CarRecallWatchThe 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 299 complaints with NHTSA, including 9 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility/Wiper (98 reports).
2021 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy in a Crash
A sensor in the occupant detection system on the front passenger seat may have a capacitor that can crack and short circuit.
Failing Shifter Switch Can Hide Reverse Lights and Camera
The park/neutral start interlock switch, also called the inhibitor switch, can fail because a weld may not be strong enough to keep water out.
Transmission May Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk
A programming error in the transmission control unit can let the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully clamped.
Loose Shifter Cable Nut Can Cause Gear Selector Failure
The CVT select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly at the factory, so it can loosen over time.
Most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 299 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 98 |
| Electrical System | 76 |
| Unknown Or Other | 66 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 43 |
| Engine | 21 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 19 |
| Air Bags | 17 |
| Power Train | 12 |
| Visibility | 10 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 |
What owners report
Windshield wiper fluid level sensor will not turn off even though reservoir is full
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 soon as I saw flames I called 911. The fire dept came to put out the fire. It is in the process of being looked at by insurance. I looked later after a bystander said something and read there was a recall on 2021 outbacks with turbo engines, which is what ours is. We got the car it's usual service a month ago and no one
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 isolated â repeated failure-to-start incidents in prior weeks had already prompted carrying a portable jump starter in the vehicle. At the time we believed this was a failing 12V battery. The original battery was replaced XXX with a new aftermarket AGM battery. Despite that replacement, the vehicle has continued to h
Good Day! I bought my 2021 Subaru Outback XT Onyx in Jan 2021. I had waiting 6 yrs for Subaru to use the Turbo Motor in the Outback again. I've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out Jan 2026, but I only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr. Current odometer is 29,901 miles. At my most recent oil change service at the Dealer, they showed me a video of my cars drivetrain from underneath. There were two bad seal leaks. One at the transmission pump housing and the other at the Upper Oil Pan. I had been there for an oil change a year earlier for the same service and there was no mention of these issues! After speaking with the service advisor, he said to call Subaru Customer Advocates.
2021 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback: Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy in a Crash; Failing Shifter Switch Can Hide Reverse Lights and Camera; Transmission May Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk; Loose Shifter Cable Nut Can Cause Gear Selector Failure. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Based on 299 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility/Wiper (98), Electrical System (76), Unknown Or Other (66).
How do I check if a recall on my 2021 Subaru Outback has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.