Subaru Outback 2021 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2021 and 296 complaints filed by owners. It has 44% fewer complaints than the average Subaru Outback from 2016–2025 (524 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Subaru Outback 2021? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2021
Air bags
NHTSA campaign 24V227000 · 2024-03-22
What happens
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.
Consequence
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 23V755000 · 2023-11-09
What happens
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.
Consequence
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
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 22V485000 · 2022-07-08
What happens
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.
Consequence
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Powertrain and transmission
NHTSA campaign 21V024000 · 2021-01-26
What happens
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.
Consequence
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
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.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Complaints from other owners
296 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
9 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 4 injuries
Most reported problems on the Subaru Outback 2021
- Wipers: 97 (33% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 75 (25% of complaints)
- Forward collision avoidance: 29 (10% of complaints)
- Engine: 21 (7% of complaints)
- Throttle and cruise control: 19 (6% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Subaru Outback 2021
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Test every wiper speed and the washer.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- Ask whether the system braked on its own for no reason ("phantom braking") and whether software updates are pending.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Subaru Outback recalls by year
- 2016 : 4 recalls · 642 complaints
- 2017 : 4 recalls · 918 complaints
- 2018 : 3 recalls · 813 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 1,035 complaints
- 2020 : 6 recalls · 899 complaints
- 2021 : 4 recalls · 296 complaints
- 2022 : 4 recalls · 465 complaints
- 2023 : 2 recalls · 89 complaints
- 2024 : 0 recalls · 2 complaints
- 2025 : 0 recalls · 82 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Subaru Outback 2021 have?
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls issued for the Subaru Outback 2021. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Outback 2021?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: wipers (97 of 296 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).