VehicleVerdict

2021 Subaru Outback problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 405 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.6 times the median Outback year — the 2021 model ranks #11 of 32 Outback years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 107 reports (26% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

405

NHTSA complaints

4

Recalls

0

Investigations

18

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Outback years?

Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted1,282 complaints1995: 3 complaints1996: 57 complaints1997: 94 complaints1998: 165 complaints1999: 150 complaints2000: 247 complaints2001: 207 complaints2002: 172 complaints2003: 116 complaints2004: 108 complaints2005: 354 complaints2006: 404 complaints2007: 182 complaints2008: 281 complaints2009: 142 complaints2010: 466 complaints2011: 855 complaints2012: 367 complaints2013: 406 complaints2014: 275 complaints2015: 640 complaints2016: 769 complaints2017: 1,102 complaints2018: 986 complaints2019: 1,282 complaints2020: 1,126 complaints2021: 405 complaints2022: 543 complaints2023: 119 complaints2024: 130 complaints2025: 104 complaints2026: 11 complaints
Outback NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Outback years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers10726%
Electrical System7218%
Other6316%
Driver Assistance5313%
Engine225%
Airbags174%
Speed Control174%
Transmission113%
Fuel System102%
Brakes82%
Body & Structure72%
Tires & Wheels61%
Steering51%
Lighting41%
Suspension20%
Seats10%

Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have recalls?

4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V227000AirbagsMarch 22, 2024 · 118,723 units

Defect

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

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.

23V755000TransmissionNovember 9, 2023 · 95,830 units

Defect

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

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.

22V485000TransmissionJuly 8, 2022 · 182 units

Defect

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

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.

21V024000TransmissionJanuary 26, 2021 · 383 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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". No object hit the window or car; it just spontaneously cracked from bottom then moved upwards.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · September 11, 2021 · crash

“While slowly backing out of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own - I do not recall pressing on the accelerator but the engine surged and the vehicle rapidly reversed and struck 4 other parked cars. It felt as if the accelerator became stuck and would not respond to braking.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 4, 2025 · crash

“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". No object hit the window or car; it just spontaneously cracked from bottom then moved upwards.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 11, 2021 · crash

“ Car experienced unintended acceleration and the pre-collision safety system failed to engage. Car accelerated into a building and the driver stopped car's attempt to continue forward progress by taking the car out of drive mode. The pre-collision system failed completely. The Electronic Control…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 13, 2023 · crash

“While slowly backing out of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own - I do not recall pressing on the accelerator but the engine surged and the vehicle rapidly reversed and struck 4 other parked cars. It felt as if the accelerator became stuck and would not respond to braking.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 4, 2025 · crash

2021 Subaru Outback — common questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 405 complaints put the 2021 model at #11 of 32 Outback years. It is one of the Outback years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Outback problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (107 complaints), electrical system (72 complaints), other (63 complaints).

Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Subaru Outback years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Outback years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2011, 2016, 2015, 2022, 2010, 2013, 2021, 2006, 2005, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Outback years belongs to 1995.

How safe is the 2021 Subaru Outback?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 Subaru Outback earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.