2021 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 298 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and emergency braking system.
298 complaints 4 recalls, 1 crash risk 10th worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2021 Subaru Outback problems
Wiper and visibility problems
107 complaints (36%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield.
Electrical problems
76 complaints (26%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and control module.
Emergency braking problems
29 complaints (10%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Engine problems
23 complaints (8%) name the engine.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (60 of 298). The amber line is the middle value, about 4,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger air bag may fail to deploy
Injury riskA capacitor in the occupant detection sensors can crack and short circuit, which may stop the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash. A passenger without a working air bag faces a higher risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will replace the occupant detection sensors on the front passenger seat free of charge.
Recall 24V227000 · Mar 2024Park / neutral start interlock switch
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.
Fix: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge.
Recall 23V755000 · Nov 2023Chain / belt, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
Can stallA 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.
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.
Recall 22V485000 · Jul 2022Loose gear selector cable nut can cause crash
Crash riskThe nut that secures the CVT shift lever cable may not have been tightened properly and can loosen over time. If it does, the gear selector may stop working correctly, which raises the risk of a crash.
Fix: Your dealer will inspect the nut and tighten it if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 21V024000 · Jan 2021Get an email when your 2021 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Subaru Outback, you'll hear about it the same week.
One email per new recall. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2021 Subaru Outback problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's about average for this model. Owners have filed 298 complaints with NHTSA, the 10th most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and emergency braking system.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the wipers and visibility, electrical system, emergency braking system and engine. 107 complaints (36%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield.
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Outback wipers and visibility problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 2,000–6,000 miles, with a middle value near 3,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
4. Passenger air bag may fail to deploy (24V227000); Park / neutral start interlock switch (23V755000); Chain / belt, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (22V485000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the wipers and visibility, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.