2021 Subaru Outback recalls and problems

The 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 recalls and 300 owner complaints on file with NHTSA; the most reported problem area is visibility.

How the 2021 compares

High

Fewest complaintsMost complaints

High complaint count among 27 Outback model years — 10th most.

4recalls

300complaints

9crashes

2fires

4injuries

3,600median miles

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not verified and not adjusted for sales. Ranking compares this model's own years only.

Does your car have an open recall?
Recalls apply to specific vehicles. Only a VIN lookup on NHTSA's official site shows whether yours is affected and still unrepaired.

Check your VIN →

4 recalls

Air Bags

Mar 22, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V227000 · 118,723 vehicles

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Power Train

Nov 9, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 95,830 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Risk: An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

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.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Power Train

Jul 8, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V485000 · 182 vehicles

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy & notes

Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Power Train

Jan 26, 2021 · NHTSA campaign 21V024000 · 383 vehicles

Problem: Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

Risk: A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.

Remedy & notes

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Recall text as published by NHTSA and the manufacturer.

What owners complain about

Visibility108

Electrical System76

Unknown or other67

Forward Collision Avoidance29

Engine23

Vehicle Speed Control19

Air Bags16

Power Train12

Fuel System10

Lane Departure7

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA; one complaint can name several areas. Not verified by NHTSA.

Complaints by year filed

2021 vs. other Subaru Outback years

Owner complaints by model year; the darker bar is the 2021. Click a bar to switch year.

Questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns covering the 2021 Subaru Outback, the latest from Mar 22, 2024 (air bags). A recall applies to specific vehicles: enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected and still open.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA most often mention visibility (108), electrical system (76), unknown or other (67). Complaints are consumer reports and are not verified by NHTSA.