Every 2021 Subaru Outback recall
Each campaign as NHTSA published it: what is wrong, what can happen, and the fix. Newest first.
Air Bags · NHTSA 24V227000
Mar 22, 2024Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 24V227000 →Power Train · NHTSA 23V755000
Sep 11, 2023Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 23V755000 →Power Train · NHTSA 22V485000
Aug 7, 2022Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 22V485000 →Power Train · NHTSA 21V024000
Jan 26, 2021Power Train:Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- Fix
- 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.
Full recall details for 21V024000 →
2021 Subaru Outback complaints and service bulletins
Owners filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Outback, reporting 9 crashes, 1 fires, 4 injuries. Subaru has issued at least 488 technical service bulletins (repair instructions to dealers) for this model year. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is the manufacturer’s admission of a safety defect.
Most-reported components
- Visibility/Wiper97
- Electrical System75
- Unknown Or Other65
- Forward Collision Avoidance43
- Engine21
- Vehicle Speed Control19
Service bulletins by component
- Electrical System (285)
- Equipment (146)
- Power Train (63)
- Engine (53)
- Engine and Engine Cooling (50)
- Unknown Or Other (29)
Read Subaru Outback owner complaints and bulletins, every year
What people reported
Owners have filed 296 complaints with NHTSA about the 2021 Subaru Outback. A few in their own words, shortened. Complaints are unverified and are not proof of a defect or of any recall.
Injury reportedCrash
“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. and the contact proceeded to frantically apply the brakes.”
2021 SUBARU OUTBACKAug 7, 2026 · WA
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11755558
Crash
“I was already parked in a spot in a public parking lot. I tapped the accelerator pedal to move the car a few inches. The vehicle responded by violently accelerating, hitting a vehicle directly in front of me in another parking space. I applied my brake but the car would not stop.”
2021 SUBARU OUTBACKJul 6, 2026 · NC
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11748480
Injury reportedCrash
“We are VERY concerned about the failure of some very important safety features of our 2021 Subaru Outback Touring Edition. We were involved in a bad car accident caused by a person under the influence who was in handcuffs when we were taken away by ambulance.”
2021 SUBARU OUTBACKMay 23, 2026 · FL
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11739672
Crash
“On 10/29/25 the car lost power once it got to 3500rpm. Multiple warning lights came on. On 11/06/2025, the Thermo Control Valve, high pressure fuel line, and gaskets for intake manifold and EGR were replaced.”
2021 SUBARU OUTBACKDec 3, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11702874
Crash
“The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while idling at a red traffic light, the vehicle lurched forward twice and struck the rear end of another vehicle twice. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated upon impact. The air bags did not deploy.”
2021 SUBARU OUTBACKSep 26, 2025
Complaint filed with NHTSA, not verified by the agency · NHTSA complaint 11689975
Check your Outback by VIN
Not every 2021 Subaru Outback is in every recall. Enter your 17-character VIN to see the recalls on record for your exact vehicle, then confirm which are still open at NHTSA.gov or with any Subaru dealer.
Run a free VIN recall check →