Worst 2021 Subaru Outback Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Wipers & Visibility
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wipers & Visibility | 97 | 1 | — | 4,193 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 68 | 2 | 1 | 11,468 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 19 | 1 | 1 | 18,250 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 17 | 1 | — | 650 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 3 | — | 15,608 mi | |
| Airbags | 15 | — | — | 15,600 mi | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 13 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 12 | — | — | 7,320 mi | |
| Fuel System | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | 27,400 mi | |
| Visibility:Windshield | 9 | — | — | 6,272 mi | |
| Brakes | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Body Structure | 7 | — | — | 500 mi | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | 3,718 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Warning | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Rearview System Braking | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| 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 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Sensing System: Radar | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 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
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~215,118 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. 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 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
2021 Subaru Outback — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
What are common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Outback?
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Outback?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
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.
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