VinSleuth

2021 Subaru Outback recall campaigns

4 model-year recall campaigns were returned for the 2021 Subaru Outback.

Methodology: recall and complaint counts are pulled from NHTSA public data by make, model, and model year during the site build. This page is not a VIN-specific open-recall status.

Data sources: NHTSA recalls retrieved: 2026-09-09 (cache). Complaints retrieved: 2026-09-09 (cache). These are automated source snapshots; confirm current VIN applicability with NHTSA and the manufacturer.

4 Recall campaigns
296 Complaints
1 Fire reports
9 Crash reports

Recall campaign 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Check your VIN for unrepaired recalls

Enter your VIN at NHTSA to check vehicle-specific recall repair status. This model-year list cannot confirm whether your vehicle is affected. Recent and some older recalls may not appear; contact the manufacturer when needed.

Check VIN at NHTSA

Other Subaru Outback model years

Recalls differ by model year — check the years near yours.

What owners complain about

Top components in 296 NHTSA complaints for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Owner reports are not confirmed defect findings.

VISIBILITY/WIPER 89
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 74
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 47
AIR BAGS 16
POWER TRAIN 11
VISIBILITY 10
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 9
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 7

Frequently asked

How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?

4 model-year recall campaigns were returned for the 2021 Subaru Outback.

Do I have to pay to fix a Subaru recall?

Safety recall remedies are generally provided without charge for eligible affected vehicles. Eligibility and remedy availability depend on the campaign, including vehicle-age rules. Contact the manufacturer or an authorized dealer with your VIN to confirm coverage and next steps.

Is this recall list specific to my VIN?

This page lists campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback model year. It does not confirm whether your VIN is affected or whether a repair is still needed. Use the official NHTSA VIN lookup at https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls or contact Subaru. Recent and some older recalls may not appear in the VIN tool.

2021 Subaru Outback crash ratings All recalls

Confirm recalls for your vehicle

This site shows campaigns by make, model and year. Automatic recall alerts are not available here. Check your VIN with NHTSA and confirm applicability and repair status with the manufacturer or dealer.

Check your VIN with NHTSA