2021 Subaru WRX
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Subaru WRX is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 10 on record.
2021 Subaru WRX at a glance
Included: that car's specs and build sheet, model-year recall campaigns and a fair price.
2021 Subaru WRX recalls 1
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.
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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA, checked 4 Nov 2026. A campaign covers the model year; to see whether a particular car still needs the repair, check its VIN on NHTSA.gov or ask a franchised dealer.
2021 Subaru WRX common problems
The most-reported problem areas across all 13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2021 Subaru WRX safety ratings
Rollover risk: 10.1% — NHTSA's estimated chance of rollover in a single-vehicle crash (dynamic test: no tip).
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2021 Subaru WRX 4 DR AWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.
2021 Subaru WRX MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. The EPA lists 3 versions of this model year; combined is shown as a range and the other figures are averages.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2021 Subaru WRX costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. There aren't enough comparable listings to estimate depreciation for this model, so it is left out. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Dimensions & weight
Manufacturer-reported figures for the 2021 Subaru WRX — ranges cover the 2 body / drivetrain versions on record. Source: Transport Canada vehicle specifications via NHTSA.
Investigations & service bulletins
Manufacturer service bulletins 215
Technical notes the manufacturer sent to dealers about known issues and fixes. Useful to mention to a mechanic — they are not recalls and repairs may not be covered. Showing the 10 most recent of 215.
This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (M · Electrical System · Oct 2026This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
Bulletin 13-109-26 · Sep 2026"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
Bulletin 18-244-26 · Electrical System · Sep 2026This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
Bulletin SubaruNet Announcement (C · Sep 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Sep 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Sep 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to no-start conditions or frequent jump-starts.This is an revised ve…
Bulletin 15-308-23R · Electrical System · Aug 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
Bulletin 15-304-22R · Electrical System · Aug 2026Techtips newsletter locator index.
Bulletin Article Locator · Electrical System · Aug 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin
Bulletin 15-333-25R · Electrical System · Aug 2026Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, listed for the WRX AWD. Model-year data, not specific to one car.
About the Subaru WRX
The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model. The car is known for its striking blue shade, with gold alloy wheels, because of a sponsorship with a Singaporean cigarette manufacturer.
From Wikipedia, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Describes the model line in general, not this model year specifically.
2021 Subaru WRX trims & engines on record
2021 Subaru WRX vehicles on record
2021 Subaru WRX STI Limited+W+KA+RE+BSD+ NAVI (H/K)+M/RJF1VA2W68M9801437
2021 Subaru WRX STI Limited+W+KA+RE+BSD+ NAVI (H/K)+M/RJF1VA2W61M9806320
2021 Subaru WRX Base+LJF1VA1A69M9815591
2021 Subaru WRXJF1VA1C63M9809766
2021 Subaru WRXJF1VA1C64M9801711
2021 Subaru WRXJF1VA1C68M9819273
2021 Subaru WRXJF1VAGL85MG020082
2021 Subaru WRXJF1VA1C66M9823354
2021 Subaru WRXJF1VA1C69M9807178
2021 Subaru WRXJF1VA2E68M9816313