2021 Subaru Outback VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 4 recalls and 283 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (89), Electrical System (70), Unknown Or Other (45).
Outback reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Outback before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Subaru Outback issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Visibility Wiper89
- Electrical System70
- Unknown Or Other45
- Air Bags15
- Visibility10
- Power Train8
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Subaru Outback
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect windshield for cracks or signs of previous replacements
- Check battery health and test for any signs of rapid drainage
- Test infotainment system for random reboots or blank screens
- Verify proper operation of the Eyesight system and check for unexpected braking
- Inspect brake pads and rotors for premature wear
- Ensure windows and moonroof function correctly without leaks
2021 Outback recalls (4)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Outback. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 23V755000Nov 9, 2023
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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V485000Jul 8, 2022
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 is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 21V024000Jan 26, 2021
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.
Used-market value
2021 Subaru Outback resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 Subaru Outback on the road
154,623 2021 Subaru Outback units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Subaru Outback stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Subaru Outback
With a 75/100 score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Subaru Outback rates as slightly above average for reliability. That places it in the “solid” range rather than standout, suggesting buyer risk is generally controlled but not minimal. As the second year of its generation, the data reflects a model that’s not brand-new to its design cycle.
Complaint activity is concentrated rather than broad. Visibility-related wiper concerns and electrical-system reports dominate the pattern, while other areas show comparatively limited signal. A meaningful share also falls into unknown/other, which adds some uncertainty to the overall picture. Recalls are elevated, indicating more formal corrections than a limited-recall year.
Overall, the Outback presents moderate buyer risk with above-average reliability.
What you get in a 2021 Subaru Outback report
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2021 Subaru Outback — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
With a 75/100 score versus a 72/100 segment average, the 2021 Subaru Outback rates as slightly above average for reliability. That places it in the “solid” range rather than standout, suggesting buyer risk is generally controlled but not minimal. As the second year of its generation, the data reflects a model that’s not brand-new to its design cycle.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
4 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Subaru Outback. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?
The most-reported 2021 Subaru Outback problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (89), Electrical System (70), Unknown Or Other (45).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Subaru Outback?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Subaru Outback, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.