Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Subaru Impreza Reliability Report
The 2021 Subaru Impreza has a good reliability standing, but one of its two recalls is do-not-drive and owners report steering drift and tire bulges.
Recalls
2
Complaints
14
Complaint Rate
4per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$653
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,850–$2,400
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Good standing and a 5-star crash rating, but a do-not-drive recall and a weaker position than neighbors 2020 and 2022 set this year apart.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is 1 year after the first facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the Fifth generation (GK, GT) (2017–2023).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 5th generation Impreza (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
2017: Fifth generation (GK, GT) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2020: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is 1 year after the first facelift refresh.
Should You Buy the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
Reliability is good, and this year sits close to average among 2021 sedans. Inside the Impreza lineup it is among the weaker of nine scored years, and both 2020 and 2022 rate better. It earned 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repairs at $653 for the model, against $526 for its class.
Owners filed 14 complaints. Some cars drift left or right on the highway, and alignments did not always hold. Tires are another worry: sidewalls bulge, one case at about 8,000 miles, and one blowout came at about 30 mph with no warning light. Adaptive cruise control has braked hard with nothing ahead, and a few cars crept without gas pedal input. Federal recall records list two recalls, for the power train and suspension. One is a do-not-drive recall.
Run the VIN through federal recall records and confirm both repairs were done. Inspect the tires for sidewall bulges. Also compare a 2020 or 2022 before you commit.
Compared to the 2022 Subaru Impreza, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2020 Subaru Impreza for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low recall count
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −Above-average repair costs for its class
- −STEERING issues reported (2 complaints)
- −VISIBILITY/WIPER: Windshield cracks on its own, with no impact point, starting near the defroster... (2 complaints)
Compare 2021 Subaru Impreza With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- STEERING (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Subaru Impreza carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Subaru Impreza Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
POWER TRAIN
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.
Consequence
A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Remedy
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.
SUSPENSION
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.
Consequence
A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Buying a used 2021 Subaru Impreza? Check its history first
Steering problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Subaru Impreza, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Subaru Impreza NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
Safety Technologies
Subaru ImprezaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$653
vs $526 avg for compact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
17%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Subaru Impreza Resale Value
The Subaru Impreza is estimated to retain about 65.2% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Subaru Impreza model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.
- Value Retained
- 65.2%
- Depreciation
- 34.8%
- Listings Analyzed
- 182
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Subaru Impreza depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
25–32 MPG
Running cost: $2,500–$3,050/yr
Fuel + repair
22–28 city / 30–36 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Impreza 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 36 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Impreza 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 28 | 36 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Impreza Sport 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (AV-S7) | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Impreza 4-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 23 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Impreza 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 24 | 31 | 26 | $2,300 |
| Impreza Sport 5-Door 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 22 | 30 | 25 | $2,400 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Subaru Impreza.
Inspect the whole windshield for cracks, especially near the defroster area and at the top center by the mirror.
Ask for records of any windshield replacement and confirm the EyeSight camera was recalibrated afterward.
On a straight highway, ease your grip on the wheel and check whether the car holds center or drifts.
Feel for a loose or vague steering column at highway speed and note any slight swerve.
Use adaptive cruise on an open road and watch for sudden braking with nothing ahead.
In a parking lot, release the brake in Drive and Reverse and check for any unexpected surge.
Check every tire sidewall for bulges or knots, and look for rim damage.
Look at the side mirror plastic for melting, warping, or sun damage.
2021 Subaru Impreza Common Problems by Component
14 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
2 complaintsThe car drifts slightly left or right instead of holding center, and some reports describe steering that feels erratically loose at highway speed with a slight swerve. Problems appear on new cars, one within the first 700 miles. Dealers typically respond with an alignment, but reports say the wander comes back or is never fully fixed, and one dealer admitted it had no answer. The risk is greatest on the highway and in wind or bad weather, where constant drift reduces stability and the driver's sense of control.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsThe windshield cracks with no accident or impact, often discovered after the car has sat parked overnight. Cracks run from the top center edge down toward the rearview mirror, and some appear within 3 weeks of buying the car new. These reports match the spontaneous windshield cracking filed under visibility. A crack in this area sits in the driver's view and near the windshield-mounted camera, so it affects both visibility and the driver-assist system that relies on that camera.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsThe windshield cracks on its own, with no impact point, starting near the defroster area in a J shape. Some cars crack again in the same spot after replacement, sometimes overnight as temperatures rise. A cracked windshield also affects the EyeSight camera, and replacement requires recalibration of the driver-assist system. Separately, plastic parts on the side mirrors melt or deform in heat and sunlight, which hurts rear visibility on the highway. Dealers treated the mirror damage as the owner's fault and advised parking in the shade.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsAdaptive cruise control brakes suddenly with no vehicle or debris ahead, slowing the car hard enough to jolt occupants. A dealer suggested glare as the cause. Other reports describe the car moving forward or backward without gas pedal input once the brake is released, and even speeding up through a turn in a parking lot at about 5 mph. Both patterns carry crash risk: unexpected braking invites a rear-end collision on the highway, and unintended creeping can roll the car into obstacles or people at low speed.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsSidewalls develop bulges on the factory tires, and some cars need more than one tire replaced for the same problem, with one case at about 8,000 miles of normal local driving. Reports cover both the 18-inch Yokohama and the 16-inch Continental ProContact TX tires. One blowout happened at about 30 mph with a loud noise, a sudden pull to the right, a damaged rim, and no warning light. A bulging or failing tire can lead to a blowout and loss of control.
AIR BAGS (1 complaints)
AIR BAGS
1 complaintSafety-relatedThe 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 total, four vehicles were involved in the accident. The contact's air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was taken to hospital via an ambulance where they were treated for a nasal fracture. The contact also suffered additional bruises to the face, both arms and right upper thigh. During a recent surgery for an appendix removal, the contact's surgeon discovered bruising on the contact's colon; likely caused by the accident. The driver that caused the collision claimed to have suffered from a seizure which caused the accident; that driver did not suffer any physical injuries. The whereabouts of the other two drivers involved in the accident were unknown. A police report was filed. The contact's vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaintThe 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
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintVehicle 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 36,000 miles as stated in pages 4 and 5 the Warranty and Maintenance 2021 Book. Also vehicle has oil leak under rear side of motor.
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintJULY 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 TIME TO TIME VEHICLE DOES STALL WHILE MAKING TURNS MAKING, ODOMETER READS 18081. THE OHER ISSUE IS ITS WINDSHIELD, IT CRACKED WHILE DRIVING IT ON JANUARY 29, 2022, THERE IS NO STRESS MARKS FROM PEBBLES, ROCKS, OR ANY OTHER FLYING FROM THE ROAD OR VEHICLES. WROTE AN INQUIRY TO MANUFACTURER, SENT A PICTURE, BUT WE NEVER GOT A RESPONSE TO THIS INQUIRY, TOOK VEHICLE FOR ITS 18000 SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE, LET SUBARU OF EL PASO TO LOOK AT IT, AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS TO CALL OUR AUTO INSURANCE TO HANDLE ITS REPAIR, TECHNICIAN DID NOT BOTHER TO INSPECT THIS ISSUE AND DIDN'T RECORDER ON MAINTENANCE
Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years
Best Subaru Impreza Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreSubaru Impreza Years to Avoid
Subaru Impreza Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 69/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 66/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Subaru Impreza Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
Does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have tire problems?
Does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have recalls?
How much does the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost to repair?
Don’t buy a 2021 Subaru Impreza without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Subaru Impreza
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Subaru Impreza does best on how many systems draw complaints (79/100) and worst on recall impact (65/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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