2021 Subaru Outback: Common Problems, Recalls and Vehicle Data

What the public data shows

Of the four recalls issued for the 2021 Subaru Outback, three concern the power train: a loose nut affecting the CVT gear-selector cable, an improperly secured drive chain that could slip or break, and an inoperative inhibitor switch tied to reverse lights and the rearview camera. That concentration is a notable pattern in this record -- three of four campaigns, plus a fourth for air bags that may fail to deploy, point mainly toward drivetrain-related hardware and controls rather than a scattering of unrelated systems. No open investigations are listed for this model year, and none of the recalls in this data set are marked as repeat repairs for a prior campaign done incorrectly. Among the 296 complaints on file, visibility and lighting is the largest single category at 106, followed by electrical at 74 and an "other" grouping at 70. These figures describe how owners categorized what they reported to NHTSA, not a count of vehicles with confirmed defects, and they don't establish how widespread any underlying issue actually is. Separately, the 310 service bulletins on record skew heavily toward the electrical system, with 121 entries there compared with 74 for equipment and 32 for power train. Bulletins are manufacturer guidance to dealers for addressing symptoms, not recalls, but the volume suggests electrical-system issues were a recurring topic dealers were instructed on for this model year.

296 complaints on file with NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation, grouped into CarTold's broad component categories.

Most frequently reported, by the specific component NHTSA logged each complaint under (not CarTold's category groupings above):

• VISIBILITY/WIPER — 86 complaints (29%)
• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — 45 complaints (15%)
• UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 38 complaints (13%)
• AIR BAGS — 14 complaints (5%)
• VISIBILITY — 10 complaints (3%)
• ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 8 complaints (3%)

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

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.

Consequence: 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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

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.

Consequence: 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:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

Consequence: 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:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

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.

Consequence: 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.

NHTSA crash-tests each body-style/drivetrain configuration separately, so ratings can differ by variant — shown as tested, not averaged. See how the 5-star ratings work, including why an overall score isn't the average of the three category scores.