Recall homework
There are 4 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2021 Subaru Outback
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
4 Total recalls
Mar 22, 2024 Latest recall date
291 Complaint reports
$1,733 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention visibility/wiper, electrical system, unknown or other. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
455 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2021 Subaru Outback?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to visibility/wiper, electrical system, unknown or other?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2021 Subaru Outback Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 1 tested variant of the 2021 Subaru Outback.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
Verify with official VIN lookup4 official recalls on record for the 2021 Subaru Outback. 29 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: March 22, 2024
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24V227000 | 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. | An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury. | 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. | Mar 2024 | 2026-1 |
| 23V755000 | 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. | An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash. | 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. | Nov 2023 | 2025-4 |
| 22V485000 | 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. | An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. | 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. | Jul 2022 | 2024-2 |
| 21V024000 | 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. | 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. | 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. | Jan 2021 | 2022-4 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Official records show 455 manufacturer communications on record for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
0 warranty 1 service campaigns 0 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs on the vehicles listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | 11034268 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | 11034269 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | This bulletin provides updated parts information and a service procedure to follow for removing accumulated carbon deposits from fuel injectors and internal engine components (e.g. intake valves and / or manifold, and combustion chambers). (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | 11034264 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector and fuel pipe in response to the DTCs listed DTC P030* / Engine Knocking / DTC P219C-D-E-F. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | 11034250 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | This bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in conjunction with the applicable Service Manual. | 11034259 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This bulletin outlines the diagnostic and repair procedure for white smoke emitted from the exhaust after startup. | 11034257 |
| Jun 2026 | Other | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This announcement is requesting retailer staff to retain the EyeSight protective hood covers from Generation 4 EyeSight cameras. | 11034249 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | POWER TRAIN | This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | 11034271 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | This bulletin announces the design change made to the exhaust manifold flange nut material that has been changed from stainless steel to medium carbon steel. This change also necessitates a revised tightening torque specification. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.) | 11034243 |
| Jun 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | "This bulletin provides a new diagnostic procedure for vehicles equipped with a Denso CP 1, 1.5 and 2.5 head units to provide an enhanced version of the troubleshooting steps for Sound does not come out from the speaker." | 11034237 |
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback complaints?
VISIBILITY/WIPER 86
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 44
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 38
AIR BAGS 14
VISIBILITY 10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER 6
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6
ENGINE 4
POWER TRAIN 3
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 3
291 total complaints on record
How much does the 2021 Subaru Outback cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $1,733 $144/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 28.7 MPG
Energy used 417 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.15 $/gal
Assumptions: 26 city / 33 highway / 29 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jul 18, 2026)
308 g/mi CO2Fuel score 6/10Smog 7/10