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, Nov 15, 2021
We purchased a new 2021 Outback Subaru 2 months ago. Three days ago, on 11/12/21, a crack appeared on the windshield overnight, while the car was parked on our driveway. Nothing hit our car while we were driving and there's nothing that stands above the car that could have fallen on it while parked at our house. The crack is linear and started on the very left side right above the driver's sight. It started at about 5 inches long and the next day was already extending almost halfway through the windshield length. We are highly suspicious that the crack is a result of a defective windshield specially after learning that Subaru has several lawsuits regarding this same issue. We had to stop driving the car in fear that the windshield may completely break at any time. My husband contacted Subaru twice and the representatives told him someone would soon contact him about the incident. Nobody contacted us for the next two days. My husband then called Subaru and they said it would cost $1,500 to fix it.
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Nov 7, 2021
2021 outback purchased Feb 2021. Within 2 weeks the touch screen, which controls the cruise control, heating, all eyesight controls went blank. This causes cruise control at highway speed to quit, causing sudden deceleration at highways speeds. Sometime the screen reboots, most times it requires driver to pull car over to reset. This also controls GPS and Heating/Air. There have been times when I have working canines in the car and loss of air conditioner in summer months has been extremely problematic requiring pulling car off road to open windows to ventilate. Multiple trips to dealer, and open case with SOA results in no resolution, as there apparently is no fix. Recently 11/1/21 instructed when this happens to push my front defroster button five times after reboot to record codes. How distracting while driving is this? Feel like this is severely underreported as owners frustrated. Receiving dealer instruction to look at touchscreen while driving causes the cars alert function to activate saying “keep eyes on road”. Why are they advising this unsafe action? Recent software updates as late as last week of October installed and does not fix issue, verified by dealer service manager. Multiple incidents, recorded on my phone video, last incident occurred 7/12/2021.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 3, 2021
Front window crack without being struck by rock or any other object in the second month of ownership.
Other or unspecified, Oct 30, 2021
The vehicle on board computer system periodically goes completely black (i.e., completely shuts down) disabling all of the operator controls (heater/fan/defrost controls, seat heater controls, temp controls, navigation, radio and other dash monitoring and informational controls, etc.). I am not sure of all features/functions that are lost because it happens when I am driving and I cannot investigate to see what all functions/indications I have lost. It remains out of service for a short period (the times of the shut down seem to have varied) of time and then comes on and reboots itself. Sometimes it comes back to where/when it shut down, and sometimes it just comes back to the initial ignition/start screen. This requires action by the driver (which is a safety concern because it requires the driver's attention and is distracting) to reset control settings. Navigation sometimes requires resetting an address because the computer lost its destination. This is dangerous. I just had the vehicle serviced for this issue and had a Subaru "FIX" installed - that apparently did not work. The problem still exists.
Electrical system, Oct 25, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the home screen on the center console would go blank without warning. Once while driving 65 MPH with the cruise control activated, the center console went blank and the cruise control deactivated with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that vehicle abruptly slowed down due to the failure and the 360-camera feature failed to operate as needed. The dealer was notified and acknowledged the failure; however, they informed the contact that there was no remedy for the defect. An independent mechanic was also notified and provided the contact similar information as the dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 24, 2021
Windshield spontaneously cracked on passenger side at eye level after 5 months, 5,700 miles
Forward collision avoidance, Oct 22, 2021
The emergency braking forward collision system has deployed several times when it should not. In some circumstance the braking could result in the person behind me rear ending me. The main problem is that if the car detects another car directly in front of you, the system will sometimes deploy even if the vehicle is not in the same lane as you. I've had the emergency brakes deployed incorrectly in the following situations. I am driving in the left lane of a 2 lane road with a speed limit of 45 mph and the road is banking sharply to the left. Because of the sharp bank, a car was directly in front of me but in the right lane, so this is a normal non dangerous situation but the brakes deployed. I exited a parkway, the exit ramp banks sharply to the right as most exit ramps do. Directly ahead of me but off the road is a disabled vehicle. There is no danger to me as it is safely off the road, but the brakes were deployed. In both instances there was no one following close behind me but if there was, either situation could have resulted in them rear ending me. I have taken to disabling the emergency braking feature because I no longer feel safe using it. Unfortunately this takes 7 key presses to accomplish and it resets every time you turn the car on. I contacted Subaru customer service to complain, but got ridiculous suggestions, like just turn off the emergency braking when you expect to be driving with a lot of cross traffic. If not rectified, sooner or later that's going to cause an accident.
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Oct 14, 2021
Your form would not allow me to chcek all applicable issues. I believe the computer system and brakes are the major issues. The start/stop system engaged when I was turning in the middle of an intersection. When driving at cruising speeds (foot on the gas pedal), the car suddenly felt as if the brake was being engaged. The forward and rear collision warning signals do not work. The blind spot warning does not work. There is grinding coming from the undercarriage at times (random), while my foot is on the gas. The car bucks for no reason. The battery is draining (less than 2,000 miles on the car). Sometimes I have to turn the ignition twice in the morning. I turn everything off when I get out of the car. My safety and safety of others is definitely at risk. What I didn't realize until recently is that prior to accepting the vehicle, the salesman must have turned the start/system off, because when I went for a test drive, the start/stop did not engage once and I drove in city traffic with multiple stops. Immediately upon diving off lot, the car stopped and I had issues. The salesman told me I had to get used to the start/sytem. This is a dangerous situation. My car is currently being looked at by the dealer.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 13, 2021
I am on my third cracked windshield in FOUR MONTHS! First crack in July 2021, second in August 2021, third in early October 2021. Haven’t replaced the latest as I’m concerned about insurance rate increases. Each time the crack appears in the bottom of the drivers side and spreads to more than 12 inches in minutes. Summer in Utah is typically not problematic for cracked windshields. All windshields have been replaced with Subaru product as aftermarket products don’t exist.
