NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
A capacitor inside the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor may crack and short circuit, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying during a crash.
This page covers 4 recalls, 288 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
26–29 mpg combined
8.1–9 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Visibility and wiper complaints dominate the 2021 Outback's complaint picture, accounting for the largest share of the 288 owner reports filed. Owners frequently describe windshield wipers performing poorly, obstructed sightlines, and related issues that affect forward visibility, particularly in rain and winter conditions. Electrical system complaints are the second most common, with owners reporting dead or draining batteries, key fob failures, and power window malfunctions. Forward collision avoidance also draws a notable cluster of complaints, where owners describe the EyeSight driver assistance system disabling unexpectedly or throwing warnings without an obvious trigger, in some cases tied to a reported thermo control valve issue that causes the system to shut down alongside a check engine light. A smaller number of owners report engine-related problems including sudden power loss, with some incidents described as occurring at highway speeds.
288
Total Complaints
6
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 recalls, the most serious involving two separate transmission defects that can each cause a sudden loss of drive power and raise the risk of a crash.
On the transmission side, a cable nut on the CVT gear selector may not have been tightened properly, and if it loosens, the gear selector can stop responding correctly, meaning the transmission may not shift into the intended gear. A separate issue affects the transmission control unit, where a software error can allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully clamped; if the chain slips and breaks under those conditions, the vehicle can lose all drive power without warning. For occupant safety, a capacitor inside the front passenger seat sensor can crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash, leaving that occupant without supplemental protection. The fourth recall covers the inhibitor switch, a component that controls reverse lights and the backup camera display; water can get inside through a faulty weld and cause the switch to fail, so when the driver shifts into reverse, the reverse lights may not come on and the backup camera image may not appear, reducing visibility behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
A capacitor inside the front passenger seat's occupant detection sensor may crack and short circuit, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying during a crash.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the occupant detection sensors on the front passenger seat at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A weak weld on the inhibitor switch allows water to enter and damage the switch, causing it to fail.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A software error in the transmission control unit may cause the clutch to engage before the drive chain is fully secured, risking chain slippage.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the transmission control software, check for chain damage, and inspect the chain guide. If damage is found, the transmission will be replaced.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The nut securing the CVT select lever cable may not be tight enough, causing it to loosen over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the nut and tighten it if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.