NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru WRX Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru WRX scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 13 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A perfect sweep of crash-test ratings defines the 2021 Subaru WRX's occupant protection, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 95 out of 100. This robust performance in federal assessments, combined with a notably clean defect record, indicates a vehicle with a high degree of safety. The single active recall noted for this model year is specific and addressable.
The 2021 Subaru WRX holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100 and a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Subaru WRX ranks 19 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 95 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.1% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 13 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 19 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Subaru WRX?
The 2021 Subaru WRX moves one point higher than the 2020 model year, rising from a 94/100 Exceptional rating to a 95/100 Exceptional rating. That single-point gain is modest in absolute terms but meaningful in context: the crash protection sub-score lands at a perfect 70 out of 70, meaning every star NHTSA could award was captured. The avoidance technology sub-score of 6 out of 10 reflects that forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional rather than standard equipment, which is the primary ceiling on the overall Index. Electronic stability control is standard, which anchors the avoidance category. The defect record sub-score of 19 out of 20 is strong for a model year that carries one recall, and that recall is a multi-year corrosion campaign on the backup light switch rather than a structural or powertrain safety defect. Thirteen unverified owner complaints represent a low volume for this segment and include zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. Taken together, the 2021 WRX presents a tightly clustered safety picture: near-perfect crash protection, a contained defect footprint, and an avoidance technology profile that buyers can partially upgrade through option selection.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Subaru WRX perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Subaru WRX achieved the highest possible federal safety ratings, earning 5 out of 5 stars in every category tested by NHTSA. This includes overall, frontal crash, side crash, and rollover evaluations. Its rollover risk was assessed at 10 percent, with a "No Tip" dynamic test result. No tested category for the 2021 WRX fell below the top mark, indicating a robust performance in the NHTSA NCAP program.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15634
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Subaru WRX have any recalls?
One recall affects the 2021 WRX, covering the backup light switch. The campaign spans certain 2015 through 2021 WRX vehicles and addresses corrosion that can render the backup light switch inoperative. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is associated with this campaign. Used buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH22V522000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2022-07-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Subaru WRX?
Thirteen unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 WRX. The top components named in those unverified reports are Power Train with 6 allegations and Engine with 5. Electrical System, Visibility/Wiper, and Seats account for the remaining reported concerns. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged.
13 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Subaru WRX?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 WRX should run the specific VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm whether the backup light switch recall has been remedied. An unresolved recall on a 5-year-old vehicle is a negotiating point and a safety checkpoint before finalizing any transaction.
- The 2021 WRX achieved a perfect 70/70 crash protection sub-score under the MotorCaliber index, reflecting 5-star NHTSA results in every tested category including a 10 percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.
- One recall is on record for this model year, targeting backup light switch corrosion across certain 2015 through 2021 WRX vehicles. Used buyers must verify remedy completion by VIN.
- The avoidance technology sub-score of 6/10 is the primary factor separating this vehicle from a perfect Safety Index, because both forward collision warning and lane departure warning are optional add-ons rather than standard equipment on this model year.
- Thirteen unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed for the 2021 WRX, with Power Train and Engine as the most frequently named components. Zero alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths appear in those unverified reports.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Subaru WRX places
The 2021 Subaru WRX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Subaru WRX safety questions
Was the 2021 Subaru WRX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Subaru WRX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 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 WRX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Subaru WRX 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 10.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru WRX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2021 Subaru WRX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru WRX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 13 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Subaru WRX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other WRX 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 15634), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru WRX 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 19 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.