2021 Subaru Outback Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 298 owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Outback. The EPA rates it 26 to 29 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 4
- Owner complaints
- 298
- Crashes / fires reported
- 9 / 2
- EPA combined
- 26–29 MPG
2021 Subaru Outback recalls
Air BagsMar 22, 2024 · NHTSA 24V227000+
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
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.
Power TrainNov 9, 2023 · NHTSA 23V755000+
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.
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.
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.
Power TrainJul 8, 2022 · NHTSA 22V485000+
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
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.
Power TrainJan 26, 2021 · NHTSA 21V024000+
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.
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Subaru Outback problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Visibility/Wiper97
- Electrical System76
- Unknown or Other66
- Forward Collision Avoidance29
- Engine21
- Vehicle Speed Control19
- Air Bags16
- Power Train12
2021 Subaru Outback gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outback AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 26 | 33 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Outback AWD | 2.4 L 4 cyl, Automatic (AV-S8) | 23 | 30 | 26 | $2,450 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback, most recently for the air bags (Mar 22, 2024). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners filed 298 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are visibility/wiper (97), electrical system (76), unknown or other (66).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Outback get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Outback at 26 to 29 MPG combined (best version: 26 city / 33 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.