2021 Subaru Outback problems, recalls & reliability
Based on 292 NHTSA owner complaints, 4 recall campaigns and government crash-test data for 2021 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Vehanta risk score out of 100, calculated only from the counted evidence below — not a guess, and not an opinion.
- Owner complaints — 292 NHTSA complaints on file-7
- Recalls — 4 recall campaigns for this model year-12
- Crash / fire reports — 8 crash reports and 1 fire report among complaints-1
- NCAP safety rating — 5-star overall government crash rating+10
Most-reported problem areas
What owners of similar 2021 Subaru Outback vehicles reported to NHTSA, by component.
- VISIBILITY/WIPER86 reports
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM44 reports
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER38 reports
- AIR BAGS14 reports
- VISIBILITY10 reports
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER7 reports
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE6 reports
- ENGINE4 reports
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER3 reports
- STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER3 reports
Recalls (4)
- POWER TRAIN21V024000
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.
- AIR BAGS24V227000
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.
- POWER TRAIN23V755000
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.
- POWER TRAIN22V485000
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.
Crash-test ratings
Looking at a specific 2021 Subaru Outback?
Get the full Vehanta report — risk score breakdown, ownership costs, inspection checklist and questions for the seller.
Check a VIN free