Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback, including Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners filed 300 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (98), electrical system (76), forward collision avoidance (29), engine (21).

How much does a 2021 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?

About $41,540 over 5 years ($692/month) at an estimated $16,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

2021 Subaru Outback

The 2021 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 66/100. Expect about $41,540 to own it for five years, or $692 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 300 complaints.

Recalls: 4
Complaints: 300
5-yr cost: $42k
MPG (EPA): 29

Fair

Ownership Score

2021 Subaru Outback vs nearby years

Compare this year with the model years next to it on the same hub.

Looking at a specific Outback?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

4 recalls may apply

For the 2021 Subaru Outback. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

What's wrong: 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.
Fix: 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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $16,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$41,540

$692/month · $0.69/mile

Depreciation	$5,189
Insurance (national avg.)	$12,000
Fuel / charging	$6,930
Maintenance	$7,360
Repairs	$3,642
Loan interest	$4,444
Taxes & fees	$1,975

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

300 complaints9 involved a crash2 involved a fire

Visibility/Wiper98
Electrical System76
Unknown Or Other67
Forward Collision Avoidance29
Engine21
Vehicle Speed Control19

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
Frontal: 5 out of 5 stars
Side: 5 out of 5 stars
Rollover: 4 out of 5 stars

Rated as: 2021 Subaru Outback SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2021 Subaru Outback

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

Electrical and lights
- Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
- Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
Engine and transmission
- Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
- Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
Driver-assist systems
- Ask if the systems work as designed and if any warnings stay on.
- Test the backup camera and parking sensors if fitted.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2021 Subaru Outback problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good car to buy?: The 2021 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 66/100. Expect about $41,540 to own it for five years, or $692 a month. NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 300 complaints.
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have recalls?: NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback, including Power Train › Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger; Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?: Owners filed 300 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (98), electrical system (76), forward collision avoidance (29), engine (21).
How much does a 2021 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?: About $41,540 over 5 years ($692/month) at an estimated $16,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.