2021 Subaru Wrx problems
The Subaru WRX is an all-wheel drive sport compact car manufactured by the Japanese automaker Subaru, originally based on the Impreza created for the World Rally Championship in 1992. Subaru claimed the name WRX stands for "World Rally eXperimental". Starting with the 2015 models, the WRX lineup has been split from the Impreza, with a different body style that is not offered as an optional hatchback/wagon, being introduced as the separate Levorg model.
Impreza-based models (1992–2014)
The first three generations of the WRX, sold until the 2015 model year, were based on standard Impreza platforms, and replaced the Subaru RX hatchback and sedan.
The initial first-generation WRX models were based on the Impreza sedan (GC chassis code). They were followed by wagons (GF) in 1993 and the first upgraded WRX STi version, introduced in 1994. Several limited edition first-generation coupés were offered in the late 1990s and early 2000s which were never sold in the US and are highly sought after by Subaru enthusiasts.
The second-generation WRX (GD/GG chassis codes for the sedan/wagon, respectively) was brought over to the United States domestic market for model year 2002, with the STI being brought over for model year 2004. The initial "bugeye" front end styling (2000) was superseded by the "blobeye" in 2004 and the "hawkeye" in 2006. Under an agreement between Fuji Heavy Industries and General Motors, Saab sold its own version of the WRX, marketed as the Saab 9-2X, for the 2005 and 2006 model years. The 9-2X was available in both a standard (Linear) and performance (Aero) package, the latter was essentially identical to the second-generation WRX wagon, mechanically.
The third-generation WRX were sold as chassis codes GE (sedan) and GH (hatchback, replacing the earlier wagon version) initially; the third-generation WRX STI was sold with a widened chassis and was available only as a widebody hatch (GR). For the 2011 model year, the third-generation WRX sedan and hatch were moved to the GV and GR wide-body chassis variants, respectively, and a widebody sedan version of the STI (GV) was marketed. The Impreza was redesigned and the fourth-generation was first marketed for model year 2012, making it a distinct model from the WRX, which continued on the third-generation GV/GR chassis until 2014 in most markets.
The fourth-generation WRX were given the VA chassis designation and marketed as a separate model from the Impreza starting in 2015.
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Common 2021 Subaru Wrx problems
The Subaru WRX 2021 has been a subject of several complaints from owners, with internal engine failure being one of the most common problems. This issue can be attributed to the many moving parts of an engine, which can become costly to replace or repair. The WRX's weak points include pistons, rods, piston rings, and rod bearings.
Another prevalent issue with the WRX 2021 is turbo failure, particularly in modified and tuned cars. Increasing the vehicle's power exerts a lot of stress on the stock turbo, thereby compromising its longevity. Wear-and-tear is also a significant cause of turbo failures.
Gasket leaks, specifically oil leaks, are also a major concern with the WRX 2021. Although oil leaks are common, they can considerably affect the engine in the long run. Misfires are also a general problem, but they could indicate a deeper issue in the engine.
The WRX 2021 has also been criticized for its uncomfortable ride, with hard shocks and jitters when going over bumps. This has contributed to the car's poor reliability rating, with Consumer Reports giving it a mere 2 out of 5.
Furthermore, the 2021 Subaru WRX lacks advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, and pedestrian detection. This has led to the car being ranked below its competitors in terms of safety.
The 2021 Subaru WRX also suffers from noticeable turbo lag and odd surges in acceleration, making the car feel both slower than it is and difficult to drive smoothly.
In summary, the Subaru WRX 2021 has several common problems, including internal engine failure, turbo failure, gasket leaks, misfires, uncomfortable ride, poor reliability rating, and lack of advanced safety features. These issues have contributed to the car's poor reputation among owners and safety organizations.
What is the biggest problem with WRX?
A list of some of the most common issues WRX owners have to deal with.
- CAN System Parasitic Drain on the Battery. ...
- Lineartronic CVT Reliability. ...
- Rodents Chew Subaru's Soy Wires. ...
- Subaru EyeSight Problems. ...
- Rust and Corrosion Problems.
Is there a recall on Subaru WRX 2021?
1 Recalls for 2021 SUBARU WRX
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
Do Subaru WRX have transmission problems?
The 1-800-LEMON-LAW hotline has been abuzz with Subaru WRX drivers calling in complaining about issues with their transmission and/or turbo engine. Problems include loss of power, check engine light, clutch noise, fluid leaks, and assorted transmission issues.
How long does WRX engine last?
Several sources confirm that the Subaru WRX's boxer engine can last up to 250,000 miles if well taken care of. However, if the car is driven beyond its limits or not adequately maintained, it can significantly shorten the engine's lifespan. This could lead to significant issues as early as 60,000 miles.
Are Subaru WRX reliable?
So which is the most reliable Subaru WRX year? According to RepairPal, the Subaru WRX has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, with a rank of 32nd out of 36 compact cars. Therefore, one can argue that the WRX isn't the most reliable compact car. However, it doesn't mean it's automatically an unreliable sedan.
Is a 2021 WRX STI reliable?
