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2021 Subaru Outback recalls

4 recalls are on record with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Outback.

4 Open recalls
289 Complaints
0 Fire reports
0 Crash reports

Recall details

Recall POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD #21V024000 Reported 26/01/2021

Defect

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.

Risk

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.

Free fix

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.

Recall POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) #22V485000 Reported 08/07/2022

Defect

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.

Risk

An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH #23V755000 Reported 09/11/2023

Defect

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.

Risk

An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.

Free fix

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.

Recall AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER #24V227000 Reported 22/03/2024

Defect

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.

Risk

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Free fix

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.

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What owners complain about

Top components in 289 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Subaru Outback.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 89
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 71
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 46
AIR BAGS 16
POWER TRAIN 10
VISIBILITY 10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 7
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 7

Frequently asked

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?

4 recalls are on record with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are always free at a franchise dealer.

Do I have to pay to fix a Subaru recall?

No. Federal law requires manufacturers to repair safety recalls for free at any authorized dealer, regardless of who owns the vehicle or its warranty status.

Is this recall list specific to my VIN?

This page lists recalls reported to NHTSA for every 2021 Subaru Outback. To confirm whether a recall is still open for one specific VIN, enter it in our decoder or check with Subaru. NHTSA has no public by-VIN recall feed, so we look up the make, model, and year.

2021 Subaru Outback crash ratings All recalls