2021 Subaru Impreza

Recalls

2 recalls name the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Newest first.

• Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm

  Aug 30, 2021NHTSA 21V675000802 vehicles

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Impreza vehicles. The left-front lower control arm weld may fail, allowing the control arm to separate from the crossmember.

  Risk and remedy

  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.

  Full recall details →

• Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod

  Jan 26, 2021NHTSA 21V024000383 vehicles

  Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

  Risk and remedy

  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.

  Full recall details →

Owner complaints

What owners report most

1. Forward collision avoidance4
2. Visibility/wiper3
3. Steering2
4. Tires2
5. Unknown or other2
6. Vehicle speed control2
7. Engine1
8. Power train1
9. Service brakes1
10. Air bags1

Latest complaints

• Sep 10, 2024NJCrash1 injury
  Air bags
  The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The force of the impact caused the contact to hit another vehicle which then caused that vehicle to also hit another vehicle; in total, four vehicles…

  The contact owned a 2021 Subaru Impreza. The contact stated that while stopped at a red light, another vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle. The force of the impact caused the contact to hit another vehicle which then caused that vehicle to also hit another vehicle; in total, four vehicles were involved in the accident. The contact's air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact was taken to hospital via an ambulance where they were treated for a nasal fracture. The contact also suffered additional bruises to the face, both arms and right upper thigh. During a recent surgery for an appendix removal, the contact's surgeon discovered bruising on the contact's colon; likely caused by the accident. The driver that caused the collision claimed to have suffered from a seizure which caused the accident; that driver did not suffer any physical injuries. The whereabouts of the other two drivers involved in the accident were unknown. A police report was filed. The contact's vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard where it was deemed a total loss. The dealer nor the manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

• Apr 7, 2023IN
  Forward collision avoidance › Warnings

  The Eye Sight front collision warning did a hard brake going 55 mph when a car was well ahead of me slowing down to turn right. I was almost rear ended by the car behind me. This isn't the first time it's happened

• Mar 26, 2023PA
  Unknown or other

  Went to my car this morning and the windshield was cracked on the top center from the edge of the windshield to around where the rear view mirror is. This crack was not there last night when I parked my car. And there was no accident/damage to the windshield before this morning.

• Nov 25, 2022GA
  Visibility/wiper
  Plastic parts of side mirror melt easily by heat and sunlight. (Not only side mirror, but also other components with the same plastic parts) It bothers driver visibility and safety when driving highway. The problem was reviewed by subaru service center, and they said it is not their problems.…

  Plastic parts of side mirror melt easily by heat and sunlight. (Not only side mirror, but also other components with the same plastic parts) It bothers driver visibility and safety when driving highway. The problem was reviewed by subaru service center, and they said it is not their problems. Subaru service center said they saw few cases but they said it is customers fault. Service center said customer needs to park in the shade or safe place.

• Oct 30, 2022TX
  Service brakes

  Vehicle is at 23520 miles, front brake pads are worn to 1mm on passenger side and 2mm on front driver side. Vehicle had been taken on October 04, 2022 for repairs and local Subaru dealer refuses to repair it, even though warranty still applicable for defects until 3 years or 36,000 miles as stated in pages 4 and 5 the Warranty and Maintenance 2021 Book. Also vehicle has oil leak under rear side of motor.

• Oct 18, 2022CO
  Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Forward collision avoidance › Warnings · Visibility/wiper
  Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalibration (ADAS). First windshield was…

  Front windshield spontaneous cracking from defroster area in a "J" shape. This is the second windshield since new to do this (2021 model). Available for inspection. The first windshield was inspected and replaced by Subaru at their cost minus eyesight recalibration (ADAS). First windshield was inspected by insurance and no impact point was found and was notified to contact dealer before filing a claim with insurance. The second cracked windshield is in the same area as the first with exactly the same shape and abruptness. Cracked while car was sitting over night. Temps at 6 am were 37 degress. Temps at time of crack were 60 degrees. Car is equipped with eyesight that is affected by the crack once it grows into the eyesight camera view.

• Jun 20, 2022LA
  Forward collision avoidance › Adaptive cruise control · Vehicle speed control

  I was using the adaptive cruise control on the highway set to 55 mph. The car suddenly decelerated to ~44 mph so quickly I had whiplash. There was no other vehicle in front of me and the highway was clear of debris. The dealership said this could be caused by a glare.

