2021 Subaru Outback
4 recalls · 284 complaints · Safety Score D
Recall History
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.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
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.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: 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.
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.
Consequence & Remedy
Consequence: 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.
Recent Complaints
| Date | Component | Description | Crash | Fire |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/26/2026 | Power Train,vehicle Speed Control,engine | The failure involves the engine (powertrain), which was under warranty. The vehicle has experienced four catastrophic en... | No | No |
| 01/21/2026 | Air Bags | The airbag light came on in my car even though the cars airbags have never deployed. The code that the scanner is bring... | No | No |
| 12/03/2025 | Vehicle Speed Control,unknown or Other,back Over Prevention | On 10/29/25 the car lost power once it got to 3500rpm. Multiple warning lights came on. On 11/06/2025, the Thermo Contro... | Yes | No |
| 11/04/2025 | Unknown or Other | I was stopped at a stop sign and the car shut off as the auto on/off function. When I went to drive the car did not re-... | No | No |
| 10/02/2025 | Structure,unknown or Other | Sunroof exploded driving home in 90 degree sunny and clear weather. It sounded like a gun went off right over my head. I... | No | No |
| 09/26/2025 | Unknown or Other,fuel/Propulsion System | SUDDEN AACCELERATION: Cold started the car in garage, all OK. Then backed out and into turn around where I placed foot ... | No | No |
| 09/26/2025 | Power Train,vehicle Speed Control | The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while idling at a red traffic light, the vehicle lurched... | Yes | No |
| 09/16/2025 | Power Train | Wheel bearings failed at 55k miles , 5.25 years | No | No |
| 09/09/2025 | Air Bags | The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags)... | No | No |
| 08/07/2025 | Electrical System,vehicle Speed Control,engine | While slowly backing out of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own - I do not recall pressing on ... | Yes | No |
Most Complained-About Components
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 recall campaigns on record with NHTSA. Total complaints filed: 284.
The 2021 Subaru Outback has a Safety Score of 30/100 (Grade D). This score factors in recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash and fire reports (20%), and trend direction (10%).
The 2021 Subaru Outback received a Safety Score of D. This vehicle has a below-average safety record — review the specific recalls and complaints below. There are 6 crash reports on file. There are 1 fire reports.
Contact your nearest Subaru dealership to schedule a free recall repair. You can also check your specific vehicle by VIN at NHTSA.gov. Manufacturers are required by law to fix recall-related defects at no cost.
Safety Score is calculated from recall severity (40%), complaint frequency (30%), crash/fire reports (20%), and safety trend (10%).