2021 Subaru WRX problems and owner complaints
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
13 owner complaints analyzed
1 distinct recall campaigns
Not available median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2021 model year. Data snapshot: . 0 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 6 of 13 complaints (46.2%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Engine operation | 3 | 23.1% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 2 | 15.4% |
| Transmission and shifting | 1 | 7.7% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 6 |
| Engine | 5 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Unknown Or Other | 2 |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Seats | 1 |
| Steering | 1 |
Power Train: 6; Engine: 5; Electrical System: 2; Unknown Or Other: 2; Visibility/Wiper: 2; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Seats: 1; Steering: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 0 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 0; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
No usable failure mileage is recorded. 13 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 1 |
2022: 3; 2023: 1; 2024: 4; 2025: 4; 2026: 1
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Engine operation appears in 3 complaint narratives. Electrical and battery issues appears in 2 complaint narratives. Transmission and shifting appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Complaint evidence
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11576067 · 2024-03-07 (March 7, 2024)
Severe engine failure! Was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230F. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking. I made it to an exit and the engine stalled at the red light. No smoke, oil level good, coolant level good. Had it towed to Subaru dealer, where they said the engine has severe damage and needs a Short Block Engine Assembly. Warranty was denied because it has a cold air intake. Complained to Subaru Co…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11576067 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11640227 · 2025-02-02 (February 2, 2025)
Excessive blow by contaminating MAP sensors & creating lean/rich conditions. This causes loss of power, stalling and will lead to catastrophic engine failure. EGR system is faulty
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11640227 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11576251 · 2024-03-08 (March 8, 2024)
Lifetime Tracking Data Displayed Incorrectly with higher data results. High rev's max speed 131mp. I have never gone over 89 mp. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 09-79-21 Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING NHTSA ID Number: 10201791 Manufacturer Communication Number: 09-79-21 Summary This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files to address isolated concerns of inaccurate values being displayed when accessing Lifetime Tracking Data using the Subaru Select Monitor and / or a Generic Scan Tool (GST). 1 Aff…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11576251 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11740103 · 2026-05-26 (May 26, 2026)
Car battery keeps dying and is inadequately charged resulting in loss of electronics. The problem is a faulty DCM system.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11740103 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11572772 · 2024-02-19 (February 19, 2024)
10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my WRX refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine RPMs surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the WRX wouldn’t engage in gear. I narrowly avoided collisions three times before managing to reach the nearest safe area to stop, which was a side road. The experience was harrowing, especially with my three children in the car. I had no c…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11572772 at NHTSA ↗