The 2021 Crosstrek is part of the 2nd Gen (2018-2023), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.
Service schedule
5 of these 10 items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.
| Service | Interval | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil and filter | 6,000 mi / 6 months | Manufacturer |
| Engine air filter | 24,000 mi / 2 years | Independent |
| Cabin air filter | 12,000 mi / 1 year | Independent |
| Tire rotation | Inspect, replace as needed | Independent |
| Brake fluid Inspect at 12,000 miles | 30,000 mi / 30 months | Manufacturer |
| Engine coolant Inspect at 30,000 miles | 137,500 mi / 11 years | Manufacturer |
| Transmission fluid | Inspect, replace as needed | Manufacturer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000 mi / 5 years | Manufacturer |
| Differential and transfer case fluid | Inspect, replace as needed | Independent |
| 12V battery Test | Inspect, replace as needed | Independent |
Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.
Fluids and engines
Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.
Known problems
Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.
Engine ticking, potential timing jump leading to engine failure
Source: usedcaryear.com
Safety recalls
From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.
November 2023
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
Running costs
Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.
Shopping new? The Subaru Crosstrek guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.
Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.
Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Crosstrek earns before you buy it.
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