2021 Subaru Outback Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 16 airbag complaints for the 2021 Subaru Outback, 5% of its 296 total complaints for the year. One crash and two injuries are tied to this category, and a recall (24V227000) covers a faulty occupant detection sensor.
- Airbags complaints
- 16
- 5% of 296
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 23,400 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Passenger airbag warning light shows the airbag off even when a lighter-weight adult is properly seated in the front seat.
- Passenger presence detection is inconsistent, switching between 'on' and 'off' status during the same trip.
- Some owners report the entire EyeSight safety suite, including airbags, automatic emergency braking, and lane keeping, reporting as non-functioning after a failed software update.
- Multiple owners who received the 24V227000 recall notice say replacement parts were not available at dealers for an extended period.
- One owner reported a crash involving a 2021 Outback and raised concerns about airbag performance during the collision.
When 2021 Subaru Outback airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Jan 7, 2022, latest May 23, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback
- 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.
Airbags complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many airbag complaints does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 16 airbag complaints for the 2021 Outback, which is 5% of the 296 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an airbag recall for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
- Yes. Recall 24V227000, reported March 22, 2024, covers 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles where a capacitor in the Occupant Detection System sensor can crack and short circuit, potentially preventing correct front passenger airbag operation. The remedy is dealer replacement of the ODS sensor at no charge.
- What is the median mileage when airbag problems were reported on the 2021 Outback?
- The median mileage at failure across airbag complaints for the 2021 Outback is 23,400 miles.
- Were there any crashes or injuries linked to airbag complaints on the 2021 Outback?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 2 injuries associated with airbag complaints for the 2021 Outback, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2021 Outback's airbag complaint rate compare to other model years?
- The 2021 Outback's airbag complaints are 5% of its total complaints, higher than the 1-2% seen in 2016-2020 and 2022-2023, though lower than the 11-18% share seen in 2010-2014 model years.