It received excellent ratings in most areas although quality and reliability was average, with a rating of 77/100. According to the NHTSA, the Subaru WRX STI has not been affected by recalls for several years.
What is the biggest problem with WRX?
Some of the weak points of the internal engine that tend to fail are the rods, rod bearings, and piston rings. However, this seems to be more of a concern for tuned and modded engines, which is typical for the WRX. Oil leaks: According to some reports, the Subaru WRX also struggled with oil leaks.
Is there a recall on Subaru WRX 2021?
1 Recalls for 2021 SUBARU WRX
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
2021 Subaru Wrx car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Wrx problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Engine problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Electrical system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Subaru Wrx vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Subaru Wrx complaints
The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Subaru Wrx.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-05-11
- VIN: JF1VA1A67M9
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: NHTSA ID:#10186366 SUBARU TSB #[XXX] This bulletin announces a design change to the clutch release bearing. PRODUCTION CHANGE INFORMATION: The new clutch release bearing was incorporated into production starting with VIN [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-20
- VIN: JF1VA1H68M9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: Lifetime Tracking Data Displayed Incorrectly with higher data results. High rev's max speed 131mp. I have never gone over 89 mp. MANUFACTURER COMMUNICATION NUMBER: 09-79-21 Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING NHTSA ID Number: 10201791 Manufacturer Communication Number: 09-79-21 Summary This bulletin announces availability of ECM reprogramming files to address isolated concerns of inaccurate values being displayed when accessing Lifetime Tracking Data using the Subaru Select Monitor and / or a Generic Scan Tool (GST). 1 Affected Product Vehicle MAKEMODELYEAR SUBARUWRX2021
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-21
- VIN: JF1VA1C66M9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
- Summary: Severe engine failure! Was driving steady speed on highway, then I let off the throttle and heard a bad knocking noise on deceleration. The engine oil temp increased to around 230F. I slowed down to limp it to the next exit and it started jerking. I made it to an exit and the engine stalled at the red light. No smoke, oil level good, coolant level good. Had it towed to Subaru dealer, where they said the engine has severe damage and needs a Short Block Engine Assembly. Warranty was denied because it has a cold air intake. Complained to Subaru Corporate because an intake should not cause catastrophic engine failure at only 38,000 miles.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-20
- VIN: JF1VA1H68M9
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 10,510 miles, a more pressing issue arose: the transmission started to bind while in gear. As I pressed the gas pedal, my WRX refused to accelerate, and instead, the engine RPMs surged. This occurred while I was on a three-lane street, in the lane furthest from the shoulder. Despite my attempts to pull over, the WRX wouldn’t engage in gear. I narrowly avoided collisions three times before managing to reach the nearest safe area to stop, which was a side road. The experience was harrowing, especially with my three children in the car. I had no choice but to have the car towed to the dealership on a flatbed. To this day, the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. I suspect that approximately 50 new miles were added to my odometer during its time there. The following parts were replaced in an attempt to address the problem: oil seal, main transmission shaft, LK Nut-23x11, LK Wash 23x35x2.3, and Gasket case R. The transmission work included replacing the clutch and associated components: pressure plate, throw-out bearing, fork, flywheel, cover CP-Clutch, bearing Clutch R, flywheel AY Flex, Complete Clutch Disk, Spring release lever, and High-Performance Gear oil 75W90. Additionally, the 5th/6th synchro set and sleeve/hub, Sleeve & Hub NO 2, and Ring Baulk were replaced. My WRX was in the shop for nearly 60 days. I communicated with the dealership and the manufacturer’s representatives via calls and text messages five times on the first day the dealer received the WRX, and three more times before the work order was created. "while in 2nd gear and preparing to shift at 3,500 RPMs. I thought about pushing in the clutch. However, before doing so the vehicle became unresponsive without any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms prior to the failure." Then was told voided warranty for several different reasons after the next reason: first, due to mud found under the WRX; second, the use of unauthorized parts; third, allegations of racing/speeding; and fourth, c
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-05
- VIN: JF1VA1A6XM9
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Mileage is 19,300 On 4/5/23 i was entering the gated community where i live stoped pressed remote to open gate then with clutch engaged shifted my wrx into first and the entire steel shaft broke at base where pin secures shaft to linkage this is a wrx sti short throw shifter pn C1010VA001 445 dollar option the Subaru of Ontario repair department indicated that they have never seen such an issue in all ther years and did not have a clue as to why the steel thick shifter broke in half other than the obvious in which that i am in fact superman. The dealership Subaru of Ontario They called back and told me the defective steel rod was not covered under warranty and said that i caused the issue and i have to pay 1,200 with no eta or anything. I would like an investigation regarding grade of steel/tensile strength of the WRX Shift assembly since it is extremely unsafe if i was on freeway the resulting failure would potentially been catastrophic My understanding that this component cannot be easily broken by human hands i have never applied 1000 psi or so of pressure that is why ian investigation into why this extremely unsafe driving condition wherein the shifter cab easily break has to be done
STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-04-29
- VIN: JF1VA1C67M9
- Components: STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hello my name is [XXX], I'm the first time owner of this vehicle, purchased this vehicle new of the dealer with 5 miles, ever since I bought it the car has an issue that it steers to the right at any speed, road, condition very dangerous. Over the past months and years I told Subaru dealers, service department, sales guy and Subaru corporate about the issue, long story short I've gone to the service department to fix this issue at least 8 times, the last time an engineer from Subaru worked on the car but the car is not fixed and it continues to have this issue, I open a claimed with the Texas department of motor vehicle for a lemon claimed but Subaru has denied it as a lemon and they constantly ruined my lug nuts, studs, my alignment and now I need new tires. I need help to resolve this, I have multiple repair orders, video's and pictures to prove it all. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-23
- VIN: JF1VA1C6XM9
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: I was de-frosting my windshield early in the morning when I watched a crack start at the base of the driver's side windshield and travel up the window and back down to the base of the windshield. The car was not moving, there was no impact to the windshield at all. I contacted the Subaru dealer and brought the car in to be inspected. They told me that the crack was because of a rock chip although there was never any rock chip impact and the car was not even moving when the crack developed. There was a previous class action lawsuit settled against Subaru for identical cracks developing in their windshields. I contacted Subaru of America to see what they would do and they gave a discount for a new windshield but the new windshield would still have cost over $700 out of pocket for a car that was less then one month old.
