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2021 Subaru Outback: Recalls, Complaints & Safety Ratings

4Safety recalls
296Owner complaints
5★NHTSA overall
Quick answer

The 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA safety recall campaigns and 296 owner complaints on file, with an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Check a specific VIN to confirm whether recalls apply, whether repairs were completed, and what to verify before you buy.

2021 Subaru Outback safety record graphic showing 4 recalls, 296 owner complaints and 5-star overall NHTSA rating.
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2021 Subaru Outback pages show model-level safety data. A Carchieve VIN report checks the exact car before you buy.

Safety record reviewed October 2026 · sourced from NHTSA

The 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 safety recall campaigns and 296 owner complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and it earned an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating. Below is the public model-level safety record. To see whether a specific Outback had applicable recalls repaired and what its decoded VIN says, run that car's VIN.

Safety recalls

1

POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

Campaign 21V024000 · 26/01/2021

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.

RiskA 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.
RemedySubaru 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.
2

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

Campaign 22V485000 · 08/07/2022

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.

RiskAn improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
RemedyDealers 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.
3

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

Campaign 23V755000 · 09/11/2023

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.

RiskAn inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
RemedyDealers 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.
4

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

Campaign 24V227000 · 22/03/2024

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.

RiskAn air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
RemedyDealers 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.

What owners complain about

The systems 2021 Subaru Outback owners report most often to federal regulators:

Visibility107
Wiper97
Electrical System75
Unknown Or Other65
Forward Collision Avoidance29
Engine21

NHTSA crash-test ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Overall★★★★★

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes. The 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 NHTSA recall campaigns associated with this model year. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer when the exact VIN is affected. Check your specific VIN to confirm applicability and completion.

What problems do 2021 Subaru Outback owners report?

Owners have filed 296 complaints with the NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Outback, most often about the visibility, wiper, electrical system.

How do I check a specific Outback's history?

Enter the 17-character VIN into Carchieve. You get the recalls, owner complaints and crash ratings shown here for that exact vehicle, plus full decoded specifications and a guided title and odometer check.

Check a specific 2021 Subaru Outback

This page covers the model. For one exact car, run its 17-character VIN to confirm recalls, decoded specifications and buyer checks.

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Other model years

2024 Subaru Outback2023 Subaru Outback2022 Subaru Outback2020 Subaru Outback2019 Subaru Outback2018 Subaru Outback2017 Subaru Outback2016 Subaru Outback