SubaruCrosstrek2021Overview/subaru/crosstrek/2021/base/

2021 Subaru Crosstrek

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Crosstrek.

The 2021 Subaru Crosstrek's engine maintenance is defined by a 4.7-quart oil capacity at 0W-20 viscosity, reflecting the powertrain specification Subaru set for this model year. With 109 owner complaints and a single recall on record, the 2021 sits well below the 2019 peak of 280 complaints across the model's documented 2012–2026 history, suggesting that many of the concerns driving that earlier spike were addressed. The top complaint area — visibility and wiper functionality — is non-powertrain in nature, indicating that the Crosstrek's core mechanical reliability held steady as the model matured past its most problematic year.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020192018

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity4.7 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque89.0 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 35 · 390 CCA battery. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 35 · 390 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size225/55R18 98HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7 inOEM · verified

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length176 in
Overall width70.9 in
Overall height63.8 in
Wheelbase105.1 in
Curb weight3190 lb
Track (front / rear)61 / 61.4 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)54/46

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Crosstrek of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.5–7.8 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.50 sec — 2021 Limited
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021Limited 2.5L F-47.50 sec16.00 sec182 hpAWD
2021Limited 2.5L F-47.80 sec15.90 sec182 hpAWD
2021Sport 2.5L F-47.80 sec16.00 sec182 hpAWD
2019Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L F-4 + Elec 8.8-kWh8.30 sec16.60 sec148 hpAWD
2019Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L F-4 + Elec 8.8-kWh8.30 sec16.50 sec148 hpAWD
2019Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L F-4 + Elec 8.8-kWh8.50 sec16.60 sec148 hpAWD
20182.0i Premier 2.0L F-48.80 sec16.70 sec152 hpAWD
20182.0i Limited 2.0L F-49.00 sec16.90 sec152 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 4.7 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, Subaru Extra MT in the differential, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 89.0 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to Use a new washer: 31.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-2-4.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.8 qt
Automatic Transmission FluidSubaru CVT Oil for Lineartronic II
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity12.15 qt
Brake FluidDOT 3
Differential Gear OilSubaru Extra MT
Differential Gear OilSubaru Extra MT
Engine CoolantSubaru Super Coolant P/N SOA868V9270

Engine torques

Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts22.0 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugUse a new washer: 31.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFinal Drive: Use a new gasket: 37.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFront: 52.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 37.0 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts89.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-2-4
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)Checking Speed: 675 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (Secondary Under Load)Speed-Up Speed: 850 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (Secondary Under Load)100 rpm
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)Checking Speed: 1000 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
Spark Plug ManufacturerSubaru

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.04-1.16 lbs
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF
Standard BCI Group Number35
Standard BCI Cranking Performance390 cca

Service checks

RPM58.0 @ Idle rpm
RPM58.0 @ Idle rpm

Brakes

Minimum Pad Thickness0.059" in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
113.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: Bolts 3, 2 & 1: Loosen., Step 3: Bolts 1-3: 13.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: Bolts 8, 6 & 4: Loosen., Step 5: Bolts 4, 6 & 8: 13.0 ft. lbs., Step 6: Bolts 7, 9 & 5: Loosen., Step 7: Bolts 5, 9 & 7: 13.013 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
189.0 inch lbs., Step 2: 16.089 in
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
159.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 55-65°59 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
170.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 55-65°70 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
121.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 73.8 ft. lbs., Step 3: Loosen 180° in reverse order of installation. Step 4: Loosen 180° in reverse order of installation. Step 5: 31.0 ft. lbs., Step 6: 78-82°, Step 7: Bolts 1 & 2: 72-77°, Step 8: Bolts 6, 5, 4 & 3: In order listed 28-32°21.4 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
114.8 ft. lbs., Step 2: 73.8 ft. lbs., Step 3: Loosen 360°, Step 4: 14.8 ft. lbs., Step 5: 31.0 ft. lbs., Step 6: 98-102°, Step 7: Bolts 1 & 2: 98-102°, Step 8: Bolts 3-6: 48-52°14.8 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30-35°22 ft. lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 30-35°22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 6,000 mi; spark plugs every 60,000 mi; coolant every 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 6,000 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 12,000 miBrake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect) · Brake Rotor (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Clutch Assembly (inspect)
Every 30,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (drain, refill & bleed) · Clutch Hydraulic System (drain & refill) · Differential (inspect fluid level) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level)
Every 60,000 miSpark Plugs (replace) · Wheel Bearing (inspect)
Every 72,000 miFuel Filter (replace)
At 137,500 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

Across this Crosstrek generation, federal complaints and recalls peaked sharply in 2018 and 2019—reaching 280 complaints and 7 recalls in the latter—before dropping significantly in 2020. The 2021 model year sits in the post-peak stabilization phase, though its 109 complaints and 1 recall represent a regression from the quieter 2020 model year rather than continued improvement. Visibility/Wiper issues dominate the 2021 complaint record at 26 reports, followed by Unknown or Other (13), Engine (9), and Power Train (8), alongside 8 crash and 2 fire complaints; however, the data does not specify the root causes for these issues. Subsequent years saw a dramatic drop in complaints down to 29 in 2022 and 32 in 2023, suggesting 2021 is a transitional year before the platform reached its most stable state. Given its elevated complaint volume relative to the immediately following years, the 2021 Crosstrek is an acceptable but not optimal choice, and buyers seeking the best reliability in this generation should prioritize a 2022 or 2023 model instead.

1
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
314
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
0
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
109
Owner complaints
8 involved a crash · 2 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 109 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Visibility/Wiper26
Unknown Or Other13
Engine9
Power Train8
Electrical System7
Forward Collision Avoidance5
Visibility3
Suspension2

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 1 of 1 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

23V755000Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock SwitchReported 09/11/2023

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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 314 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
02-193-24R2026-06-29EngineThis bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for…
09-74-21R2026-06-25EngineThis bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for…
09-81-21R2026-06-24Fuel/Propulsion SystemThis bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector and fuel pipe in…
16-159-262026-06-22Electrical SystemThis bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in…
SubaruNet Annoucement (E2026-06-11Unknown Or OtherThis announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Crosstrek. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Crosstrek take?

4.7 qt of 0W-20 Synthetic, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Crosstrek have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.