NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru Impreza Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru Impreza scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 14 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Subaru Impreza earned a perfect score in every NHTSA crash test category. This performance underpins its Exceptional rating, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. However, two recalls, one instructing owners to park outside, and less-than-stellar scores in avoidance technology assessments prevented a higher overall index score.
The 2021 Subaru Impreza received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced entirely 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 Impreza ranks 37 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 2 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 14 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 37 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
The 2021 Impreza enters the used market with a Safety Index of 90/100, a two-point drop from the 2020 model's 92/100, both within the Exceptional band. The slide is traceable to the defect record component, which scores 14.25 out of a possible 20, pulled down by the two recall campaigns specific to this production year. The park-outside lower control arm weld recall is the defining safety event of this model year. A weld failure in the front suspension is a structural concern serious enough that NHTSA elevated it to a do-not-drive designation, which is relatively uncommon and worth treating as the headline issue for any prospective buyer. The CVT shift-linkage recall is a separate concern affecting gear selection. On the crash-protection side, the 2021 Impreza is unimpeachable, earning a perfect 70 out of 70 points and five stars in every NHTSA category. The avoidance-tech score of 6 out of 10 reflects that both forward collision warning and lane departure warning remain optional rather than standard on this trim configuration, while electronic stability control is standard. The 14 owner complaints are low in volume but concentrate in forward collision avoidance and visibility, areas worth a pre-purchase inspection.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Subaru Impreza perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2021 Subaru Impreza five stars across every tested category: overall, frontal, side, and rollover. The rollover risk registers at 10% with a dynamic no-tip result. No category came back weak or not rated, making this one of the cleaner crash-test profiles in the segment.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15631
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Impreza. The first, and more serious, targets the left-front lower control arm weld, which may fail and compromise steering control. NHTSA designated this a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign. The second addresses the CVT shift-selector cable on certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. Both campaigns are open to VIN-level verification.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER ARM21V675000
Risk: A separated control arm may cause the tire to contact the wheel well, resulting in a loss of control and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the repair is complete. Dealers will inspect and replace the control arm as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 3, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRI-21.
Reported 2021-08-30
POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD21V024000
Risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.
Reported 2021-01-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
NHTSA has logged 14 unverified owner complaints for the 2021 Impreza, including one alleged crash and one alleged injury. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance and Visibility/Wiper systems, each drawing three reports. All complaints are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
14 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
Before considering a used 2021 Impreza, prospective buyers must confirm remedy completion for two critical recalls. The park-outside lower control arm recall addresses a structural safety concern, and its resolution is paramount. Separately, the status of the CVT shift-linkage recall also requires verification.
- The 2021 Impreza carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall for a left-front lower control arm weld that may fail, the most serious safety designation NHTSA assigns to a recall campaign.
- A second 2021-specific recall covers the CVT shift-selector linkage on certain Impreza and Outback vehicles, affecting the ability to select the intended gear.
- The Safety Index fell two points from the 2020 model year (92 to 90), a movement driven by the defect record component scoring 14.25 out of 20 rather than by any decline in crash-test performance.
- Forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional, not standard, on the 2021 Impreza, which limits the avoidance-tech score to 6 out of 10 and is worth confirming on any specific used unit.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Subaru Impreza places
The 2021 Subaru Impreza qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Subaru Impreza safety questions
Was the 2021 Subaru Impreza crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Subaru Impreza, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Subaru Impreza crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Subaru Impreza earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Subaru Impreza, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru Impreza?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 14 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Impreza 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 15631), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Impreza 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 37 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.