2021 Subaru WRX: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2021 Subaru WRX at 18–23 mpg combined across 3 versions. NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 13 owner complaints for this model year. Its best NHTSA overall crash-test rating is 5 out of 5 stars.
Safety recalls
1
EPA combined mpg
18–23
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 WRX recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 1 safety recall for the 2021 Subaru WRX, newest first.
Exterior lighting: Back up lights: Switch
NHTSA 22V522000Reported Jul 21, 2022
Filed by
Subaru of America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. WRE-22)
Units affected
59,934 (estimate)
Problem
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Risk
Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the backup light switch, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 16, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2021 Subaru WRX 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 WRX 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 WRX NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2021 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
5 stars
10.1%
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 WRX owner complaints
Owners have filed 13 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru WRX, most recently on May 26, 2026. 0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2021 Subaru WRX complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Power train
6
Engine
5
Electrical system
2
Unknown or other
2
Visibility/wiper
2
Fuel/propulsion system
1
Seats
1
Steering
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