• May 28, 2022TX
  Power train · Visibility/wiper
  July 09 2021 reported to subaru el paso at time of first maintenance (6000 miles) vehicle losses power and stalls when making turns, it IS more noticeable making a left turn. Technician said coudn't duplicate the problem and no furter action was needed. However a year ;later from time to time…

  July 09 2021 reported to subaru el paso at time of first maintenance (6000 miles) vehicle losses power and stalls when making turns, it IS more noticeable making a left turn. Technician said coudn't duplicate the problem and no furter action was needed. However a year ;later from time to time vehicle does stall while making turns making, odometer reads 18081. the oher issue IS its windshield, it cracked while driving it on january 29, 2022, there IS no stress marks from pebbles, rocks, or any other flying from the road or vehicles. Wrote an inquiry to manufacturer, sent a picture, but we never got a response to this inquiry, took vehicle for its 18000 scheduled maintenance, let subaru of el paso to look at it, and their response was to call our auto insurance to handle its repair, technician did not bother to inspect this issue and didn't recorder on maintenance

• Jan 24, 2022VT1,700 mi
  Tires
  The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Impreza equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact TX, Tire Size: P205/55/R16, DOT Number: A3T2WC892420. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The contact stated…

  The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Impreza equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact TX, Tire Size: P205/55/R16, DOT Number: A3T2WC892420. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, she heard a loud abnormal noise and the vehicle started pulling to the right. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to park on the side of the road. While inspecting the vehicle, she noticed that the passenger’s side front tire had blown out and that the rim was damaged. The contact called AAA Roadside Assistance who was able to replace faulty tire with spare tire. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the front passenger’s side tire and rim replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The tire manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,700.

• Jul 11, 2021MA
  Steering

  New lease beginning in March 2021. The steering column is erratically loose, noticeable at highway speed in April 2021, accompanied by slight swerve. Subaru dealer (cityside) begrudgingly assessed and found it needed alignment Aligned. Steering column now again erratically loose, less so than before, but still disconcerting, and accompanied by slight swerve. Does not feel safe to drive at highway speed.

• May 20, 2021MD
  Tires
  Tiers are Yokohama P225/40R18 88V This vehicle now has slightly more than 8,000 miles and has only been driven over local roads under normal operating conditions and speeds. A couple of weeks ago, while getting gas, I noticed a knot/bulge developing on front driver's side sidewall. The integrity…

  Tiers are Yokohama P225/40R18 88V This vehicle now has slightly more than 8,000 miles and has only been driven over local roads under normal operating conditions and speeds. A couple of weeks ago, while getting gas, I noticed a knot/bulge developing on front driver's side sidewall. The integrity of the tire was compromised so I contacted the dealership and arranged to have the tire replaced. I can produce the dealership repair bill upon request. Yesterday while taking my wife to an appointment, I noticed a knot/bulge developing on rear driver's side sidewall requiring another trip to the dealership and another tire replacement. I can take a photo of bulge in rear tire or have dealership preserve the tire if you would like it for your investigation of my complaint. Fortunately I have the resources to have the tires repaired. In my case the bulges appeared in the sidewall visible to me. I knew that integrity of the tire was compromised and immediate action was necessary. I am more than 60 years old. I have owned several new cars and this is the first time I have experienced this. It is possible that other motorists encountering the same problem may not have the resources to purchase multiple replacement tires. It is also possible that the bulge might appear on the backside of the sidewall where it would not be noticed. It is possible that another motorist might not recognize the integrity of the tire was compromised and that their life and the lives of others were potentially at risk.

• Apr 23, 2021NY
  Unknown or other

  Cracked windshield within 3 weeks of purchasing new 2021 subaru impreza hatchback AWD

• Apr 4, 2021TX7,000 mi
  Engine · Vehicle speed control
  The car accelerated without any input from driver. Driver did not apply pressure to gas pedal however the car still moves both forward an backwards. Car accelerated enough to drive over a speed bump without stopping, roughly 5 mph. Three videos were taken to document the issue. The event happen in…

  The car accelerated without any input from driver. Driver did not apply pressure to gas pedal however the car still moves both forward an backwards. Car accelerated enough to drive over a speed bump without stopping, roughly 5 mph. Three videos were taken to document the issue. The event happen in a parking lot, the car was stopped at first however as soon as the driver removed pressure from brakes pafel, the car accelerated without input. The car didnt slow down even when turning, in fact the car appears to have speed up. Unable to up load video

• Mar 31, 2021MA700 mi
  Steering
  This car will not track straight. Nice firm steering, but simply will not track straight. There IS no sense of center. If left alone, the steering will go slightly left, or slightly right, but never center. This IS annoying fair weather, but outright dangerous in weather or wind. A major impact on…

  This car will not track straight. Nice firm steering, but simply will not track straight. There IS no sense of center. If left alone, the steering will go slightly left, or slightly right, but never center. This IS annoying fair weather, but outright dangerous in weather or wind. A major impact on vehicle stability and safety. This car IS new, with 700 miles and has done this since day one. A subaru dealer IS checking the alignment, but they say the are aware of this issue, and have no answers. Even an alignment may not fix the issue. For the record, my level of car and mechanical knowledge IS very high, so this IS not a casual complaint. I have had the car for three weeks, not getting better.

