Subaru · Impreza · 2021
2021 Subaru Impreza
2
Recalls
14
Complaints
5/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Subaru Impreza has 2 recalls and 14 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: unknown or other (2 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Subaru Impreza page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is unknown or other with 2 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Subaru Impreza currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 14 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 5/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are unknown or other (2), steering (2), tires (2).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Subaru Impreza
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 14
- Safety Rating
- 5/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
9.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: OptionalLane Departure Warning: Optional
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 21V675000August 30, 2021
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.
Remedy Status
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
NHTSA ID: 21V024000January 26, 2021
POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Remedy Status
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
Owner Complaints
14 totalAIR BAGS
CRASH1 injurySep 4, 2024
The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The force of the impact caused the contact to hit another vehicle which then caused that vehicle to also hit another vehicle; in to...
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FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Apr 7, 2023
The Eye Sight front collision warning did a hard brake going 55 mph when a car was well ahead of me slowing down to turn right. I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. This isn't the first time it's happened
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Mar 26, 2023
Went to my car this morning and the windshield was cracked on the top center from the edge of the windshield to around where the rear view mirror is. This crack was not there last night when I parked my car. And there was no accident/damage to the windshield before this morning.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Nov 25, 2022
Plastic parts of side mirror melt easily by heat and sunlight. (Not only side mirror, but also other components with the same plastic parts) It bothers driver visibility and safety when driving highway. The problem was reviewed by subaru service center, and they said it is not th...
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VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Oct 18, 2022
Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalibration (ADAS). Firs...
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SERVICE BRAKES
Oct 4, 2022
Vehicle is at 23520 miles, front brake pads are worn to 1mm on passenger side and 2mm on front driver side. Vehicle had been taken on October 04, 2022 for repairs and local Subaru dealer refuses to repair it, even though warranty still applicable for defects until 3 years or 36,0...
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VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Jun 17, 2022
I was using the adaptive cruise control on the highway set to 55 mph. The car suddenly decelerated to ~44 mph so quickly I had whiplash. There was no other vehicle in front of me and the highway was clear of debris. The dealership said this could be caused by a glare.
TIRES
Nov 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Impreza equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact TX, Tire Size: P205/55/R16, DOT Number: A3T2WC892420. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle started pulling to the right....
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STEERING
Jul 6, 2021
New lease beginning in March 2021. The steering column is erratically loose, noticeable at highway speed in April 2021, accompanied by slight swerve. Subaru dealer (cityside) begrudgingly assessed and found it needed alignment Aligned. Steering column now again erratically loose,...
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POWER TRAIN,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jun 12, 2021
JULY 09 2021 REPORTED TO SUBARU EL PASO AT TIME OF FIRST MAINTENANCE (6000 MILES) VEHICLE LOSSES POWER AND STALLS WHEN MAKING TURNS, IT IS MORE NOTICEABLE MAKING A LEFT TURN. TECHNICIAN SAID COUDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AND NO FURTER ACTION WAS NEEDED. HOWEVER A YEAR ;LATER FROM...
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Showing 10 recent complaints from 14 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Subaru models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
More Subaru Impreza Years
2022 Subaru ImprezaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r12c2020 Subaru ImprezaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.1r83c2023 Subaru ImprezaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r4c2019 Subaru ImprezaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.5r187c2024 Subaru ImprezaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.2r28c2018 Subaru ImprezaCompare this year against 2021 for complaint and recall shifts.5r148c
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have?
The 2021 Subaru Impreza has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has received 14 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Subaru Impreza.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
The 2021 Subaru Impreza received an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Subaru Impreza are unknown or other (2 reports), steering (2 reports), tires (2 reports).
Does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.