The 2021 Subaru Outback has a elevated safety risk profile with 4 recall campaigns and 291 NHTSA complaints. Before buying, verify that all recalls have been completed. It's free at any dealer.

Recalls

291

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

23V7550002023-09-11

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH

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.

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

View at NHTSA

21V0240002021-26-01

POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD

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.

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.

View at NHTSA

22V4850002022-08-07

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

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.

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

View at NHTSA

View all 4 recalls

24V2270002024-22-03

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

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.

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

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Across 1 model years, 291 owners have filed complaints about the 2021 Subaru Outback. VISIBILITY/WIPER issues top the list, so ask the seller about this area specifically during your inspection.

01Visibility/wiper86

02Electrical System44

03Unknown Or Other38

04Air Bags14

05Visibility10

291 total across 1 model years (2021–2021)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Subaru Outback Fuel Economy

26–29mpg combined

23-26city

30-33hwy

$2,350-$2,600/yr

Across 2 configurations, the 2021 Subaru Outback returns 26–29 MPG combined. Choose the thriftier option if you're commuting; the sportier setup if you're not counting gallons.

By Trim

Outback AWD - Automatic (AV-S8)

29mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

26 city33 hwy~$2,350/yr6/10 Average

Outback AWD - Automatic (AV-S8)

26mpg

2.4L 4-cyl Turbo · All-Wheel Drive

23 city30 hwy~$2,600/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2021 Subaru Outback

39States

20%in top 3

8% of the market sits in Texas, though listings span 39 states. Expand your search and you'll find more options at better prices.

TXTexas

1,6608%

CACalifornia

1,5187%

FLFlorida

1,2085%

PAPennsylvania

1,0545%

COColorado

8684%

DEDelaware

8604%

ILIllinois

7914%

WAWashington

7433%

MNMinnesota

7333%

MOMissouri

7233%

OHOhio

7143%

NCNorth Carolina

6993%

MIMichigan

6803%

NHNew Hampshire

6563%

NYNew York

6443%

OROregon

6423%

NJNew Jersey

5923%

GAGeorgia

5833%

MDMaryland

5733%

DCWashington DC

5142%

UTUtah

4462%

AZ427

OK427

IN329

WIWisconsin

3261%

CT286

MA263

ME259

NE258

AR256

RI256

VT235

TN217

NV181

SD174

ID160

IA158

KY157

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2021.

Buying a 2021 Subaru Outback?

Answers to common buyer questions

Is the 2021 Subaru Outback a good car to buy?

The 2021 Subaru Outback has 4 recalls on record. There are 4 recalls on record, so check that they've been completed before buying. The most commonly reported issue area is visibility/wiper, which is worth inspecting during a test drive. Review the safety data and pricing breakdown above.

Are there recalls on the 2021 Subaru Outback?

There are 4 documented recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Don't let that scare you; most are routine. Just make sure they're all resolved before you sign. Details in the safety overview.

What's the gas mileage of the 2021 Subaru Outback?

Fuel economy ranges from 26 to 29 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $209 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?

VISIBILITY/WIPER is the number-one complaint area for the 2021 Subaru Outback, based on 291 NHTSA filings. During a test drive, pay extra attention to this system. See the known issues section for the full breakdown.