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ProblemsByVin File / 2021-SUBARU-WRX
2021 · subaru

subaru WRX problems

1 safety recall. 12 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.6 / 10

Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 1 category with 3+ complaints

powertrain
6 reports · avg $2,500
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2021 WRX · steering
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…
10/24/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11490528.0
2021 WRX · visibility
I was de-frosting my windshield early in the morning when I watched a crack start at the base of the driver's side windshield and travel up the window and back down to the base of the windshield. The car was not moving, there was no impact to the windshield at all. I contacted…
08/23/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11480723.0
2021 WRX · other
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…
06/22/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11668435.0
2021 WRX · engine
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…
06/21/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11668269.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 22V522000 21/07/2022

Subaru of America, Inc

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

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2021 Subaru WRX reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Subaru WRX is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2021 Subaru WRX?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 6 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The powertrain is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Subaru WRX has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2021 Subaru WRX?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 12 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $2,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 19 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with subaru. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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