This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Subaru Crosstrek powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have filed 13 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Crosstrek | 12 |
| 2018 Crosstrek | 13 |
| 2019 Crosstrek | 23 |
| 2020 Crosstrek | 9 |
| 2021 Crosstrek (this page) | 13 |
| 2024 Crosstrek | 3 |
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What stands out
Among the 7 model years of Subaru Crosstrek in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This bulletin announces the service manual correction regarding clutch master cylinder reservoir service procedures.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body which enhancement was implemented to prevent abnormal operations. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"This bulletin announces availability of the new TR580 control valve and connector cover developed to address cases of the following DTCs detected by the Transmission Control Module (TCM): • P2721: Pressure Control Solenoid “D” Control Circuit High • P2763: Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit High • P0974: Shift Solenoid “A” Control Circuit High • P0977: Shift Solenoid “”B”” Control Circuit High"
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
2021 Crosstrek powertrain problems cluster around CVT transmission behavior, sudden stalling, and drivetrain instability—with a subset of complaints escalating to safety hazards.
Transmission and Shift Issues: Multiple owners report stalling while shifting Park to Reverse, particularly on inclines after warm-up cycles. No codes appear, and dealers cannot duplicate the failures. Other owners describe continuous shuddering and jerking from a stop, hesitation when accelerating into traffic, and loud clunking during gear engagement. One owner's transmission failed at 85,000 miles after years of binding and lurching; investigation revealed a failed viscous coupler. Another reports imminent CVT failure with low-speed noise in Drive and Reverse, confirmed by dealer as needing full replacement. A third owner experienced sudden downshift lurch on deceleration despite two dealer visits.
Safety-Critical Failures: Two owners report vehicles moving out of or failing to remain in Park while running and unattended—one rolled down a driveway and overturned; another crashed through a garage door. One owner's Crosstrek struggled to ignite the next day, then bucked violently at an intersection as if neutral.
Electrical and Diagnostic Confusion: Multiple owners cite check engine lights with codes (P2682, P26A3 for Thermo Control Valve; Eyesight system warnings), yet dealers cannot identify or fix root causes. Owners describe Eyesight system disabling during driving, backup cameras malfunctioning, and throttle response failures—all with no codes or reproducible symptoms for service technicians.
Same Subaru Crosstrek powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and No-Start with Idle Issues
Engine stalls while shifting from Park to Reverse, particularly on inclines after short warm-up cycles. Vehicle enters auto-stop mode and fails to restart when shifting or applying throttle; driver must press power button to restart. No diagnostic codes stored.
When: Within 7 days of ownership; after ~30 min driving followed by brief parked intervals
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while shifting P to R; Dash lights illuminate as if in Accessory mode; Engine does not restart when shifting gears or applying gas; Requires manual power-button restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to duplicate; no codes found outside Eyesight warnings
Transmission Noise, Whirring, and Acceleration Difficulty
Whirring noise with resistance during acceleration and rapid deceleration. Vehicle hesitates to shift, produces loud clunking when engaging gears. Noise and hesitation intensify with throttle input. Backup camera malfunction and repeated Eyesight disabled warnings occur simultaneously. No transmission codes thrown.
When: Appeared suddenly; not present the day before
Symptoms owners cite: Whirring sound from drivetrain; Difficulty accelerating; quick speed drop-off on release of throttle; Jittery feel during extended driving; Loud clunking during gear shifts; Noise increases with throttle application; Backup camera malfunction; Eyesight disabled warning messages
Codes mentioned: Eyesight system warnings
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer found no codes and could not recreate issue
CVT Shuddering, Jerking, and Hesitation
Continuous shuddering and jerking from stop, with hesitation when pulling into traffic or executing left turns. Unsafe acceleration lag creates collision risk. Multiple dealer visits and manufacturer contact yielded no diagnosis. Dealer tested CVT and gathered data but could not identify root cause.
When: Ongoing since July
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering from start to stop; Jerking sensation; Hesitation during acceleration; Dangerous hesitation when pulling into traffic or turning left; Unresponsive throttle
Repairs/costs cited: CVT tested by dealership; no codes identified; manufacturer provided no resolution without vehicle inspection
Viscous Coupler Failure with Binding and Lurching
Binding or lurching sensation in drivetrain creating unstable feel. No warning lights or prior indication. Upon investigation, owner (a mechanic) identified failed viscous coupler as cause. Creates uneven power distribution between front and rear wheels, reduced traction in slippery conditions, jerking during turns, and potential sudden engagement with loss of control risk.
