AI-generated · grounded in NHTSA data

Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Overall rating NHTSA-grounded

Average

Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $7,000–$12,000

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek demonstrates an average reliability rating. While there's a notable recall related to the transmission inhibitor switch, the distribution of owner complaints across various systems suggests no overwhelming single point of failure.

Most-common failures

Part Typical mileage Cost range Frequency
wiper system20,000–40,000 miles$150–$300very common
engine30,000–50,000 miles$500–$1,500common
transmission switch40,000–60,000 miles$400–$800occasional
electrical system30,000–50,000 miles$100–$500occasional
forward collision avoidance50,000–70,000 miles$250–$700occasional

Scheduled maintenance to budget

Routine items every owner should plan for.

  • Oil change every 6,000 miles
  • Brake fluid replacement every 2 years
  • Tire rotation every 7,500 miles
  • Spark plug replacement at 60,000 miles
  • Transmission fluid check annually

Warning signs to watch for

Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.

  • Intermittent wiper failure
  • Delayed engine start
  • Dashboard warning lights
  • Transmission slipping
  • Steering wheel vibrations

Generated by gpt-4o on 8/20/2026. Cost ranges are conservative estimates that account for typical regional variation.