Service bulletins

Technical service bulletins and other communications the manufacturer sent dealers about this vehicle. Ask a dealer for the full document by its number.

• 11010925This annocement is to inform dealers to the Gen 3.1 Head Unit OTA will be available via Wi-Fi. The update will take place in multiple batches with the first beginneing November 15th and the last being Decemeber 3rd. This update is for approximatelt 714,000 VINs.
• 11010919The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.
• 11009701This bulletin details an important regulation issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) which impacts the way some vehicles with accessories are sold. This regulation applies to any automobile retailer installing accessories on a vehicle prior to its first sale.
• 11009685This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
• 11008283This Service Information Bulletin announces the preferred practices to be used when handling vehicles equipped with Gen2 Telematics which are enrolled in the Subaru STARLINK Security Plus Service featuring Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus with Immobilizer.
• 11008282This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
• 11008281This Service Information Bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when diagnosing engine oil leakage on FA and FB type engines.
• 11008280This Service Information bulletin is being released as guidance for proper testing and charging of vehicle batteries.
• 11008279This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure.
• 11008276The CP1.5 RCs OTA is available for all mid and high grade CP1.5 head units.
• 11008267This bulletin announces availability of the NEW genuine Subaru engine oil filter.
• 11008259This bulletin outlines the judgment criteria to be used when inspecting front transverse link bushings to reduce unnecessary bushing replacement.
• 11008258This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) detected by the Engine Control Module.
• 11006942This bulletin announces the availability of new reprogramming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM). These files address concerns of the starter motor not operating in low ambient temperatures (less than 0 Degrees Celsius/ 32 Degrees Fahrenheit).
• 11006940This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Bank 1).
• 11006935This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure for 2025MY vehicles.
• 11006934The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.
• 11006932This Service Information Bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when the Data Communication Module (DCM) is being tested as a dark current/standby current source.
• 11006931This Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.
• 11006930This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.
• 11005624This annoucement provides parts personnel information about remanufactured transmissions that will no longer be available.
• 11005617This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers).
• 11005615This announcement provides information for retailers to install the latest infotainment system software for Denso CP 1.5.
• 11005614This bulletin announces important diagnostic information to utilize when testing the Data Communication Module (DCM) as a dark current/standby current source. All models equipped with Telematics except Solterra.
• 11005609This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
• 11005608This thermo control valve video contains information on the replacement of thermo control valve.
• 11005605This bulletin addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.
• 11005599This Bulletin provides SOA paint codes to help eliminate possible confusion for 2025 MY vehicles.
• 11005595This bulletin contains additional information for recommended materials listed in the Service Manuals for individual models.
• 11005593This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
• 11005592"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy the following DTCs: P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019, P0087."
• 11002730This information announces reprograming file availability for Gen 4.5 Denso CP1.5 Audio and Navigation systems. Inprovement for CarPlay concerns with hands-free calls when the receiving party is not able to hear the caller.
• 11002725This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
• 11002723This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.
• 11000830This bulletin announces the diagnostic procedures to be followed when encountering cases of the Remote Engine Start (RES) system being the only non-functioning feature with telematics.
• 11000828This bulletin announces the availability of new oxygen sensors developed to address the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs); P0137 (O2 Sensor Circuit Low Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2, P0138 (O2 Sensor Circuit High Voltage Bank 1 Sensor 2) P0140 (O2 Sensor Circuit No Activity Detected Bank 1 Sensor 2), and P0141 (O2 Sensor Heater Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 2).
• 11000827This bulletin announces availability of reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) to address rare cases of the engine surging/jolting when releasing the accelerator from half-throttle.
• 11000820This bulletin the announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection.
• 11000812This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure Too Low Bank 1).
• 10252542This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

Every Subaru Impreza model year

Bars are owner complaints, dots mark years with recalls. Select a year to open its report.