2021 Subaru Outback Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
GoodComplaint Index
47/100
#9 most-complained of 16 Outback years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Subaru Outback has a complaint index of 47, ranking 9th worst out of 16 model years, with a 'Good' verdict relative to other Outback years. It has 296 complaints, 4 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls; windshield cracking and electrical issues top the complaint list.
- Complaints
- 296
- Recalls
- 4
- Crashes / fires
- 9 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 24.5 city / 31.5 hwy
Top 2021 Subaru Outback problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers107 (36%)
- Electrical System77 (26%)
- Other65 (22%)
- Engine37 (13%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras31 (10%)
- Airbags16 (5%)
- Transmission & Powertrain12 (4%)
- Fuel System10 (3%)
- Brakes8 (3%)
- Structure & Body8 (3%)
What owners report
- Owners report the engine block catching fire while the vehicle was parked and turned off.
- Drivers describe unintended acceleration events where the pre-collision system failed to engage or stop the car.
- Some owners report the vehicle lurching or surging forward or backward on its own at low speeds, striking objects or other vehicles.
- Windshields reportedly cracked spontaneously within days of purchase, in one case with lint or dust embedded inside the glass that recurred after replacement.
- One owner reported multiple warning lights and a loss of power near 3,500 rpm, followed by replacement of the thermo control valve and fuel line components.
2021 Subaru Outback recalls
4 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024Airbags118,723 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
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: 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.
- NHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023Transmission & Powertrain95,830 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:park/neutral start interlock switch
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: 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.
- NHTSA 22V485000Jul 8, 2022Transmission & Powertrain182 vehicles
Power train:driveline:chain/belt
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: 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.
2021 Subaru Outback fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 27.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,375
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2021 Outback has a complaint index of 47 and ranks 9th worst among 16 model years, earning a 'Good' verdict relative to other Outback years.
- What problems does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
- The top reported problem area is Visibility & Wipers (107 complaints, 36% share), mostly windshield cracking near a median 3,000 miles, followed by Electrical System issues (77 complaints, 26% share) at a median 2,150 miles.
- Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have a CVT recall?
- Yes. Recall 21V024000 covers a CVT select lever cable nut that could loosen, and recall 22V485000 addresses a Transmission Control Unit programming error affecting clutch engagement.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Outback, covering airbags, an inhibitor switch weld, a TCU programming error, and a CVT cable nut, with none classified as do-not-drive.
- How does the 2021 Outback compare to other Outback years?
- The 2021 Outback's complaint index of 47 is lower than 2017 (87), 2018 (80), 2019 (100), and 2020 (93), all rated 'Avoid,' making 2021 a comparatively better year.