When: Failed around 85,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Binding sensation in drivetrain; Lurching or jerking; Vehicle instability; Uneven power distribution; Reduced traction in wet/slippery conditions; Pulling or jerking during turns
Repairs/costs cited: Owner replaced viscous coupler at own expense
Failure to Accelerate While Downshifting
Vehicle fails to accelerate while downshifting at 20 MPH. No warning light illuminated. Dealer unable to duplicate the failure. Owner continued to experience the malfunction.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Failure to accelerate during downshift at 20 MPH
Thermo Control Valve (TCV) Failure with Check Engine Light
Check engine light illuminates with codes P2682 and P26A3, indicating Thermo Control Valve malfunction. Issue reported across 2021 Crosstrek, Forester, and Outback models. Repair requires full component replacement.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Diagnostic codes P2682 and P26A3
Codes mentioned: P2682, P26A3
Repairs/costs cited: Thermo Control Valve requires replacement; costs reported between $1,500–$2,000 at Subaru dealers; some owners paid out-of-pocket despite limited warranty coverage
CVT Transmission Noise and Imminent Failure
Transmission produces noise at low speeds in both Drive and Reverse, escalating over 2–3 weeks. No warning lights or dashboard messages precede failure. Dealer confirms transmission requires full replacement.
When: Noise present for 2–3 weeks before diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Noise at low speeds in Drive; Noise at low speeds in Reverse; Escalating noise over time
Repairs/costs cited: CVT transmission requires complete replacement per Subaru dealer
Vehicle Moving Out of Park While Running
Vehicle rolled out of Park while running and unattended on steep incline. Owner had not engaged handbrake. Vehicle rolled down driveway, overturned, and came to rest against tree. Vehicle remained running after rollover. AWD system did not prevent rollout; tires in air showed minimal rotation as if not engaged in drivetrain.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle disengaged from Park while running; Vehicle rolled down incline uncontrolled; AWD did not prevent rollout; Tires not turning as expected in Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled; owner questions whether front axle shaft or other component defect caused park disengagement
Unintended Acceleration from Park with Safety System Failure
Vehicle accelerated while running and parked in driveway. Car drove through garage door and struck back wall. No symptoms prior to incident. Check engine light had been illuminated previously with Eyesight system disabled; next day vehicle struggled to ignite, then bucked violently at intersection as if in neutral.
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration from Park; Vehicle drove through garage door; Check engine light present; Eyesight disabled with safety features off; Struggling ignition next day; Bucking/jerking at intersection stop
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (codes unspecified)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not yet inspected; incident reported to dealership
Downshift Lurch on Deceleration
Vehicle lurches forward during downshift when slowing. Owner notified Subaru and consulted two dealers; no remedial action taken. Subaru of America provided no assistance.
Symptoms owners cite: Lurching forward during downshift on deceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Two dealer visits; no resolution provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru of America did not assist
Eyesight System Malfunction with Throttle Response Issues
Eyesight system disables during operation, disabling associated safety features. CVT fails to respond properly to gas pedal input—hesitates or pauses after pedal engagement. Vehicle shudders and jerks under acceleration.
Symptoms owners cite: Eyesight system disabled while driving; Associated safety features disabled; No throttle response or hesitation after gas pedal pressed; Shuddering sensation; Jerking during acceleration
Codes mentioned: Eyesight system warnings
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, while downshifting gears the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated he continued experiencing the failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure.…
Problem 1)Had my '21 Sport for 7 days. Started stalling few times when shifting from P to R while on a slight incline (dash lights up like in Acc mode) after driving it for about 30 min before and then turning it off to go inside of the store, etc. after about 2-5 minutes of idling, the car engine stopped like I was in auto stop, but didn’t kick back on when I shift gears to reverse or when I…
Check engine light came on while idling. "Eyesight" tech turned off along with certain associated safety features. Next day, vehicle struggled to ignite. Came to a complete stop at an intersection, released brake, stepped on gas, and the car rolled forward as if in neutral and bucked up and down like a rodeo bull.
I have been experiencing shuddering/jerking/hesitation in my vehicle since July. The dealership has had it in their service department several times and cannot diagnose the issue. Subaru of America was contacted and gave no resolution to repairing the vehicle. They did not inspect the vehicle, rather gathered the "data" from the dealership. The shuddering/jerking/hesitation happens from a…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Subaru/Crosstrek.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.