Visibility/wiper, Oct 12, 2021
A small object struck the windshield on the lower driver side, it created a horizontal crack about 1.5 ft long within a minute.
Other or unspecified, Sep 29, 2021
Infotainment system suddenly shuts down while driving blank screen often triggered while using GPS. Radio will turn on spontaneously at full blast creating a startle effect, often unable to turn off. Had to pull over and turn car off. Daily event has been escalating. Apparently dealerships aware Subaru has been non-responsive. Telling dealerships there is a software fix issue, finally communicating to me there is no current fix. Multiple communications have led to no response. Despite near miss of an accident due to these issues. Almost daily over last 2-3 months
Visibility/wiper, Sep 28, 2021
This is my second experience with a cracked windshield in the 6 months I have owned this vehicle. The first time the windshield cracked I was driving on the interstate and the windshield simply cracked. No debris impact, no bumps, just a long crack running from the top center of the glass down apx 8 inches. Subaru replaced under warranty. The second time the glass cracked I was driving on the interstate and was hit by a small piece of debris. So small it took a moment to find the point of impact. The crack immediately started to spread and after a few hours was apx 12 inches long. After apx 2 weeks the crack has run and is apx 2.5 feet. Insurance claim has been filed, but due to a shortage of glass the repair has not been completed.
Engine, Sep 17, 2021
Bought this new Subaru in December and the battery died twice after a week and a half of not driving. The first time I had to get the battery replaced. If I don't start the car every few days (and during COVID I don't) then the electricity completely drains the battery dead.
Power train, Engine, Sep 13, 2021
The Auto-start feature, which stops the engine at a light, then restarts, is very dangerous. It cannot be permanently turned off - always on by default. 1 if the steering wheel is not perfectly straight, it jerks out of your hand when the engine restarts. 2 the car jerks forward when the engine restarts. This has already put me in danger of a crash several times - and this 'feature' must be actively disengaged each and every time the car is started. It should be able to be permanently turned off - not always on by default.
Other or unspecified, Visibility/wiper, Sep 12, 2021, 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.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 10, 2021
There are multiple issues at hand. The radio system continues to randomly power off and or not work and often times the entire eyesight system crashes and shuts off when driving at highway speeds disabling the cruise control. The screen has already been replaced once but the issue is still there.
Electrical system, Sep 9, 2021
Bought a new 2021 Subaru Outback in July 2021. In the first 1600 miles of driving the battery has died three times. Twice I found it wouldn't start after having parked it for a few days and once it wouldn't start the next day after driving it (it was driven the previous day at 6pm and wouldn't start at 9am the next day). There seems to be something that drains the battery when the vehicle is off. One time it may have been my fault for leaving an interior light on, but how could an interior light drain the battery in just a few hours? I've had roadside assistance jump start the car each time it wouldn't start and each time the technician said anecdotally that Subaru Outbacks and Foresters were the most common car he is seeing get jumped. That last time it wouldn't start, I double checked to make sure I had not left any interior lights on and I had not. This is definitely an issue with the car - some system draining the battery.
Electrical system, Sep 7, 2021
I am having battery drainage issue with my vehicle. If it sets more than 4 days the car will not start. I see there is a class action law suit on Outback vehicles. This car has 9,000 miles on it and this has happened 3 times.
Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 4, 2021
Driving at 65 mph, engine stopped taking gas, slowed to below 30 in heavy freeway traffic. Resumed normal operation in about a minute. Then failed in similar fashion 5 minutes later. Took my 2021 Subaru outback xt to the dealer where purchased. They have been unable to duplicate the issue and want me to drive the car without any fix. I refuse to do that as if it happens in a situation where I must accelerate to be safe, it is going to be disastrous. They point to no recall on the 2021 model, but had this issue for the last 3 years on many of their models. What to do?
Electrical system, Sep 3, 2021
Battery drain and car won't start. Called roadside service for a Jumpstart and on 5 other occasions, even after driving for 1.5 hours, the car won't start. Sometimes after driving and turning car off for 1/2 hour to visit a store, it won't start. Othertimes it will. Car only has 6000 miles on it. I have had to buy a battery jump starter so I can at least get rolling again. I have a call into Subaru service but they could not get me in for over a week. So I have to deal with the possibility of being stranded until Subaru can diagnose. I live in the country so bring stranded will be a big deal. I should have bought the Volvo.
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 1, 2021
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while coming out of a full stop, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 1, 2021
As I was getting into my vehicle to drive to work the morning of Monday August 30th,I noticed a large crack in the windshield starting at the passenger side to the middle of the windshield. Vehicle was parked in driveway over the weekend and no damage was seen on the outside of the winshield.
Visibility/wiper, Sep 1, 2021
Windshield spontaneously cracked. No warning.
Electrical system, Aug 31, 2021
Drove car and parked for 15 minutes. When I tried to start it again it would not turn over. Battery was completely dead and could not be jump started. Car is a 2021 model with only 11K miles on it. There was no prior warning of a low battery. It left me stuck in an isolated parking lot. Probably not a major safety issue but apparently a known issue for late model Subaru Outback’s so I wanted to add the 2021 model to the affected list.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 30, 2021
My wife has purchased Subaru 2021 Outback on May 2021. The windshield got cracked while it was parked in a driveway. It looks there was no sign of impact on the crack. The windshield of the Outback looks very susceptible to crack.