Recalls · problems · safety

2021 Subaru Outback: recalls and problems

4 recalls and 296 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper.

4recalls
296complaints
9crashes reported
1fires reported
4injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Visibility/Wiper97 · 33%
  • Electrical System75 · 25%
  • Unknown Or Other65 · 22%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance29 · 10%
  • Engine21 · 7%
  • Vehicle Speed Control19 · 6%
  • Air Bags16 · 5%
  • Power Train12 · 4%
  • Fuel/Propulsion System10 · 3%
  • Visibility10 · 3%

What owners report

Electrical System

Vehicle's auto start-stop system shut the engine off while stopped at a red light in [xxx], in rainy conditions in late xxx at approximately 29,000 miles. when the brake was released after the light turned green, the engine did not restart, leaving it stopped in the travel lane in live traffic. the driver had to use a portable jump starter to get it running again. this was not isolated — repeated failure-to-start inc

Power Train,Engine

Good day! i bought my 2021 subaru outback xt onyx in jan 2021. i had waiting 6 yrs for subaru to use the turbo motor in the outback again. i've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out jan 2026, but i only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr. current odometer is 29,901 miles. at my most recent oil change service at the dealer, they showed me a video of my cars drivetrain from underneath. there were two bad seal

Electrical System,Unknown Or Other

I am reporting a serious and intermittent steering safety issue with my 2021 subaru outback. on two separate occasions, the vehicle suddenly lost what appeared to be power-steering assistance while the vehicle was in motion, causing the steering wheel to become extremely difficult to turn. the first incident occurred while i was driving on the highway and going down a ramp. the steering suddenly became extremely dif

Vehicle Speed ControlCrash

The contact owned 2021 subaru outback. the contact stated that while driving at 5 mph turning a right hand corner into a shopping center, the vehicle began to accelerate without the contacts consent. and the contact proceeded to frantically apply the brakes. the vehicle came to a stop upon impact with a brick wall impacting the front drivers side of the vehicle. all of the airbags were deployed. the vehicle was going

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Outback. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.