The Lemon Index2021 Subaru Outback.
The 2021 Subaru Outback is worse than average by owner complaints: 262 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 176, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 4 recalls, and it gets 26 to 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Outback year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 298 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Outback year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 14K miles on the car (61 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 1K–6K miles
Recalls 4
- airbags 2024
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.
- transmission & drivetrain 2023
An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
- transmission & drivetrain 2022
A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
Show all 4 recalls
- transmission & drivetrain 2021
The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 488 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function of Airbag Module
- Subaru of America, Inc
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Outback SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200–2450 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Spontaneous windshield crack developed beginning on drivers side edge of windshield. dealer confirmed that there was no sign of impact to cause the crack and agreed to replace windshield free of charge.
2021 Subaru Outback owner · NHTSA complaint 11486640
More owner reports
We were literally sitting in the car, parked, and the lower left driver side windshield cracked! No visible chips. We will contact Subaru if America and out local dealership as well.
NHTSA complaint 11450341
Windshield crack developed and requires replacement for the third time in 18 months on a new car.
NHTSA complaint 11482942
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.8× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 176; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Outback year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (37%), electrical (26%) and automatic emergency braking (16%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
4 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Outback get?
26 to 29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Subaru Outback problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,200 and 14,000 miles. The middle report was at 3,600 miles, from 61 complaints.
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 to $2450 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
2.4L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Outback year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2014 and 2013.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works