2021 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2021 Subaru Outback Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Subaru Outback
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 Subaru Outback. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (283) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 7 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Subaru Outback with 2 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Outback before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Outback Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Outback years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 438 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Subaru Outback | 886 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | 83 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 1023 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2024 Subaru Outback | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | 784 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Subaru Outback Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 Subaru Outback, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
86 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
44 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
36 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyAir Bags
14 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Subaru onlyVisibility
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility issues Subaru onlyForward Collision Avoidance
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Forward Collision Avoidance issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2021 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2021 Subaru Outback
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2021 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Sensor Issue A common issue where the airbag light comes on without airbag deployment, possibly due to a sensor malfunction. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Thermo Control Valve Failure A recurring problem where the Thermo Control Valve fails, leading to power loss and warning lights. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Sunroof Malfunction A rare but serious issue where the sunroof explodes during sunny weather, causing significant distress. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Failure A critical issue where the transmission needs replacement, often occurring within the first year of ownership. |
High | Common | 60k-80k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Subaru Outback:
Issues with airbag sensors are common, especially around 30k-60k miles.
Thermo Control Valve failures are a common issue, leading to power loss and warning lights.
Sunroof malfunctions are rare but can be dangerous, especially during sunny weather.
Transmission failures are a critical issue, often occurring within the first year of ownership.
Recall Details for the 2021 Subaru Outback
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Subaru Outback by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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 ...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Subaru Outback
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes.
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 for this exact year and type of car but are stating my vin does not have the recall. I have contacted them and they stated...
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 camera detection picked up a raised cement walkway with metal railing. The brake was applied by the driver, however the 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 hazzard on any vehicle
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. according to what I found on the internet this happens rather frequently. No notification by Subaru that this was even a po...
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 was no injury sustained. A Police report was not filed. Both the contact and her husband were able to drive away from t...
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 foot already was) to stop the car before crashing into a tree. Foot was clearly on brake pedal at incident (that was the ...
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 repair. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufa...
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 respond to braking. No warning light or dashboard alerts appeared. Subaru eyesight and adaptive cruise control were 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 who diagnosed that the thermal control valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The thermal control valve was replaced,...
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 stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufactur...
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 reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience...
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 recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was...
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 in the back, they would have most likely been injured.
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 previous pump replacement. Vehicle does not run at the moment & warranty company refusing to help.
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 recall it does not cover vin 63400 miles Vehicle inspected by manufacturer code P2682 Check engine light is on and eyesigh...
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 repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts n...
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 reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi...
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The contact stated that there was an audible chime while a passenger was seated in the front passenger’s seat. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The dealer ...
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 reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi...
Showing 20 of 283 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Subaru Outback
Has the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
The 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK has 283 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 6 involved crashes. 1 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK involve visibility/wiper (86 complaints), electrical system (44 complaints), unknown or other (36 complaints). Other affected components include air bags, visibility, forward collision avoidance.
How many crash reports does the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 6 crash reports associated with the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 283 total complaints (2.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 283 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
1 injury has been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 283 complaints, 4 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (86 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (44 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (36 complaints), 4. AIR BAGS (14 complaints), 5. VISIBILITY (10 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 86 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Be cautious of airbag sensor issues and transmission failures, which are common in this model. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid unexpected problems. The 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK has 283 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK receives a reliability score of 55/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 283 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 7 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbag Sensor Issue and Thermo Control Valve Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Known issues with the 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK include: Airbag Sensor Issue, Thermo Control Valve Failure, Sunroof Malfunction, Transmission Failure. These are based on patterns found across 283 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Common issues include airbag sensor problems, Thermo Control Valve failures, and transmission issues.
Can the sunroof of a 2021 Subaru Outback explode?
Yes, there have been reports of sunroof explosions, though it is a rare occurrence.
What should I do if I experience sudden acceleration in my 2021 Subaru Outback?
If you experience sudden acceleration, immediately check the brake pedal and accelerator, and seek professional assistance.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag sensor issues and transmission failures, which are common in this model. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid unexpected problems.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Subaru Outback. The data includes 283 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 6 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16