The 2021 Subaru Impreza has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 14 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Visibility Wiper (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2).
Impreza reliability snapshot
71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$653
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#33/36
Ranking in compact cars · better than 8% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Impreza before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
Unknown Or Other2
Visibility Wiper2
Vehicle Speed Control2
Tires2
Steering2
Air Bags1
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Subaru Impreza
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
☐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
What owners reported
2021 Subaru Impreza owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 1 crash and 1 injury to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints2
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners 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.
Owner complaints2
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners 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.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners 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.
Owner complaints2
TIRES
Owners 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.
Owner complaints2
STEERING
Owners 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.
2021 Impreza recalls (2)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Impreza. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
SUSPENSIONNHTSA 21V675000Aug 30, 2021
Do not drive — park immediately
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.
POWER TRAINNHTSA 21V024000Jan 26, 2021
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.
Used-market value
2021 Subaru Impreza resale snapshot
65.2%estimated value retained after 5 years
182listings in the model-level benchmark
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
The 2021 Subaru Impreza demonstrates a moderate reliability profile, scoring slightly above the segment average. Its reliability is mixed, with no single issue category dominating the complaint data. The complaints are evenly spread across various areas, including visibility, vehicle speed control, and steering, suggesting no specific systemic flaw but rather a range of minor concerns.
The model has two recalls, which is a limited number, indicating a relatively stable performance in terms of manufacturing and safety standards. As it stands in the fifth year of its generation, the Impreza benefits from iterative improvements typical of later production years.
Overall, the 2021 Subaru Impreza presents a moderate reliability risk, suitable for buyers seeking a vehicle with a balanced performance history.
What you get in a 2021 Subaru Impreza report
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2021 Subaru Impreza now
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2021 Subaru Impreza — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza reliable?
The 2021 Subaru Impreza demonstrates a moderate reliability profile, scoring slightly above the segment average. Its reliability is mixed, with no single issue category dominating the complaint data. The complaints are evenly spread across various areas, including visibility, vehicle speed control, and steering, suggesting no specific systemic flaw but rather a range of minor concerns.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have?
2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Impreza problems?
The most-reported 2021 Subaru Impreza problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (2), Visibility Wiper (2), Vehicle Speed Control (2).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Subaru Impreza?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Subaru Impreza, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.
