2021 Subaru WRX Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: March 4, 2026 · Filed: May 26, 2026

Car battery keeps dying and is inadequately charged resulting in loss of electronics. The problem is a faulty DCM system.

Incident: June 1, 2025 · Filed: June 22, 2025

Manual (not power) Driver seat is loose-rocking car only has 47000 miles but this hardware failure will get worse over time definitely a safety concern if bolt breaks it appears that the plastic washer is wearing most likely poor material should be polyurethane or something like the form of a grommet that absorbs since vehicle has hard suspension NOTE: I have video however cannot create video < than 10mb

Incident: December 12, 2024 · Filed: June 21, 2025

In October 2024, my vehicle, a 2021 Subaru WRX STI, was purchased from a Toyota dealership (Fort Bend Sterling McCall Toyota). The dealership sold the vehicle with an oil issue and a modified ECM. This issue caused catastrophic engine failure while driving. The vehicle stalled and could not be started. Subaru dealership technicians confirmed the cause as improper service leading to catastrophic oil starvation. The failure put both myself and others at risk, as the engine lost power mid-operation on a busy road. The vehicle was towed to a certified Subaru dealership, where it has been detained since December 2024. Despite being under warranty, repairs have been delayed for over 6 months due to blame disputes between the dealership, the manufacturer, and the extended warranty provider. There were no prior dashboard warnings or messages before failure, only loss of power and engine noise at the time of the incident. The vehicle has been fully inspected and documented by the Subaru service center, and all evidence has been preserved. I have been without a primary vehicle for over 7 months.

Incident: February 20, 2025 · Filed: June 11, 2025

I am filing this complaint to report a serious safety concern involving my 2021 Subaru WRX, which is currently covered under the manufacturer’s powertrain warranty as well as an extended warranty. Subaru of Ontario, an authorized Subaru dealership, failed to properly diagnose or repair ongoing engine issues during multiple service visits. Despite documented problems, the vehicle was released to me in a condition that was unsafe to operate since their location did not have a loaner, fully aware of the issues at hand, exposing me and my family to serious risk while driving. As a result of this negligence, the engine has now deteriorated to the point of needing a full replacement. Subaru of Ontario is attempting to charge me $3,000 for an engine replacement, despite warranty coverage that should fully apply. The dealership has refused to acknowledge their failure in prior inspections or take accountability for releasing an unsafe vehicle back onto the road. I am reporting this as a vehicle safety hazard and potential warranty fraud, as the dealership’s actions directly led to unsafe operating conditions and are now being used as justification to deny coverage. I urge the NHTSA to investigate both this specific incident and whether this may reflect a larger pattern among Subaru service centers. I am prepared to provide service records, warranty documentation, dealership communications, and supporting evidence upon request.

Incident: December 31, 2024 · Filed: 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

Incident: May 11, 2023 · Filed: March 14, 2024

NHTSA ID:#10186366 SUBARU TSB #[XXX] This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Incident: March 20, 2023 · Filed: 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 Affected Product Vehicle MAKEMODELYEAR SUBARUWRX2021

Incident: February 21, 2024 · Filed: 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 Corporate because an intake should not cause catastrophic engine failure at only 38,000 miles.

Incident: February 20, 2023 · Filed: 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 choice but to have the car towed to the dealership on a flatbed. To this day, the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. I suspect that approximately 50 new miles were added to my odometer during its time there. The following parts were replaced in an attempt to address the problem: oil seal, main transmission shaft, LK Nut-23x11, LK Wash 23x35x2.3, and Gasket case R. The transmission work included replacing the clutch and associated components: pressure plate, throw-out bearing, fork, flywheel, cover CP-Clutch, bearing Clutch R, flywheel AY Flex, Complete Clutch Disk, Spring release lever, and High-Performance Gear oil 75W90. Additionally, the 5th/6th synchro set and sleeve/hub, Sleeve & Hub NO 2, and Ring Baulk were replaced. My WRX was in the shop for nearly 60 days. I communicated with the dealership and the manufacturer’s representatives via calls and text messages five times on the first day the dealer received the WRX, and three more times before the work order was created. "while in 2nd gear and preparing to shift at 3,500 RPMs. I thought about pushing in the clutch. However, before doing so the vehicle became unresponsive without any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure." Then was told voided warranty for several different reasons after the next reason: first, due to mud found under the WRX; second, the use of unauthorized parts; third, allegations of racing/speeding; and fourth, c

Incident: April 5, 2023 · Filed: April 6, 2023

Mileage is 19,300 On 4/5/23 i was entering the gated community where i live stoped pressed remote to open gate then with clutch engaged shifted my wrx into first and the entire steel shaft broke at base where pin secures shaft to linkage this is a wrx sti short throw shifter pn C1010VA001 445 dollar option the Subaru of Ontario repair department indicated that they have never seen such an issue in all ther years and did not have a clue as to why the steel thick shifter broke in half other than the obvious in which that i am in fact superman. The dealership Subaru of Ontario They called back and told me the defective steel rod was not covered under warranty and said that i caused the issue and i have to pay 1,200 with no eta or anything. I would like an investigation regarding grade of steel/tensile strength of the WRX Shift assembly since it is extremely unsafe if i was on freeway the resulting failure would potentially been catastrophic My understanding that this component cannot be easily broken by human hands i have never applied 1000 psi or so of pressure that is why ian investigation into why this extremely unsafe driving condition wherein the shifter cab easily break has to be done