2021 Subaru Crosstrek Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Crosstrek
5
Visibility/Wiper complaints Check
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (29 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 29 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (16 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 16 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (16 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 16 NHTSA complaints
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (14 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 14 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (14 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 14 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
14 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
1
Power Train Check
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Crosstrek–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Crosstrek have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2021 Crosstrek. Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Crosstrek?
The top complaint areas are Visibility/Wiper (29 complaints) and Unknown or Other (25 complaints), out of 115 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Crosstrek?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Visibility/Wiper, which drew 29 complaints for this model-year.