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2021 Subaru Crosstrek Collision Avoidance Problems

6 owner-reported collision avoidance complaints from NHTSA data

6
Complaints
2
Crashes
Mar 2024Nov 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (6)

criticalFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: Nov 2025

Your forward collision avoidance system (EyeSight) failed to stop your car when a Toyota truck ahead suddenly braked at 30 mph. Even though you saw the truck stop, your Crosstrek's braking system did not engage, and you collided with the truck. Your vehicle was totaled, and there is a witness to the incident. The fix would involve a complete diagnostic of the EyeSight camera system and brake control module to determine why the safety system failed.

NHTSA #: 11697827
mediumFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Mar 2024

Subaru Eyesight system engaged randomly with no forward obstacles. Dashboard lit up, signaled alarm, and brakes engaged causing the car's nose to bottom-out. This has happened twice, thankfully at low speeds and thankfully without another car rear ending me. I'm worried this will happen on the highway. Eyesight system is generally unreliable. Random lane departure warnings and obstacles detected where there are none.

NHTSA #: 11577927
mediumFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Sep 2023

Check engine light came on while driving. All Advanced Driver Assistance Systems were disabled. Code is P26A3: Thermo Control Valve is faulty. This is a known problem and Subaru has addressed it by redesigning the Thermo Control Valve in 2021. Unfortunately there is no recall on the models fitted with the prior design that have a high rate of failure.

NHTSA #: 11545473
mediumFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
CrashFiled: Aug 2023

While driving on the highway in the slow lane (furthest to the right), traveling at approximately 50 mph, I came to be behind a tractor trailer. Before I had a chance to pass the tractor trailer, it switched lanes abruptly. My vision past/beyond (in front of) the tractor trailer was heavily obstructed by the massive vehicle itself, so I could not see that in front of the 18-wheeler there was a mid-size sedan traveling at approximately 5-10 mph in the same active highway lane I was in. I had almost no time to react, and neither the Automatic Emergency Braking system nor the Forward Collision Warning system engaged. Both of these systems should have activated to prevent the collision and/or minimize injuries and damage. I subsequently collided (harshly) with the aforementioned sedan.

NHTSA #: 11538947
mediumFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: May 2022

Subaru Pre-collision braking activates when no danger present. It detects exhaust steam or smoke as an obstacle. Approximately February 25th of 2021: While acceleration from a stop light in winter, Eyesight falsely detected the exhaust of the car in front of me as a danger and slammed on the brakes to a full stop causing the car behind me to bump into me. Thankfully this driver was paying attention and no damage was caused. This function overrode my foot being on the accelerator. Late Spring of 2021: While using cruise control on the highway, 70+mph, a diesel truck accelerated to merge. The eyesight again detected the exhaust as a hazard and slammed on the brakes causing the drivers behind me to take evasive actions and put them at risk for no reason. During both incidents, the collision warning lights fully activated. I spoke to the dealership about these incidents and was told to turn off the pre-collision system on cold days and watch out for diesel exhaust.

NHTSA #: 11463233
mediumFORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Apr 2022

The automatic braking system engaged at highway speed while changing lanes with no other vehicle or object in front of the vehicle. I was accelerating to change lanes when the sensor started beeping and the car slammed on the brakes causing a sliding skid. I was able to maintain control and fortunately there was no one behind me. I believe the eyesight control malfunctioned. I do not believe this is a safe feature as it not only puts my safety at risk but also the safety of anyone on the road around me.

NHTSA #: 11461066

Other 2021 Subaru Crosstrek Issues