2021 Subaru Outback

◆ Worse than typical

2021 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-08-02

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2021: 291 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1995	2
1996	46
1997	79
1998	127
1999	111
2000	207
2001	171
2002	143
2003	93
2004	90
2005	273
2006	276
2007	129
2008	226
2009	105
2010	359
2011	649
2012	290
2013	295
2014	208
2015	505
2016	639
2017	917
2018	803
2019	1029
2020	890
2021	291
2022	453
2023	85
2024	89
2025	65
2026	8

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

VISIBILITY/WIPER 33%

33% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 97 distinct reports on file.

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

Windshield suddenly cracked, starting from bottom center of the window, crack moved up about 6" and then turned 90 degrees towards passenger side and went another 6".

NHTSA ODI report, 20210912

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 24%

24% of complaints: electrical system — 69 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

On Sunday, August 20, 2023 I was pulling into a parking spot in front of an Anytime Fitness at a local strip mall. As I applied the brake, the motor raced and accelerated driving me into a pillar outside of the fitness center.

NHTSA ODI report, 20230905

The engine block of our car caught fire while it was parked and turned off. It melted the engine and hood of the car, totaling it. Thankfully, we were not in the vehicle when the incident occurred, so no one was injured.

NHTSA ODI report, 20220718

ENGINE 7%

7% of complaints: engine — 20 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 6%

6% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6%

6% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 18 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2021 — complaint volume: 291

R 20210212 — power train

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.

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.

Campaign 21V024000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220824 — power train

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.

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.

Campaign 22V485000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240108 — power train

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.

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.

Campaign 23V755000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250203 — air bags

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles.

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.

Campaign 24V227000 — check if this car was fixed