 complaints and 1 recall filed with NHTSA. Owners most frequently report engine problems including excessive blow-by contaminating sensors, resulting in power loss and stalling. Several complaints describe issues with faulty EGR systems and engine deterioration despite warranty coverage. There are also reports of dealership failure to diagnose or repair these engine issues properly. Another complaint involves a loose manual driver seat with deteriorating hardware causing safety concerns.
Common Issues- Engine contamination. Excessive blow-by contaminates MAP sensors causing lean or rich fuel conditions, leading to power loss, stalling, and potential catastrophic engine failure.
- Faulty EGR system. Complaints identify malfunctions in the Exhaust Gas Recirculation system contributing to engine performance problems.
- Dealership repair failures. Authorized dealers allegedly failed to diagnose or fix ongoing engine issues, releasing vehicles in unsafe conditions and refusing warranty coverage for necessary engine replacements.
- Catastrophic engine failure. Engine stalls or dies during driving due to issues like oil starvation and ECM modifications, resulting in dangerous situations on roadways.
- Delayed warranty repairs. Some owners report long delays in repairs under warranty caused by disputes between dealerships, manufacturers, and warranty providers.
- Manual seat looseness. Driver seat bolts become loose and plastic washers wear prematurely, risking further hardware failure and compromising occupant safety.
One recall affects the 2021 Subaru WRX involving the backup light switch and related safety systems. It impacts exterior lighting and rear visibility components.
Recalls- Backup light switch. NHTSA Recall 22V522000 affects 59,934 vehicles including 2015-2021 WRX models. Corrosion may cause the backup light switch to fail, resulting in non-illuminating backup lights and a disabled rearview camera image when reversing. This reduces vehicle visibility and increases crash risk. Dealers will inspect and replace the switch free of charge. Owner notifications began September 16, 2022.
Owners dealing with repeated engine failures, unresolved warranty disputes, or safety defects may want to explore their rights under state lemon laws. Persistent issues affecting vehicle safety and reliability might qualify for legal protection or recourse.
2021 SUBARU WRX Summary
2021
Model Year
6
Total Complaints
1
Total Recalls
59934
Vehicles Affected
Recalls
2021 SUBARU WRX
59934 vehicles affected
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints
2021 SUBARU WRX
ID: 2102248SEATS
Manual (not power) Driver seat is loose-rocking car only has 47000 miles but this hardware failure will get worse over time definitely a safety concern if bolt breaks it appears that the plastic washer is wearing most likely poor material should be polyurethane or something like the form of a grommet that absorbs since vehicle has hard suspension NOTE: I have video however cannot create video < than 10mb
2021 SUBARU WRX
ID: 2102020ENGINE
In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oil starvation. The failure put both myself and others at risk, as the engine lost power mid-operation on a busy road. The vehicle was towed to a certified Subaru dealership, where it has been detained since December 2024. Despite being under warranty, repairs have been delayed for over 6 months due to blame disputes between the dealership, the manufacturer, and the extended warranty provider. There were no prior dashboard warnings or messages before failure, only loss of power and engine noise at the time of the incident. The vehicle has been fully inspected and documented by the Subaru service center, and all evidence has been preserved. I have been without a primary vehicle for over 7 months.
2021 SUBARU WRX
ID: 2099286ENGINE
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to me in a condition that was unsafe to operate since their location did not have a loaner, fully aware of the issues at hand, exposing me and my family to serious risk while driving. As a result of this negligence, the engine has now deteriorated to the point of needing a full replacement. Subaru of Ontario is attempting to charge me $3,000 for an engine replacement, despite warranty coverage that should fully apply. The dealership has refused to acknowledge their failure in prior inspections or take accountability for releasing an unsafe vehicle back onto the road. I am reporting this as a vehicle safety hazard and potential warranty fraud, as the dealership’s actions directly led to unsafe operating conditions and are now being used as justification to deny coverage. I urge the NHTSA to investigate both this specific incident and whether this may reflect a larger pattern among Subaru service centers. I am prepared to provide service records, warranty documentation, dealership communications, and supporting evidence upon request.
2021 SUBARU WRX
ID: 2099285POWER TRAIN
I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to me in a condition that was unsafe to operate since their location did not have a loaner, fully aware of the issues at hand, exposing me and my family to serious risk while driving. As a result of this negligence, the engine has now deteriorated to the point of needing a full replacement. Subaru of Ontario is attempting to charge me $3,000 for an engine replacement, despite warranty coverage that should fully apply. The dealership has refused to acknowledge their failure in prior inspections or take accountability for releasing an unsafe vehicle back onto the road. I am reporting this as a vehicle safety hazard and potential warranty fraud, as the dealership’s actions directly led to unsafe operating conditions and are now being used as justification to deny coverage. I urge the NHTSA to investigate both this specific incident and whether this may reflect a larger pattern among Subaru service centers. I am prepared to provide service records, warranty documentation, dealership communications, and supporting evidence upon request.
2021 SUBARU WRX
ID: 2061608ENGINE
Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty
2021 SUBARU WRX
ID: 2061607FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty