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
296 reports, newest first.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 5, 2024
Driving home on a farm road, a truck passed by, picking up a pebble that hit my windshield. On my other vehicles, that same impact would leave a chip on the windshield but due to its light thickness, it immediately formed a long crack that is continually growing in size as it is currently my daily commuter to work. That was a huge bummer given I had purchased it recently and it didn't have any blemishes on the windshield. The pebble hit the upper driver side part which led the crack to form out toward the roof and is going diagonal to the passenger side below the visor.
Air bags, Jul 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 11, 2024
Windshield cracked under heat from parking in sun. The windshield spontaneously cracked when wiper fluid was turned on after parking on hot (85F) day. The whole windshield spidered indicating it is under extreme stress.
Electrical system, Jun 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the vehicle was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.
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)
Electrical system, May 31, 2024
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the starter motor was making an abnormal clicking sound. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle was started. Additionally, the contact stated that at times the instrument cluster was blank. The contact stated that he purchased a battery charger and recharged the battery; however, the failure persisted. The contact stated that once he had fully charged the battery the vehicle was started; however, sometimes the vehicle failed to shut off and the battery terminals had to be disconnected. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who diagnosed that the OE battery was not sufficiently powerful to start the vehicle and provide power all the electrical functions. The dealer installed a new battery with more amperage and new cables. The vehicle was repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Visibility/wiper, May 29, 2024
The windshield developed a crack. It initially started with what appeared to be a small rock impacting the bottom of the windshield where the wipers rest on the glass. The area of impact was the size of a small rock. A crack started forming and going upwards towards the roof of the car. Due to the heat in Alabama, the crack grew from 3 inches to approximately 9 inches. No safety features have been effected. I do commute 160 miles total for work, daily, so a crack that large necessarily creates a dangerous driving situation.
Visibility/wiper, May 9, 2024
The windshield has cracked now, unprovoked for the second time in the exact same way it did 2 years ago. I came out to my car and it was parked, and the same crack it had 2 years ago was visible on the windshield. A crack starting from the passenger side that travels to the middle of the windshield. I have heard about many other Subaru drivers having this issue and their windshield cracking the exact same way. The first time I had it replaced I took it to the dealership and had to pay, and they replaced it with OEM glass.
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.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Apr 11, 2024
The car was built & sold new, with the rear suspension not aligned properly, and cannot be aligned to factory specifications. The car has been taken to 4 service stations, 3 Subaru dealer service repair shops, without being able to be aligned.after further investigation, I’ve found this to be a common problem for this vehicle type. I consider this Safety related due to the unusual tire wear & risk of tire failure.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 15, 2024
Chipped windshield quickly progressed to full crack, which necessitated windshield replacement.
Engine, Mar 12, 2024
failure/malfunction of thermo coolant control valve some of the systems safety features have been disabled making it unsafe for me to drive vehicle The car gets hot and high beams don’t work heater doesn’t work. Diagnostic was performed by independent mechanic determining this issue Warning lights on dashboard to check engine and many other lights flashed Repairs cost over $1700 which is not affordable especially since this a manufacturer defective part.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 5, 2024
12 inch Crack developed in windshield while car was parked in garage. No chips along the entire crack or in its vicinity. Car/windshield were less than 3 years old.
Seats, Feb 28, 2024
This is 3 years old with 27000 miles. The driver's side seat has cracked and tear. This is what subaru is putting out there for the public. Cheap material and poor workmanship.
Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Feb 20, 2024
While doing a casual drive, engine made a noise after work at night. Woke up in the morning and check engine light as well as the EyeSight light was on. Checked everything and noticed the coolant was low; but upon filling it, did not resolve the issue. Took it to a Subaru service center and was told that it the Temp Valve had been stuck and that they had replace not only one for my year model the same day, but also a ‘20 and ‘19 in the past week. Have looked online and noticed others have been unfortunate around the same mile range 60k.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 20, 2024
As I was approaching a T intersection and preparing to stop at the stop sign, I started to apply my brakes when all of a sudden my car accelerated and lunged forward almost into the path of oncoming traffic on the intersecting road. As I had originally started to apply my brake, it felt as if the brake dropped slightly under my foot but, as the car lunged forward, I immediately jammed on the brake so I am not 100% sure about that dropping sensation. It all happened within a matter of seconds. Anyway, jamming on the brakes stopped the forward momentum and the car stopped before actually entering the path of an oncoming car. If I had started to brake any closer to the intersection, I may not have had time to stop the car in time to avoid a broadside collision with the oncoming car. I have owned this car about a year and a half and this is the first time anything like this has happened. There was no warning lamps, messages etc at the time or prior to the incident. After the incident, my husband checked online and saw that others have described a similar experience with their Subarus and, apparently, there is an ongoing lawsuit involving this problem. This just happened last evening so I have not yet taken my car to the dealer to be inspected but plan to do so soon.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 11, 2024
I have a 2021 Subaru Outback. I was driving on Interstate 93 at typical highway speed and a small pebble struck my front windshield. It left an approximately 5-inch crack on the passenger side, just above the wiper. Within a few days, the crack had spread across the entire windshield and I’m now in process of having it replaced. My complaint is that I’ve had small pebble strikes on the windshields of prior vehicles I’ve owned and I’ve never had one crack so easily. The windshield glass on this Outback seems unusually fragile.
Visibility/wiper, Feb 8, 2024
I'm on my 3rd windshield in under 12 months. I have not changed my driving habits and have been in typical weather for my area. The vehicle is garage kept. First windshield had a center driver's side ding that lasted all winter. We had some unseasonable spring weather changes that caused it to crack and spiderweb replaced 4/10/23, 24K miles. 2nd windshield, cracked 5/15/23, got dinged at the bottom and spiderwebbed immediately, again on driver's side. 3rd windshield, 12 inch line center passenger side from the edge, no ding or chip, no obvious cause for crack, occurred 1/28/24.
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.
Visibility/wiper, Dec 28, 2023
Windshield randomly developed a crack for no apparent reason. No rocks flying in, no extreme conditions, we were in 40-60 degrees temperatures in California on normal freeways and streets, not in any off-road conditions.
Visibility, Dec 22, 2023
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, she became aware that the front windshield had suddenly cracked, extending from the center of the windshield to the passenger’s side bezel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the crack was the result of the impact of a small, unknown object. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V712000 (Visibility), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.
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.