repaired · 2026 Q3
Occupant classification: front passenger
Risk. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
2021 Subaru OutbackProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 300 owner complaints about the 2021 Subaru Outback, most often about the visibility/wiper. It is covered by 4 safety recalls, and for recall 24V-227 the manufacturer reports only 71% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 5, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Subaru Outback has problems
300 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
98Visibility/wiper1 crash/fire/injury
76Electrical system4 crash/fire/injury
29Forward collision avoidance3 crash/fire/injury
21Engine2 crash/fire/injury
19Vehicle speed control
16Air bags
12Power train
10Fuel/propulsion system
10Visibility
4611 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 98 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 76 | 4 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 29 | 3 |
| Engine | 21 | 2 |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 6 |
| Air bags | 16 | 1 |
| Power train | 12 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 2 |
| Visibility | 10 | 0 |
| 11 other systems | 46 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
4 recalls
2021 Subaru Outback recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q4
Automatic transmission: park/neutral start interlock switch
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.
repaired · 2024 Q2
Automatic transmission: control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
Risk. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod
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.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Subaru.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Outback year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Outback median. How we score
'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Subaru Outback safety ratings
2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (18.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Outback owners report
Recent visibility/wiper complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
I was driving when I heard a loud explosion sound. I first thought a rock or gunshot hit my car and pulled over to examine my car. I checked all around the car and didn't notice any damage on the side of my car but then I noticed that my sunroof was shattered. The glass was pushed outward which…
Since owning this vehicle, we have replaced the windshield at least once a year. The first due to a 1/16th inch chip that evolved into a 10 inch crack over the course of a day. The second was a crack from driver side pillar that appeared overnight, no chips prior. Third was a 8" crack from…
Driving home on a farm road, a truck passed, picking up a pebble that hit my windshield. On my other vehicles, that same impact would leave a chip on the windshield but due to its light thickness, it immediately formed a long crack that is continually growing in size as it is currently my daily…
Own a 2021 Outback?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.