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-02
- VIN: JF1VA2S68M9
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Windshield cracked to the point of requiring repair from pinhead size chip that barely left a mark. The windshield is being replaced but photos are available upon request. The crack quickly spread to the outer edge of the windshield, causing further risk to the structural integrity of the entire windshield. The problem was confirmed by a glass shop as requiring a replacement.
2021 Subaru Wrx recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2021 Subaru Wrx.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BACK UP LIGHTS:SWITCH
- Summary: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2021 WRX vehicles. The backup light switch may corrode and become inoperative, which can result in the backup lights not illuminating and the rearview camera image not displaying when the vehicle is in reverse.
- Consequence: 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 are expected to be mailed September 19, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRE-22.
Positive 2021 Subaru Wrx car reviews
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Subaru Wrx problems:
2021 WRX Issues :( : r/WRX
Jul 25, 2021 ... Whatever's left on the loan will go to the bank and you get the rest. I think it's a lot more common for them to replace the car in these ...
2021 Engine Issues. | IW STi Forum
Jan 19, 2022 ... I bought my 2021 WRX Sti Limited in May. ... All the transmission and shifter bushings. On 24th of Dec at 6800 miles I threw a CEL code: P0300 and ...
What are common problems with the wrx? : r/WRX
Aug 11, 2021 ... I've been looking at different cars for the last couple weeks and yesterday I happened to test drive a 2016 wrx and it completely floored me ...
2021 subaru wrx STI | Subaru WRX Forum
May 5, 2021 ... I need a reliable car and thinking on owning it for the next 8 to 10 years. Did they fix the issues on the 2021 sti engine failures? Thanks guys ...
Here Are The Subaru WRX Years To Avoid - CoPilot
Apr 20, 2023 ... Common Subaru WRX Problems · Engine issues: Apparently, the WRX had some troubles with internal engine issues. · Oil leaks: According to some ...
Other years of Subaru Wrx
Are you having problems with your 2021 Subaru Wrx?
Dallin Hahn 2024-10-15
I've owned quite a few cars in my time. This one is fun, reliable, and good on gas. There are many upgrades to be done, but then again, Subaru is tried and true.
Deontae Hyatt 2024-09-22
Hey there! Have you seen the Super Car? It's amazing! I highly recommend the 2020-2021 model. However, I'm not too sure about the 2022 model. It looks a bit like a squashed Crosstrek, don't you think? I'm a bit disappointed with Subaru's design choices for the new model, especially since it only has 3 more hp. It seems like they're trying to reinvent the wheel, but not quite hitting the mark.
Haskell Runolfsdottir 2024-08-16
I've been driving my car for 8 months now and I absolutely love it! I can't praise it enough. With the new 2022 model out, I'm so glad I got the last year of this style. It's been a year since I bought my 2021 Subaru WRX and I still feel the same way. I have no regrets about my purchase, except maybe not getting the extended warranty. I got the 10 100 warranty, but I would have left it off. It's now been 2 years since I bought my new 2021 WRX and I still love it. I don't even mind making the car payment every month.
Lewis Smith 2024-06-07
That's a nice car! It's great for all-around street fun and performs decently on the track with a nice set of highly rated summer tires. However, it lacks some features that you can only get by upgrading to the Limited trim, such as high-end sound and power seats. Additionally, seat and steering wheel adjustment options are limited, and the interior lighting is weak. On the bright side, it can comfortably seat four adults and has decent trunk space for a vehicle of its pedigree. The fuel mileage is so-so if you don't stay in boost often, and there is noticeable turbo lag. It's worth noting that this engine is the last of its kind, as Subaru will be doing a complete update in about two years.
Werner Stiedemann 2024-05-26
All wheel drive, 268hp with gorgeous exterior design, for under $30k? Yes please!