2021 Subaru Impreza: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Reliable late fifth-generation year with standard AWD and good crash protection; few reported problems. New, the 2021 Subaru Impreza ranged from $18,795 to $25,895 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Reliable late fifth-generation year with standard AWD and good crash protection; few reported problems.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=subaru&model=imprez…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/subaru-impreza-buying-guide
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Composed, low-center-of-gravity handling from the boxer engine layout.
- Practical hatchback with one of the roomier interiors in the compact class.
- Excellent crash-test scores and standard EyeSight safety technology on most trims.
- Standard all-wheel drive and strong wet-weather traction set it apart from front-drive rivals.
Cons
- Fuel economy trails front-wheel-drive compacts.
- Modest acceleration from the 2.0L engine and a droning CVT.
- Road and engine noise intrude more than in quieter competitors.
- Premature headlight failures and spontaneous windshield cracking are common owner complaints on these years.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | $18,795 | discontinued | — | — |
| Premium | $22,195 | discontinued | — | — |
| Sport | $22,995 | $26,595 | — | — |
| Limited | $25,895 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-subaru-impreza-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-impreza-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($18,795). Higher trims started higher (up to $25,895), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 26% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/subaru-impreza/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $650–700/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,700–2,800/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/subaru/impreza
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/subaru-impreza-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Impreza reliable?
Reliable late fifth-generation year with standard AWD and good crash protection; few reported problems.
How much did the 2021 Subaru Impreza cost new?
Between $18,795 and $25,895 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Subaru Impreza expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $650–700/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.