NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru Crosstrek Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 107 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek registers a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, a three-point decrease from the 2020 model's 83. This score places the vehicle in the Strong safety band. The Crosstrek's strong crash-test performance provides its primary safety foundation, yet its overall Safety Index is tempered by a modest defect record and the fact that its advanced avoidance technologies are not standard equipment.
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.6% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 107 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek registers 80/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a three-point decrease from the 2020 model's 83. This shift warrants closer inspection. Its crash-protection performance is strong, earning 61 out of a possible 70 points. This reflects a 5-star overall NHTSA rating, a 5-star side impact result, and a clean dynamic tip outcome. However, other factors pull the overall index score down. The avoidance technology component scores only 6 out of 10. This is because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning were optional, not standard, equipment for this model year. Consequently, some vehicles on the road lack these safety features. The defect-record component contributes 13 out of 20 points. This score is influenced by one recall concerning the automatic transmission interlock switch, and 107 unverified owner complaints. These complaints are concentrated in the Visibility/Wiper and Electrical System categories. While the interlock switch recall was a broader campaign, not exclusive to the Crosstrek, it remains the defining defect for this model year. Owners should verify its resolution.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Crosstrek secured an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly noteworthy, achieving a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each earned 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle exhibits a 16 percent rollover risk, with the dynamic tip test yielding a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15632
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have any recalls?
The 2021 Crosstrek carries one recall campaign: a powertrain issue involving the automatic transmission park/neutral start interlock switch. An insufficient component in that switch system prompted the campaign, which also covers certain 2022 Forester, and 2021-2023 Legacy and Outback vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH23V755000
Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Reported 2023-11-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
NHTSA has received 107 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Crosstrek. Alleged problem areas, ranked by volume, include Visibility/Wiper systems (29 reports), Unknown or Other (23), Electrical System (14), Engine (14), Forward Collision Avoidance (13), and Power Train (12). Reported figures include 8 alleged crashes and 6 alleged injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations only.
107 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
The 2021 Crosstrek presents a mixed safety profile, with a critical recall affecting all units. A recall was issued concerning the interlock switch, a component essential for preventing unintended vehicle movement. Shoppers of used 2021 Crosstrek models must verify that this recall has been addressed. The vehicle's safety profile can also vary significantly based on its original equipment. Optional forward collision warning and lane departure warning systems directly influence the active safety capabilities of any given unit. These features should be confirmed when evaluating a specific vehicle.
- The 2021 Crosstrek's Safety Index fell three points to 80/100 compared to the 2020 model year's 83, driven in part by optional-only forward collision warning and lane departure warning rather than standard fitment.
- One recall was issued for this model year targeting the automatic transmission park/neutral start interlock switch, a campaign shared with certain 2022 Forester and 2021-2023 Legacy and Outback vehicles.
- The side-impact crash test produced a perfect 5-star result, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars, with rollover risk measured at 16 percent and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The 107 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year are led by alleged Visibility/Wiper issues (29 reports) and Electrical System concerns (14 reports), categories that used-market buyers should probe during any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek places
The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Subaru Crosstrek safety questions
Was the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.6%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 107 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Crosstrek years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15632), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Crosstrek 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 75 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.