2021 Subaru Outback. Advanced data.

Engines and drivetrains 2

EPA test versions for this model year. Fuel cost is the EPA's current estimate, not the price in that year.

Failure mileage by system

Half of owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,200 and 14,000 miles. Median 3,600, from 61 complaints with a mileage.

Mileage owners typed into their NHTSA complaint, all complaints for this model year. People report some problems late, so read it as a range.

Complaints by system

One complaint can name more than one system, so shares can add to more than 100%.

Severity, all complaints

As reported by owners to NHTSA. Not verified.

Recall campaigns 4

• 24V227000 Mar 2024 Air Bags / Sensor / Occupant Classification / Front Passenger

  Defect. 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.

  Risk. 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.

• 23V755000 Nov 2023 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

  Defect. 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.

  Risk. 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.

• 22V485000 Jul 2022 Power Train / Automatic Transmission / Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

  Defect. 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.

  Risk. 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

• 21V024000 Jan 2021 Power Train / Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod

  Defect. 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.

  Risk. 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.

Manufacturer communications 488

Subaru filed 488 service communications for this car with NHTSA.

• Event Data Recorder (EDR) Function of Airbag Module
• Subaru of America, Inc

Crash ratings by version

Safety equipment

Nearby model years