2021 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 296 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 11th highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 9 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMar 22, 2024
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.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switchNov 9, 2023
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.
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)Jul 8, 2022
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.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V485000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, shift linkage/cable/rodJan 26, 2021
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.
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.
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 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
65 reports, newest first. Show all
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2026
I am reporting a serious and intermittent steering safety issue with my 2021 Subaru Outback. On two separate occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost what appeared to be power-steering assistance while the vehicle was in motion, causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn. The first incident occurred while I was driving on the highway and going down a ramp. The steering suddenly became extremely difficult to operate and a warning symbol illuminated on the dashboard. I was able to maintain enough control of the vehicle to safely pull over to the side of the road. I turned the vehicle off and restarted it, and the warning light disappeared and normal steering operation returned. The second incident occurred while I was making a turn into a neighbor. The same problem occurred: the steering suddenly became extremely difficult to turn and a warning light appeared on the dashboard. After turning the vehicle off and restarting it, the steering returned to normal. The intermittent nature of this problem is concerning because restarting the vehicle temporarily restores normal steering, but the failure has now occurred more than once without warning. One of the incidents occurred while traveling on the highway, creating a significant risk of loss of vehicle control and a collision. I am concerned that this may involve the vehicle’s electric power-steering system or related electrical components. I am reporting this to NHTSA because a sudden loss of steering assistance while a vehicle is moving presents a serious safety risk, particularly while turning or traveling at highway speeds. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and evaluate whether similar steering failures have been reported by other owners of 2021 Subaru Outback vehicles.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 31, 2026
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. This failure allowed engine oil to migrate into multiple wiring harnesses and modules, causing extensive electrical contamination. This is not normal wear and tear. It is a latent defect in a Subaru component. Due to the failure of this sealed component the Subaru dealership and a second independant shop have recommended replacing the entire electrical wiring harness at over and estimated $15,000. Even if the entire harness is repalaced the extensive contamination may find its way into electrical connectors even after replacement of the harness. The fact that this contamination was so wide spread, and there were absolutly no warnings that indicated the widespread contamination is alarming. I guess the thought is that different electrical components could just stop working. This seems like a serious safety concern. It is impossible to know how long the contamination was spreading through the car since there are no errors or warnings that indicated an issue.
Other or unspecified, Jun 15, 2026
First battery drain in car. Bought a new battery and it drained again for the second time. Called Suburu to ask about a parasitic drain from the DCM and they said it was likely that and told me to call Suburu America. Did that but they wanted me to take it to a Suburu dealer to get the problem verified. I don’t have the $ to do that. I notice there is a class action in court right now for this exact problem.
Air bags, Other or unspecified, May 23, 2026, crash
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. As you can see by the photos, there was MAJOR damage to the other car and significant damage to ours. What is most concerning is the fact that NONE of the airbags deployed and the safety and security plan also failed - it did not call 911. I had to find my phone on the floorboard and call 911 myself. I am not sure if the insurance company will call it a total loss but I really don't think I want the car back BECAUSE of the failures of these very important safety features. I truly feel like Subaru has some explaining to do on this.
Other or unspecified, May 7, 2026
The battery zapped out in December of 2024 in the wintertime and left me stranded. Subaru towed it the next morning and replace for free only bc I mentioned the previous law suit but the battery issue is the same
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, May 4, 2026
I am filing this complaint regarding multiple serious safety defects in my 2021 Subaru Outback purchased in July 2021, currently at 48000 miles THERMO CONTROL VALVE FAILURE (26,307 miles) While traveling in the center lane on [XXX] southbound in [XXX] the evening of 1/6/2024 my vehicle suddenly experienced a complete loss of control. It seemed that the car was accelerating and braking at the same time without driver input making it impossible to operate safely. It started shaking and several lights were illuminated on the dashboard, power steering was not working. The car coasted to the right shoulder and starlink was used to call for help. The car was towed to the dealership for repairs. The diagnosis was a failed thermo control valve and related sensor circuit. There were no dashboard lights before the incident that fore shadowed this event. This failure rendered the vehicle completely inoperable at highway speed and posed and extreme risk to the safety of the driver, passenger and other motorists. I am aware that Subaru has extended the warranty on the thermo controls valve to 15 years/150000 miles for 2020-2022 Outback’s which suggests that Subaru had knowledge of the defect. Since the incident several other premature “wear” defects have presented under 48000 miles on a 2021 vehicle: - 41,402 miles: driver side rear strut replaced - 41,402 miles: rear brake pads and rotors - 41,402 miles: driver side front window motor, regulator and run Chanel - 41808 miles: rear knuckle assembly, rear wheel bearing and backing plate replaced - 45,768 miles: front brake pads and and rotors replaced - 48,000 miles: complete exhaust system - 48,000 miles: passenger side front window motor, regulator and run chanel This vehicle has proven to be uncharacteristically unreliable for a Subaru Outback. The intended use for this vehicle is for my children to drive to college nearly 600 miles from home in the fall. This car is not appropriate for this purpose. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Apr 18, 2026
This 021' outback XXX purchased in 023'/ 24k Mi Freehold subaru. freehold NJ 'if purchased new would've been on the desk of a local lemon law attorney by now. Over the few years the lock unlock function of key fobs stubbornly, randomly & repeadedly dont work. Freehold subaru saw no problem. Front passenger window months ago wouldn't go up. Freehold subaru supposed repaired at a cost to me. Recent cold weather with a brand new battery of 6 Mos old rendered the car unable to start or boost. Vehicle towed to Freehold tire center st freehold NJ, replaced a $400 battery. brought the 6 mo. old battery back to auto zone who load tested and advised nothing Wrong w battery? Not to mention the sub standard BS feature of coming to a stop, foot on brake & engine stopping-starting when proceeding? this is something of concern of being rolled over by an approaching truck in the rear of this 021' outback because 3 times when stopping at a red light the engine shut off and when proceeding, foot off the brake the engine wouldn't re-start & all the indicators on instrument cluster lit up, had to restart the car. Recent event where my wife, [XXX] old legally disabled- primary driver comes out of a store, starts the outback, puts in reverse to back out of a spot and the car dies. This vehicle is being brought into Freehold subaru south st. Freehold NJ Tues morning Apr. 21st 026' south st and is not being picked up due to it being unsafe to operate. Until all the issues are corrected. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Back over prevention, Dec 3, 2025, 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. On 11/24/25, when backing up slowly in a small parking lot, the rear camera detection picked up a raised cement walkway with metal railing. The brake was applied by the driver, however the car accelerated quickly and slammed into the railing and cement. The vehicle was placed into drive after the collision and continued normally. The brake was on once the warning light beeped and prior to the collision. The foot was not removed from the brake pedal until it was in drive. It could not have been placed into drive without the brake pedal being pressed. I asked the dealership if they could pull data from the car at the time of the incident, and was told they weren't sure they would get any information. It has not been inspected by a dealership or insurance. There was no damage done to the cement and railing was already bent. Only the car sustained damage.
Other or unspecified, Nov 4, 2025
I was stopped at a stop sign and the car shut off as the auto on/off function. When I went to drive the car did not re-start as the battery needed replaced. I was left stranded in an intersection. The battery did need to be replaced. The auto start/stop feature is a saftey hazzard on any vehicle
Structure, Other or unspecified, Oct 2, 2025
Sunroof exploded driving home in 90 degree sunny and clear weather. It sounded like a gun went off right over my head. It scared me so bad I jerked my steering wheel into the other lane. Thank God no one was in that lane. I had to get it replaced at Mid State Glass company. according to what I found on the internet this happens rather frequently. No notification by Subaru that this was even a possibility. I have the receipt the replaced sunroof and photos of the sunroof after it exploded.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 26, 2025
SUDDEN AACCELERATION: Cold started the car in garage, all OK. Then backed out and into turn around where I placed foot on the brake. At that moment suddenly accelerated and engine revved to 2000rpm (sounded like). I had to push down very hard on the brake pedal (where my foot already was) to stop the car before crashing into a tree. Foot was clearly on brake pedal at incident (that was the only way I could stop the car). It was not on or close to accelerator pedal and no floor mat or other objects was on or near the accelerator pedal. Very concerned about safe vehicle with this sudden acceleration. Appointment with Subaru dealer made for full diagnostic check. Dealer is White Bear Subaru, [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 23, 2025
The rear driver side window shattered while I was driving. There was no outside influence, and I was driving around 35-40 miles/hour. I am reporting this because Subaru had the same incident happen multiple times on another model of their vehicles. If there was anyone sitting in the back, they would have most likely been injured.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Apr 12, 2025
Purchased used with just over 60k miles & have had less than a year. Vehicle still under 80k miles. Told transmission needs replaced but found service records from previous owner which shows fuel pump replaced twice at about 20k mile intervals & I am just under 20k miles past previous pump replacement. Vehicle does not run at the moment & warranty company refusing to help.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 12, 2024
The auto restart does not work and requires a car restart to fix. The latest software update caused this is to happen.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 16, 2024
Today while waiting at a stop light the auto start stop engaged. When the light went green I put my foot on the gas and the vehicle stalled. The car was on but not running, several alarms were on the dashboard. I had to put the car in park, turn it off and then restart the car. This is a repeated issue and has been going on at least once a month since we purchased the car in 2021. We've brought it to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong because there was no OBD code. I have checked myself and I have not found any code. This is extremely unsafe
Other or unspecified, Aug 12, 2024
2021 Subaru Outback Limited | ~13000 miles | Component: Battery | Car suddenly stopped and ALL warning lights started flashing at a busy traffic signal, while I was waiting to take a left turn (lucky to have escaped safely from that situation). I had to turn the car off and restart it. 2 days later, the car would not start at all. Tried jumping it multiple time in vain. Had to tow the car to the nearest Subaru service center. Technician ran a diagnostic and concluded that the battery was not holding any charge at all and it was deemed faulty. Reading many posts on reddit and other forums of many Subaru owners facing the same issue from older (2015) to newer models. Many of them also complained of Parasitic drain on the battery due to faulty DCM on Starlink. Note: there was no warning lights/messages or any other symptom before this. This was a Subaru certified pre-owned car that went through a 152 point inspection in 2023.
Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2024
Front windshield on my 2021 outback has numerous large cracks for no reason. This is a known issue via Google and class action law suits for windshields. This is a safety issue and needs to be addressed. I emailed Subaru and filed a complaint with them, Case#240708-220236. Asking them to replace windshield with new one that won't crack like this one. i have photos if needed.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jun 1, 2024
On[XXX] while accelerating to travel speed (45 mph) on a rural Maine highway, the little used glass moon roof of our 2021 Subaru Outback Touring with 24,100 miles on the odometer exploded with a huge, shocking BANG!. Weather was clear and bright, wind ~5 mph, temperature about 68ºF, no traffic. We never saw or heard anything strike the car, either from the road or falling down from the trees at or prior to this incident. We had the interior shade closed so no glass fell into passenger compartment thankfully. Upon inspection at the road side and discovery of the problem, the glass panel had a large hole in the middle and the edges of the remaining glass looked like it had been blown upward. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, May 6, 2024
Windshield breaks way too easy. Rock chips happen easily, then they spread across the whole windshield. I am on my 2nd one and this one needs to be replaced too.
Other or unspecified, Apr 8, 2024
The windshield is very light and delicate. I have had two cracked windshields in less that two years, Also, the glass is so soft that it gets tons of micro-pits from sand. At night they each disperse lights and make it difficult to see.
Other or unspecified, Feb 16, 2024
Defective windshield. Car purchased in 6/2021 and as of 2/16/24, windshield has been replaced 3 times which would make it my 4th windshield total. No off-road use. Car driven locally. Insurance is dropping me due to excessive windshield replacement.
Other or unspecified, Dec 30, 2023
I have had 3 windshields crack spontaneously during normal use in the past year. Each incident was repaired by a certified repair shop and at time the damage was noticed, no chips, signs of damage, or impacts were noted. The crack appeared to be internal and was not able to be felt from outside or within. In each incident the crack began near the edge of the glass and spread across the entire length of the windshield. The most recent was 12/27/2023, the approximate dates of the previous are 12/2022, and 03/2023. All three occurred in periods of clear weather, no ice, or snow present, although all three occurred in the cold, while parked outside overnight either at work or home.
Other or unspecified, Dec 12, 2023
While my husband was driving up a hill at low speed (25-30miles/hr) the car lost power, struggled and felt like it was going to stall. 5 days later, I was driving up a hill going 25miles/hr, the car lost acceleration the stalled, was unreponsive to gas pedal being depressed, the car then started again on its own. I brought the car to Subaru but they couldn't find anything wrong. Luckily nobody was behind me when the car stalled.
Other or unspecified, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 15, 2023
The windshield has spontaneously cracked on 4 separate occasions. Subaru denies this is a defect and claims all have been caused by rock chips. This is not true. The cracked windshield has caused the vehicle on numerous occasions to slam on its breaks while traveling at 55 mph or greater as it “senses” a collision. This has nearly caused 3 accidents so far.
Other or unspecified, Jun 28, 2023
I just had my second windshield failure in 2 years on this vehicle. The first time a rock hit me, but today a ~ 12" crack appeared out of nowhere while I was driving down the highway with no impact. The windshields on this vehicle seem overly prone to cracking, whether or not any impact is applied. I'm worried this will interfere with the eyesight functionality.