Last updated: 2026-03-04
2021 Subaru Impreza Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2021 Subaru Impreza scores 71/100 ("Good"). With 2 recalls and 14 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2021 is 1 year after the first facelift refresh.
Recalls
2
Complaints
14
Complaint Rate
4
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
$653
Above avgMajor Repair Risk
17%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
2 recalls on record
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.
Fifth generation (GK, GT)
Should You Buy the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
The 2021 Subaru Impreza scores 71/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2021 is 1 year after the first facelift refresh.
With 14 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to unknown or other (2). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
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
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER: Issues with windshield cracking on the 2021 Subaru Impreza (2 complaints)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER: Owners of the 2021 Subaru Impreza report issues with both side mirrors and the... (2 complaints)
Compare 2021 Subaru Impreza With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
- STEERING (2)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)
- VISIBILITY/WIPER (2)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2)
- TIRES (2)
- AIR BAGS (1)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (1)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- POWER TRAIN (1)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Subaru Impreza has 2 recalls on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
4
per 10k soldSegment avg: 12.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
1
Fires
0
Injuries
1
Deaths
0
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.
2021 Subaru Impreza NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.5%
Safety Technologies
Subaru Impreza Repair 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.
When Buying a Used 2021 Subaru Impreza
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect windshield for cracks, especially near defroster area
- Check side mirrors for melting or warping plastic
- Test adaptive cruise control for sudden deceleration
- Examine tires for bulges or signs of early wear
- Ensure steering tracks straight without drifting
Check Any 2021 Subaru Impreza's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2021 Impreza in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Subaru Impreza with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2021 Subaru Impreza Common Problems by Component
14 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners report issues with the steering of the 2021 Subaru Impreza, particularly describing an inability to maintain a straight path. Complaints frequently mention that the steering feels erratically loose or lacks a sense of center, causing the vehicle to drift slightly left or right. These symptoms are noted both at highway speeds and in adverse weather conditions, impacting vehicle stability and safety. The issues appear to manifest early, with one owner experiencing problems from as early as 700 miles. Some dealers acknowledge the issue but have not provided a definitive solution, even after alignment checks.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaintsOwners report issues with windshield cracking on the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Complaints frequently mention cracks appearing suddenly, with one owner noting the crack extending from the top center of the windshield to near the rearview mirror, and another experiencing a cracked windshield within three weeks of purchasing the vehicle. These issues appear to occur early in the vehicle's life, as indicated by the report of a crack shortly after purchase. No safety implications such as crashes or loss of control are mentioned in the complaints. Potential buyers should be aware of these reports of windshield cracking when considering this model.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Subaru Impreza report issues with both side mirrors and the front windshield. Complaints frequently mention that the plastic parts of the side mirrors melt under heat and sunlight, which can interfere with driver visibility, especially on highways. Additionally, multiple owners describe spontaneous cracking of the front windshield starting from the defroster area in a "J" shape. This issue has been observed in vehicles at least twice, with cracks occurring while the car is parked overnight, affecting the vehicle's EyeSight system when the crack extends into the camera's view. These issues may impact safety due to reduced visibility and potential interference with advanced driver assistance systems.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (2 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Subaru Impreza report issues with the vehicle's speed control system, specifically involving unexpected deceleration and unintended acceleration. One complaint describes the adaptive cruise control suddenly reducing speed from 55 mph to approximately 44 mph without any apparent obstruction, potentially due to glare. Another report details the vehicle accelerating without driver input, moving over a speed bump at about 5 mph and not slowing down during turns, even after the driver released the brake pedal. These incidents occur under various conditions, including highway driving and stationary situations in parking lots, and raise potential safety concerns due to the unintended vehicle behavior.
TIRES (2 complaints)
TIRES
2 complaintsOwners of the 2021 Subaru Impreza report issues with tire integrity, specifically involving blowouts and sidewall bulges. One complaint describes a blowout of a Continental tire at approximately 1,700 miles, resulting in a damaged rim and a need for tire and rim replacement. Another owner reports sidewall bulges on Yokohama tires at around 8,000 miles, requiring multiple tire replacements. These issues often occur without warning lights and can lead to loss of vehicle control. Buyers should be aware of potential tire integrity problems, particularly at lower mileages, which may necessitate early tire replacement.
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
When Do 2021 Subaru Impreza Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Subaru Impreza Years
Best Subaru Impreza Years to Buy
The best Subaru Impreza year is 2025 with a reliability score of 77/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (76/100) and 2024 (74/100).
Subaru Impreza Years to Avoid
The worst Subaru Impreza year is 2019 with a score of 66/100, primarily due to exterior lighting (62) issues.
See full Subaru Impreza years-to-avoid analysis →Subaru Impreza Reliability Score Trend
Subaru Impreza reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 73/100.
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 |
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?
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have?
Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza expensive to maintain?
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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