2021 Subaru Crosstrek maintenance schedule

Written in plain English and reviewed by the eli5cars editorial team · Last reviewed June 2026

2.0L FB20 4-cylinder boxer (152 hp) — Base/Premium; 2.5L FB25 4-cylinder boxer (182 hp) — Sport/Limited; Subaru Lineartronic CVT standard, 6-speed manual available on 2.0L Base/Premium; Symmetrical AWD standard on all trimsBasePremiumSportMSRP $22,700

⚠ 1 open recall for this vehicle

A recall means the manufacturer found a safety problem and is required to fix it — these aren't normal wear-and-tear repairs. Check your specific VIN at NHTSA.gov to confirm your car is affected.

✓ Recall repairs are always FREE at any dealer, no matter who currently owns the car or where it was bought.

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

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.

Why it matters: 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 fix: 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.

Reported 09/11/2023 · Campaign #23V755000 — look up your VIN at NHTSA.gov →

Jump to a mileage milestone:

30k miles 60k miles 90k miles 120k miles

Full service timeline

Mileage	Service items	Details
6k mi	Engine oil and filter change — 0W-20 full synthetic (Subaru factory spec for both FB20 and FB25) — Subaru's normal schedule is 6,000 mi/6 months, whichever comes first Tire rotation Inspect brake pads, rotors, lines and hoses Inspect CVT fluid level (Subaru High Torque CVTF or CVTF-II depending on production date) — inspect only under normal driving Inspect all fluid levels: coolant, brake fluid, power steering (electric on this generation — no PS fluid), washer fluid Inspect exhaust system and driveshaft/CV boots Rotate/inspect tire pressure to door-placard spec
15k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Inspect brake system front and rear Replace cabin air filter if dusty or restricted Inspect engine air filter — replace if needed Inspect CVT fluid condition and level Inspect front and rear differential/transfer clutch pack operation (Symmetrical AWD — continuously variable transfer clutch integrated into the CVT, not a separate mechanical transfer case)
30k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Replace engine air filter Replace cabin air filter Inspect spark plugs — NGK iridium; Subaru factory interval is approximately 60,000 mi, do not replace at 30k CVT fluid change recommended under severe-duty conditions (towing, mountainous terrain, frequent stop-and-go, extreme temperatures); inspect-only under normal use Replace rear differential gear oil — Subaru rear differential (part of the AWD driveline) uses conventional gear oil, typically 75W-90 Inspect brake fluid — replace if moisture-contaminated Inspect coolant condition — Subaru Super Coolant (long-life, blue/green) Inspect accessory drive belt and timing chain tensioner (FB-series engines use a timing chain, not a belt)	View →
60k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Replace spark plugs — NGK iridium (this is the Subaru factory long-life interval for FB-series engines) Replace cabin air filter Replace engine air filter CVT fluid change — Subaru High Torque CVTF; recommended at 60k even under normal use by many independent Subaru specialists despite Subaru's official 'inspect' language Replace rear differential gear oil Replace brake fluid Inspect coolant — top off or replace if contaminated Inspect wheel bearings, ball joints, and suspension bushings	View →
90k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Inspect spark plugs — condition and gap Inspect CVT fluid level and condition Replace brake fluid Inspect timing chain, tensioner, and guides — lifetime component under normal use, no timing belt on FB-series engines Inspect accessory drive belt; replace if cracked or glazed Full brake inspection front and rear Inspect rear differential gear oil condition	View →
120k mi	Engine oil and filter change (0W-20 full synthetic) Tire rotation Replace spark plugs — NGK iridium (second full replacement interval) Replace CVT fluid — Subaru High Torque CVTF Replace rear differential gear oil Replace coolant — Subaru Super Coolant flush and refill Replace brake fluid Replace accessory drive belt Full suspension and steering inspection: ball joints, control arm bushings, sway bar end links Inspect wheel bearings front and rear	View →

Common symptoms for this vehicle

Check engine light on? Get a free code scan

If your check engine light is on, most auto-parts stores (AutoZone, O'Reilly, Advance) will read the code for FREE — no purchase required, just walk in. Bring the code back here and look it up at eli5cars.com/obd2 for the plain-English explanation.

Note: a scan only helps when there's an active fault code. For purely mechanical symptoms (noises, vibrations, leaks), a scan may show nothing — the suspects listed above are your starting point.