Recall 21V264 affects 466,205 2017-2019 Subaru Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles for ignition-coil short circuits. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 466,205 vehicles, including 2017-2019 Impreza and 2018-2019 Crosstrek models, because the Engine Control Module can keep powering an ignition coil after shutdown and create a short circuit. The short can stall the engine and raise crash risk; Subaru dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The ignition coil on a 2017-2019 Subaru Crosstrek or Impreza turns low-voltage battery power into the high-voltage spark the engine needs to burn fuel. The Engine Control Module, or ECM, is the vehicle's engine computer. It tells each coil when to fire and when to stop receiving power.
On affected vehicles, the ECM software does not always shut power to the ignition coil off at the right time after the engine is turned off. That leaves the coil energized longer than designed. Extra electrical load can damage the coil and cause a short circuit, so Subaru's repair includes ECM reprogramming, when needed, and replacement of all ignition coils.
Before failure, occupants can notice irregular vibration or a cylinder misfire while driving. In plain terms, the engine can feel rough, shake, or run unevenly because one cylinder is not firing correctly.
Who's affected?
The scope spans Crosstrek and Impreza vehicles across 2017-2019, with the listed components tied to the ignition coil and related engine-control software.
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | electrical system software |
|---|---|
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | Software |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | electrical system |
| 2018 Subaru Crosstrek | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza | electrical system software |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza | Software |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2017 Subaru Impreza | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | electrical system software |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | Software |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2018 Subaru Impreza | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | electrical system software |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | Software |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | electrical system |
| 2019 Subaru Impreza | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | electrical system software |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | Software |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | electrical system |
| 2019 Subaru Crosstrek | Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe |
| Units affected | 466,205 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A short circuit in the ignition coils can make the engine stall, increasing crash risk. Irregular vibration or a cylinder misfire during operation is a warning sign. If that happens, pull over when safe, avoid unnecessary trips, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2019 Subaru Crosstrek or Impreza is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free ECM software update, ignition-coil replacement, and any required front exhaust-pipe replacement that fixes the short-circuit condition linked to engine stall.
- Mention recall number 21V264 and Subaru recall WRE-21 when you call the dealer.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one, or give the dealer your VIN and the recall numbers.
- Pull over safely and call the dealer if the engine stalls before the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician updates the ECM software, replaces the ignition coils, and replaces the front exhaust pipe when inspection shows it is needed. The recall repair is free, including parts and labor. This campaign also covers vehicles that were previously repaired under recall 19V743. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file for related out-of-pocket repairs paid before the recall notice. Bring repair invoices or payment records to the service desk, or contact Subaru customer service to ask how to submit the claim.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| April 15, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| April 16, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| April 23, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| May 28, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| June 1, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V264?
Recall 21V264 covers 466,205 Subaru vehicles with an ECM software issue that can keep powering the ignition coil after shutdown. The short circuit can lead to a stall and increase crash risk. Subaru dealers will update the ECM software, replace ignition coils, and replace the front exhaust pipe if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2019 Subaru Impreza or 2018-2019 Subaru Crosstrek is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V264. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the ECM software update and related inspection. Reference recall number 21V264 or Subaru recall WRE-21 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Subaru dealers will update the ECM software, replace the ignition coils, and replace the front exhaust pipe if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 21V264?
The safety risk is a stall caused by an ignition-coil short circuit. The ECM can keep powering the ignition coil after the engine is shut off, which can damage the ignition system and lead to a stall while driving, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Subaru Impreza or Crosstrek used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Impreza or Crosstrek is included, then contact a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall 21V264 or WRE-21.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V264000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V264 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V264000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 24, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →