Worst 2021 Subaru Outback Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
VISIBILITY/WIPER
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Check the actual VIN — every car is different.
This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 97 | 1 | — | 4,193 mi | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 68 | 2 | 1 | 11,468 mi | |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 58 | 2 | — | 2,716 mi | |
| ENGINE | 19 | 1 | 1 | 18,250 mi | |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 17 | 1 | — | 650 mi | |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 17 | 3 | — | 15,608 mi | |
| AIR BAGS | 15 | — | — | 15,600 mi | |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 12 | — | — | 7,320 mi | |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| POWER TRAIN | 10 | 1 | — | 27,400 mi | |
| VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD | 9 | — | — | 6,272 mi | |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 7 | — | — | 500 mi | |
| WHEELS | 6 | — | — | 3,718 mi | |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 4 | — | — | — | |
| LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | 4 | — | — | 520 mi | |
| STEERING | 4 | — | — | 17,500 mi | |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY | 2 | — | — | 28,966 mi | |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | 2 | — | — | 12,570 mi | |
| LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION | 2 | — | — | — | |
| AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER | 1 | — | — | — | |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS | 1 | — | — | — | |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:CONTROL MODULE | 1 | — | — | 1,800 mi | |
| LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | 1 | — | — | — | |
| LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: RADAR | 1 | — | — | 18,640 mi | |
| PARKING BRAKE | 1 | — | — | 24,000 mi | |
| SEATS | 1 | — | — | — | |
| SUSPENSION | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2021 Subaru Outback
6 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~334,023 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Subaru Outback Years
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2021 Subaru Outback
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
Check Any VIN — $4.99