2021 Subaru Outback problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 296 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Outback, filed between 2020-11-23 and 2026-08-26. The most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (97, 33%), electrical system (75, 25%) and forward collision avoidance (29, 10%). Owners reported 9 crashes, 1 fire and 4 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2021 Subaru Outback complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 97 | 33% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 75 | 25% | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 65 | 22% | 3 | 0 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 29 | 10% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Engine | 21 | 7% | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 19 | 6% | 5 | 0 | 2 |
| Air bags | 16 | 5% | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Power train | 12 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 10 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 10 | 3% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Lane departure | 7 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 7 | 2% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Structure | 7 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 6 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Visibility/wiper: 97 complaints
- 97 complaints of 296 (33%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- 4 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Electrical system: 75 complaints
- 75 complaints of 296 (25%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 10 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Forward collision avoidance: 29 complaints
- 29 complaints of 296 (10%) name the forward collision avoidance — forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking.
- 7 of them also name the vehicle speed control; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Engine: 21 complaints
- 21 complaints of 296 (7%) name the engine.
- 7 of them also name the power train; owners reported 1 crash and 1 fire in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Vehicle speed control: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 296 (6%) name the vehicle speed control — cruise control and accelerator/throttle control.
- 7 of them also name the forward collision avoidance; owners reported 5 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2021 Subaru Outback covers this system.
Air bags: 16 complaints
- 16 complaints of 296 (5%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- Owners reported 1 crash and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2021 Subaru Outback; the recall, campaign 24V227000, says: “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.”
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 5 |
| 2021 | 103 |
| 2022 | 61 |
| 2023 | 56 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 14 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names OUTBACK, model year 2021. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2021 Subaru Outback recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2021 Subaru Outback's most common problem areas are the visibility/wiper (97 of 296 complaints), electrical system (75 of 296 complaints) and forward collision avoidance (29 of 296 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA has 296 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Outback, including 9 reported crashes and 1 reported fire.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Subaru Outback's problems?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback; 1 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.