2021 Subaru Impreza: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Subaru Impreza: 2 recalls, 14 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.

Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Transmission & drivetrain Vehicle recall #21V024000 · 2021 · 383 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021.
Suspension Vehicle recall #21V675000 · 2021 · 802 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility/Wiper (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Forward collision avoidance (3): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Steering (2): the most common themes are steering problems (2).
- Speed control / throttle (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Subaru Impreza has 14 owner complaints, ranking #28 of 35 Impreza model years for complaints (well below the 76 average). Complaints peaked in 2022 (6 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 0 years old, at a median of 1,700 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (85 complaints, 1 recalls), 2022 (13 complaints, 1 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 28 | 36 | 32 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 36 | 30 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 35 | 30 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 24 | 31 | 26 | Regular |
| 2.0 L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 30 | 25 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Subaru Impreza.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Subaru Impreza have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Subaru Impreza. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Impreza problems?
Owners have filed 14 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (3), forward collision avoidance (3), steering (2).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Impreza get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (2.0 L, Automatic (AV-S7)), across 6 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Subaru Impreza repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.