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2021 Subaru Outback recalls

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026

For the 2021 Subaru Outback. These apply to the model and year, not to one particular vehicle: check your VIN to see whether yours is included and whether it has been repaired.

Has your Subaru been repaired?

Recalls here come from NHTSA’s records for the model and year. Not every vehicle of a model is included in every recall, and this site can’t see whether a repair has been done. Only a VIN lookup can tell you that.

NHTSA’s VIN search doesn’t show recalls that were already repaired, recalls more than 15 years old, or some small manufacturers’ recalls. A Subaru dealer can also check your VIN. Recall repairs are free.

2021 Subaru Outback recalls, newest first

March 22, 2024NHTSA 24V227000118,723 vehicles potentially affected

Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classification › Front passenger

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

November 9, 2023NHTSA 23V75500095,830 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Automatic transmission › Park/neutral start interlock switch

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

July 8, 2022NHTSA 22V485000182 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt

Summary
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.
Components
Power train › Driveline › Chain/belt; Power train › Automatic transmission › Control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

This recall on nhtsa.gov

January 26, 2021NHTSA 21V024000383 vehicles potentially affected

Power train › Shift linkage/cable/rod

Summary
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.

This recall on nhtsa.gov

Owner complaints

Owners have filed 296 complaints about the 2021 Subaru Outback with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public; NHTSA uses them to decide what to investigate.

Crashes reported
9
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
4
Deaths reported
0

Most complained-about components

  1. Visibility/wiper97
  2. Electrical system72
  3. Unknown or other65
  4. Engine21
  5. Vehicle speed control19

Other Subaru Outback years

Other 2021 Subaru models

Most recalled 2021 vehicles

  1. 2021 Ford F-150 (29 recalls)
  2. 2021 Lincoln Aviator (28 recalls)
  3. 2021 Ford Explorer (26 recalls)
  4. 2021 Blue Bird Vision School Bus (26 recalls)
  5. 2021 Tesla Model X (24 recalls)
All of 2021’s most recalled vehicles

Questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
4 recalls found in NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026, covering: air bags, power train. Recalls apply to the model and year; whether a particular vehicle is included, and whether it has been repaired, depends on its VIN.
How do I check if my 2021 Subaru Outback recall has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask a Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free. NHTSA's VIN search doesn't list recalls that were already repaired.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru Outback?
296 complaints filed with NHTSA. Complaints are unverified reports from the public that NHTSA uses to decide what to investigate.