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2021 Subaru Wrx

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 0 of 13 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 5 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 2 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

0 crash reports0 fire reports0 injury reports

Unknown Or Other complaints

2 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 19, 2024
Power TrainUnknown Or Other

10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my WRX refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine RPMs surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the WRX wouldn’t eng…

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10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my WRX refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine RPMs surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the WRX wouldn’t engage in gear. I narrowly avoided collisions three times before managing to reach the nearest safe area to stop, which was a side road. The experience was harrowing, especially with my three children in the car. I had no choice but to have the car towed to the dealership on a flatbed. To this day, the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. I suspect that approximately 50 new miles were added to my odometer during its time there. The following parts were replaced in an attempt to address the problem: oil seal, main transmission shaft, LK Nut-23x11, LK Wash 23x35x2.3, and Gasket case R. The transmission work included replacing the clutch and associated components: pressure plate, throw-out bearing, fork, flywheel, cover CP-Clutch, bearing Clutch R, flywheel AY Flex, Complete Clutch Disk, Spring release lever, and High-Performance Gear oil 75W90. Additionally, the 5th/6th synchro set and sleeve/hub, Sleeve & Hub NO 2, and Ring Baulk were replaced. My WRX was in the shop for nearly 60 days. I communicated with the dealership and the manufacturer’s representatives via calls and text messages five times on the first day the dealer received the WRX, and three more times before the work order was created. "while in 2nd gear and preparing to shift at 3,500 RPMs. I thought about pushing in the clutch. However, before doing so the vehicle became unresponsive without any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure." Then was told voided warranty for several different reasons after the next reason: first, due to mud found under the WRX; second, the use of unauthorized parts; third, allegations of racing/speeding; and fourth, c

NHTSA ODI #11572772

Mileage unknown · Oct 24, 2022
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

Hello my name is [XXX], I'm the first time owner of this vehicle, purchased this vehicle new of the dealer with 5 miles, ever since I bought it the car has an issue that it steers to the right at any speed, road, condition very dangerous. Over the past months and years I told Subaru dealers, service department, sales guy and Sub…

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Hello my name is [XXX], I'm the first time owner of this vehicle, purchased this vehicle new of the dealer with 5 miles, ever since I bought it the car has an issue that it steers to the right at any speed, road, condition very dangerous. Over the past months and years I told Subaru dealers, service department, sales guy and Subaru corporate about the issue, long story short I've gone to the service department to fix this issue at least 8 times, the last time an engineer from Subaru worked on the car but the car is not fixed and it continues to have this issue, I open a claimed with the Texas department of motor vehicle for a lemon claimed but Subaru has denied it as a lemon and they constantly ruined my lug nuts, studs, my alignment and now I need new tires. I need help to resolve this, I have multiple repair orders, video's and pictures to prove it all. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ODI #11490528

Official recalls

1

22V522000 · Exterior Lighting:back Up Lights:switch

Jul 21, 2022

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.