2021 Subaru Outback recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback and 298 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are visibility/wiper (97), electrical system (76), unknown or other (66). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 26–29 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 ranks #6 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (504). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification · front passenger
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.
Fix: 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.
Power train · automatic transmission · park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
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.
Power train · automatic transmission · control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
Fix: 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.
Power train · shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Battery died multiple times. A DMC module went bad.
My car caught fire this morning. It had been making a little noise but nothing I thought couldn't wait til the next service. It started to have a smell, and then while I was waiting at a light with my son in the car, I noticed smoke from under the hood. I turned around and parked in a parking lot. The smoke got worse. My son and I got out of the car and moved away from it. As s…
Vehicle's Auto Start-Stop system shut the engine off while stopped at a red light in [XXX], in rainy conditions in late XXX at approximately 29,000 miles. When the brake was released after the light turned green, the engine did not restart, leaving it stopped in the travel lane in live traffic. The driver had to use a portable jump starter to get it running again. This was not…
Safety ratings
2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Subaru Outback.
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Outback AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.4 L · Turbo
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback, most recently for air bags · sensor · occupant classification · front passenger (03/22/2024). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Based on 298 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (97), electrical system (76), unknown or other (66).
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback safe?
The 2021 Subaru Outback earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Subaru Outback?
The 2021 ranks #6 of 13 Outback model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (504). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 5.6 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Outback get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Subaru Outback range from 26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Subaru Outback in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: OUTBACK, Outback.