2021 Subaru Outback · recalls
2021 Subaru Outback recalls
NHTSA lists 4 recalls that include the 2021 Subaru Outback. The newest, 24V-227, was filed Mar 22, 2024 for the airbags. 3 of them are on the transmission and drivetrain.
- 4recalls
- 2systems
- 296owner complaints
Newest recall or investigation Mar 22, 2024 · checked Sep 22, 2026
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN, and a finished repair drops it off the list. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Every recall, newest first
Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger
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.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
16 of the 296 owner complaints on this car cite the airbags, 1 of them the same part of it (Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger).
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch
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.
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.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
12 of the 296 owner complaints on this car cite the transmission and drivetrain.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm)
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.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
12 of the 296 owner complaints on this car cite the transmission and drivetrain.
Power Train:Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod
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.
Remedy: 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.
12 of the 296 owner complaints on this car cite the transmission and drivetrain.
Complaints with no recall behind them
The systems owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback complain about most that none of these recalls covers, as of Sep 22, 2026. A problem can be widespread without being a safety defect NHTSA can order fixed.
- Windshield and wipers: 97 complaints, no recallwindshield · infotainment
- Electrical: 75 complaints, no recalldead battery · infotainment
- Collision avoidance: 29 complaints, no recall
- Engine: 21 complaints, no recall
- Speed control: 19 complaints, no recall
More on the 2021 Subaru Outback
Problems by mileage on the 2021 Subaru Outback · Subaru Outback years to avoid