2021 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 285 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2021 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2021 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2021 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Subaru Outback has 285 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 285
- Crash-related complaints
- 6
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the wiper system for proper operation and any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical system repairs or complaints.
- Have a mechanic inspect the forward collision avoidance system and transmission before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the wiper system for proper operation and any signs of failure.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical system repairs or complaints.
- Have a mechanic inspect the forward collision avoidance system and transmission before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2021 Subaru Outback are concentrated in the Visibility/Wiper and Electrical Faults categories, together accounting for over half of all reports. A recurring theme appears to be issues with the forward collision avoidance system and unintended acceleration, though crash-related complaints are relatively low. Buyers may want to inspect the wiper system and electrical components closely.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints are the most numerous, with 97 reports.
- Electrical Faults are the second most common issue, with 72 complaints.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB has 28 complaints, indicating potential system concerns.
- Visibility/Wiper system failures or poor performance
- Electrical system faults
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system malfunctions
All 2021 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 97 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 72 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 59 | 2 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 28 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 21 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 17 | 3 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
This 021' outback XXX purchased in 023'/ 24k Mi Freehold subaru. freehold NJ 'if purchased new would've been on the desk of a local lemon law attorney by now. Over the few years the lock unlock function of key fobs stubbornly, randomly & repeadedly dont work. Freehold subaru saw …
The failure involves the engine (powertrain), which was under warranty. The vehicle has experienced four catastrophic engine failures resulting in sudden loss of power, including at highway speeds (65–75 mph). The most recent failure also involved an oil-saturated catalytic conve…
The airbag light came on in my car even though the cars airbags have never deployed. The code that the scanner is bringing up is B1784. The description for this error is Right front occupant detection sensor collision detection, Subaru has a safety recall for this exact issue fo…
On 10/29/25 the car lost power once it got to 3500rpm. Multiple warning lights came on. On 11/06/2025, the Thermo Control Valve, high pressure fuel line, and gaskets for intake manifold and EGR were replaced. On 11/24/25, when backing up slowly in a small parking lot, the rear c…
I was stopped at a stop sign and the car shut off as the auto on/off function. When I went to drive the car did not re-start as the battery needed replaced. I was left stranded in an intersection. The battery did need to be replaced. The auto start/stop feature is a saftey ha…
Sunroof exploded driving home in 90 degree sunny and clear weather. It sounded like a gun went off right over my head. It scared me so bad I jerked my steering wheel into the other lane. Thank God no one was in that lane. I had to get it replaced at Mid State Glass company. acco…
SUDDEN AACCELERATION: Cold started the car in garage, all OK. Then backed out and into turn around where I placed foot on the brake. At that moment suddenly accelerated and engine revved to 2000rpm (sounded like). I had to push down very hard on the brake pedal (where my foo…
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while idling at a red traffic light, the vehicle lurched forward twice and struck the rear end of another vehicle twice. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated upon impact. The air bags did not deploy. There…
Wheel bearings failed at 55k miles , 5.25 years
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer was contacted. The dealer confirmed that parts were not yet available for the recall rep…
While slowly backing out of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own - I do not recall pressing on the accelerator but the engine surged and the vehicle rapidly reversed and struck 4 other parked cars. It felt as if the accelerator became stuck and would not …
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. During the failure the "Eyesight" message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer wh…
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available.…
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reaso…
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the rec…
The rear driver side window shattered while I was driving. There was no outside influence, and I was driving around 35-40 miles/hour. I am reporting this because Subaru had the same incident happen multiple times on another model of their vehicles. If there was anyone sitting …
Purchased used with just over 60k miles & have had less than a year. Vehicle still under 80k miles. Told transmission needs replaced but found service records from previous owner which shows fuel pump replaced twice at about 20k mile intervals & I am just under 20k miles past pre…
Thermo Control Valve. Check engine light on. Eyesight Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance X mode Dealership would not honor repair even though there is re…
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall re…
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reaso…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
2021 Subaru Outback Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 285 owner complaints, 6 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (97 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (72 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (59 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Subaru Outback?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Subaru Outback?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 6 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 285 total complaints. 1 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2021 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Visibility/Wiper during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.