2021 Subaru Wrx recalls & complaints
Source: NHTSA, updated daily. Last checked 2026-10-18. Recalls apply to specific VINs — run your VIN to confirm.
1 safety recall, most serious first
1. Lights
What's wrong, in plain English: Headlights, tail lights or turn signals may not work, making the car hard to see. 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.
What could happen: Inoperative backup lights and an inoperative rearview camera can reduce vehicle visibility and driver awareness, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
What to do
- Check whether your car is affected: enter your 17-digit VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. A recall covers specific VINs, not every 2021 WRX.
- Book a repair at any authorized Subaru dealer. Quote NHTSA campaign 22V522000 (manufacturer code WRE-22).
- The repair is free. By US law, safety recall repairs cost the owner nothing, no matter the car's age or mileage.
- Manufacturer hotline: 1-844-373-6614.
- Buying this car used? Ask the seller for proof the recall was completed, or run the VIN yourself before paying.
Official wording from NHTSA
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Notes: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Useful for owners
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA
Most complained-about parts: Transmission / drivetrain (6), Engine (5), Electrical system (2), Unknown Or Other (2), Visibility (wipers / glass) (2).
Complaints are unverified reports from owners. A pattern (many complaints about the same part) matters more than any single one.
Read recent complaints (8)
05/26/2026 · Electrical system
Car battery keeps dying and is inadequately charged resulting in loss of electronics. The problem is a faulty DCM system.
06/22/2025 · Seats
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 h…
06/21/2025 · Engine
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 im…
06/11/2025 · Transmission / drivetrain
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 documente…
02/02/2025 · Engine
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
03/14/2024 · Transmission / drivetrain
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)
03/08/2024 · Transmission / drivetrain
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 reprog…
03/07/2024 · Transmission / drivetrain
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…