2021 Subaru Outback recalls

4 safety recalls, 299 owner complaints. Official NHTSA data.

2026202520242023202220212020
4Recalls
299Complaints
11Crashes & fires reported
N/ANHTSA overall rating

Not every 2021 Subaru Outback is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2021 Subaru Outback recall list

Air Bags recall

24V-227
March 22, 2024 · Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Safety risk
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.

Power Train recall

23V-755
November 9, 2023 · Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Safety 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.
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.

Power Train recall

22V-485
July 8, 2022 · Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Safety risk
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.

Power Train recall

21V-024
January 26, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc.
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.
Safety 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.
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.

2021 Subaru Outback owner complaints

299 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 9 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Visibility/Wiper98
Electrical System76
Unknown or Other66
Forward Collision Avoidance29
Engine21
Vehicle Speed Control19
Air Bags16
Power Train12
Fuel/Propulsion System10
Visibility10

Recent complaints

October 26, 2026Visibility/Wiper

Windshield wiper fluid level sensor will not turn off even though reservoir is full

October 14, 2026Electrical System

Battery died multiple times. A DMC module went bad.

October 13, 2026Unknown or OtherFire

My car caught fire this morning. It had been making a little noise but nothing I thought couldn't wait til the next service. It started to have a smell, and then while I was waiting at a light with my son in the car, I noticed smoke from under the hood. I turned around and parked in a parking lot. The smoke got worse. My son and I got out of the car and moved away from it. As soon as I saw flames I called 911. The fire dept came to put out the fire. It is in the process of being looked at by insurance. I looked later after a bystander said something and read there was a recall on 2021 outbacks with turbo engines, which is what ours is. We got the car it's usual service a month ago and no one

August 26, 2026Electrical System

Vehicle's Auto Start-Stop system shut the engine off while stopped at a red light in [XXX], in rainy conditions in late XXX at approximately 29,000 miles. When the brake was released after the light turned green, the engine did not restart, leaving it stopped in the travel lane in live traffic. The driver had to use a portable jump starter to get it running again. This was not isolated — repeated failure-to-start incidents in prior weeks had already prompted carrying a portable jump starter in the vehicle. At the time we believed this was a failing 12V battery. The original battery was replaced XXX with a new aftermarket AGM battery. Despite that replacement, the vehicle has continued to hav

August 20, 2026Power TrainEngine

Good Day! I bought my 2021 Subaru Outback XT Onyx in Jan 2021. I had waiting 6 yrs for Subaru to use the Turbo Motor in the Outback again. I've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out Jan 2026, but I only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr. Current odometer is 29,901 miles. At my most recent oil change service at the Dealer, they showed me a video of my cars drivetrain from underneath. There were two bad seal leaks. One at the transmission pump housing and the other at the Upper Oil Pan. I had been there for an oil change a year earlier for the same service and there was no mention of these issues! After speaking with the service advisor, he said to call Subaru Customer Advocates. Th

2021 Subaru Outback recall FAQ

Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback. The most recent, filed March 22, 2024, concerns the air bags.

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners have filed 299 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is visibility/wiper (98 reports), followed by electrical system.

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback safe?

NHTSA has not published an overall crash test rating for the 2021 Subaru Outback.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2021 Subaru Outback?

Contact any authorized Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.