Reliability & 5-year cost of ownership — 2021 Subaru WRX
NHTSA data on file today
The 2021 Subaru WRX has 1 NHTSA recall campaign and 13 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #22V522000 Inoperative Backup Lights and Rearview Image NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 6 complaints
- Engine 5 complaints
- Electrical System 2 complaints
- Unknown or Other 2 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 2 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 1 complaint
Above average
Estimated 5-year repair + maintenance cost: $4,500–$6,000AI estimate — not from NHTSA data
The 2021 Subaru WRX has a strong reliability record with a few minor issues. Recalls are minimal, with the primary one affecting backup lights. Complaints are relatively low, reflecting good overall reliability.
Most-common failures
| Part | Typical mileage (AI estimate) | Cost range (AI estimate) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| power train | 30,000–50,000 miles | $700–$1,500 | common |
| engine | 20,000–40,000 miles | $600–$1,300 | common |
| electrical system | 10,000–30,000 miles | $300–$800 | occasional |
AI estimate — not from NHTSA data: the mileage bands and repair-cost ranges above. Get a written repair quote before you budget.
Scheduled maintenance to budget
Routine items every owner should plan for.
- Oil and filter changes
- Brake fluid replacement
- Tire rotations and balancing
- Coolant flush
- Transmission fluid change
Warning signs to watch for
Symptoms that signal a major upcoming repair.
- Unusual engine noises
- Transmission slipping
- Electrical malfunctions
- Backup camera failures
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2021 Subaru WRX at the time. The rating is an AI assessment; cost and mileage figures are AI estimates, not NHTSA data.