Model year 2021 · Midsize Cars, Small Station Wagons
2021 Subaru Impreza: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Impreza at 25–32 mpg combined across 7 versions. NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 14 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Safety recalls
2
EPA combined mpg
25–32
NHTSA overall rating
5/5
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Subaru dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2021 Subaru Impreza recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 2 safety recalls for the 2021 Subaru Impreza, newest first.
Suspension: Front: Control arm: Lower arm
NHTSA 21V675000Reported Aug 30, 2021Do not drive
Filed by
Subaru of America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. WRI-21)
Units affected
802 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Subaru of America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. WRA-21)
Units affected
383 (estimate)
Problem
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.
Risk
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.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2021 Subaru Impreza fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2021 Subaru Impreza crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2021 Subaru Impreza NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2021 Subaru Impreza 4 DR AWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
9.5%
Optional
2021 Subaru Impreza SW AWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
9.5%
Optional
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2021 Subaru Impreza owner complaints
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Impreza, most recently on Sep 10, 2024. 1 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 1 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2021 Subaru Impreza complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Visibility/wiper
3
Forward collision avoidance: Adaptive cruise control
2
Forward collision avoidance: Warnings
2
Steering
2
Tires
2
Unknown or other
2
Vehicle speed control
2
Air bags
1
Engine
1
Power train
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
