2021 Subaru outback Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK)
4S4BTANC3M3181247
Vehicle history report for the 2021 Subaru outback (VIN 4S4BTANC3M3181247). Red. Title: Clean. 373 mi reported. Registered in Md. 4 open safety recalls. Unlock full title, salvage, lien & accident history.
At a glance
Vehicle identity & specifications
🧾 Window sticker / build sheet → All 2021 Subaru outback data →
What's a 2021 Subaru outback worth?
What comparable 2021 Subaru outback vehicles are listed for — a quick gut-check before you negotiate.
Is the seller's price fair? Get this exact VIN's current market value — retail, trade-in & loan value — in the full report.
See this car's exact value →MPG & running costs
Official U.S. EPA fuel-economy estimates for the 2021 Subaru outback.
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov. EPA estimates for this year/make/model; actual mileage varies by trim and driving conditions.
Estimated 5-year cost to own
A rough guide to what running a 2021 Subaru outback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.
How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($32,921) with the same model 5 model-years older ($17,555), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.
Full vehicle history report
What a full report checks for VIN 4S4BTANC3M3181247
A full report searches national title databases (NMVTIS) and licensed history providers for this VIN and shows whatever records are on file — not every vehicle has every record type. The decode, safety recalls and owner complaints above are always free.
Safety recalls 4
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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #21V024000 · 26/01/2021POWER 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.
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
NHTSA Campaign #22V485000 · 08/07/2022POWER 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #23V755000 · 09/11/2023AIR 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.
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.
NHTSA Campaign #24V227000 · 22/03/2024We'll email you the moment a new safety recall is issued — no spam, unsubscribe any time.
Common problems & what to inspect
Based on 289 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Subaru outback, here are the most-reported problem areas — and exactly what to check before you buy.
💥 4 involved a crash 🚑 2 reported injuries
🔍 Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
🔍 Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
🔍 Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
🔍 Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
🔍 Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
🔍 Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Pre-purchase checklist
- Match the VIN on the dash, door jamb and title — they must be identical.
- Cold-start the engine; listen for knocks and check for blue or white exhaust smoke.
- Test-drive through all gears at low and highway speed — no slipping, shudder or pulling.
- Confirm every warning light clears at startup (none should stay on).
- Check fluids — oil, coolant, transmission — for level, color and leaks.
- Look underneath for rust, fresh undercoating or signs of collision repair.
- Always get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a trusted mechanic.
Owner complaints 289
Complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of the 2021 Subaru outback.
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We are VERY concerned about the failure of some very important safety features of our 2021 Subaru Outback Touring Edition. We were involved in a bad car accident caused by a person under the influence who was in handcuffs when we were taken away by ambulance. As you can see by the photos, there was MAJOR damage to the other car and significant damage to ou…
Crash · 2 injured · NHTSA ODI #11739672UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The battery zapped out in December of 2024 in the wintertime and left me stranded. Subaru towed it the next morning and replace for free only bc I mentioned the previous law suit but the battery issue is the same
NHTSA ODI #11736398POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Thermo Control Valve Failure- Contact Subaru of Cherry Hill, NJ for Inspection 177,4XX Miles P26A5 code Check engine Light on, Disabled Safety Systems (Eyesight System), Car may have overheated if not pulled over and turned off. Part of warranty extension but did not qualify due to mileage.
NHTSA ODI #11736441STEERING,SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am filing this complaint regarding multiple serious safety defects in my 2021 Subaru Outback purchased in July 2021, currently at 48000 miles THERMO CONTROL VALVE FAILURE (26,307 miles) While traveling in the center lane on [XXX] southbound in [XXX] the evening of 1/6/2024 my vehicle suddenly experienced a complete loss of control. It seemed that the c…
NHTSA ODI #11735647ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This 021' outback XXX purchased in 023'/ 24k Mi Freehold subaru. freehold NJ 'if purchased new would've been on the desk of a local lemon law attorney by now. Over the few years the lock unlock function of key fobs stubbornly, randomly & repeadedly dont work. Freehold subaru saw no problem. Front passenger window months ago wouldn't go up. Freehold subaru su…
NHTSA ODI #11732036POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
The failure involves the engine (powertrain), which was under warranty. The vehicle has experienced four catastrophic engine failures resulting in sudden loss of power, including at highway speeds (65–75 mph). The most recent failure also involved an oil-saturated catalytic converter. These failures occurred between 06/25/2024 and 03/16/2026. During this ~62…
NHTSA ODI #11727143AIR BAGS
The airbag light came on in my car even though the cars airbags have never deployed. The code that the scanner is bringing up is B1784. The description for this error is Right front occupant detection sensor collision detection, Subaru has a safety recall for this exact issue for this exact year and type of car but are stating my vin does not have the recal…
NHTSA ODI #11712489VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
On 10/29/25 the car lost power once it got to 3500rpm. Multiple warning lights came on. On 11/06/2025, the Thermo Control Valve, high pressure fuel line, and gaskets for intake manifold and EGR were replaced. On 11/24/25, when backing up slowly in a small parking lot, the rear camera detection picked up a raised cement walkway with metal railing. The brake …
Crash · NHTSA ODI #11702874+ 281 more complaints on record.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I find out who owns this vehicle from the VIN?
No — and no legitimate service can. Linking a VIN or plate to a named owner is restricted by the U.S. Driver's Privacy Protection Act, the EU GDPR and equivalent laws. CarLogs shows the vehicle only — specs, recalls, problems and value — never the person.
Is the VIN 4S4BTANC3M3181247 valid?
4S4BTANC3M3181247 is a structurally valid 17-character VIN with a correct ISO 3779 check digit, assigned to a manufacturer in United States. It decodes to the 2021 Subaru outback.
Does the 2021 Subaru outback have any open safety recalls?
Yes — 4 open NHTSA safety recalls are on record for the 2021 Subaru outback. Recall repairs are carried out free by any franchised dealer; see the recall details above.
What is a fair price for a 2021 Subaru outback?
Comparable 2021 Subaru outback listings run roughly $27,845–$38,500, typically around $32,921 (from 11 comparable vehicles). The full report shows this exact VIN's valuation.
What fuel economy does the 2021 Subaru outback get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Subaru outback at about 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway).
Data last checked 4 Sep 2026 · Sources: NHTSA (recalls & complaints), U.S. EPA (fuel economy), NHTSA vPIC (specifications). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.