2021 Subaru Outback
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.
- Complaints
- 296
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Visibility/wiper
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
33% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 296 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 | 277 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 106 |
| 2010 | 360 |
| 2011 | 652 |
| 2012 | 292 |
| 2013 | 297 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 509 |
| 2016 | 642 |
| 2017 | 918 |
| 2018 | 813 |
| 2019 | 1,034 |
| 2020 | 899 |
| 2021 | 296 |
| 2022 | 465 |
| 2023 | 89 |
| 2024 | 103 |
| 2025 | 81 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Visibility/wiper
33% · 97 reportsShow 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, 2021-09-12
Electrical system
25% · 75 reportsMost commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and control module.
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, 2023-09-05
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and service brakes
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, 2022-07-18
My 2021 Subaru Outback suffered a failure of the Oil Control Valve (OCV), a sealed Subaru component with no maintenance interval, no inspection procedure, and no preventative service.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-31
Forward collision avoidance
15% · 43 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Engine
7% · 21 reportsVehicle speed control
6% · 19 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The contact owned 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at 5 MPH turning a right hand corner into a shopping center, the vehicle began to accelerate without the contacts consent.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-07
Safety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2021Complaint volume 296 complaints filed for this model year.
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2021-02-12Power train21V024000 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.
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2022-08-24Power train22V485000 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.
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2024-01-08Power train23V755000 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.
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2025-02-03Air bags24V227000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Visibility/wiper: 97 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 75 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 43 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V024000 · Power train
- Recall 22V485000 · Power train
- Recall 23V755000 · Power train
- Recall 24V227000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Subaru Outback is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?
- The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.