2021 Subaru Outback
Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2021 Subaru Outback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 14 on record.
2021 Subaru Outback at a glance
Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.
2021 Subaru Outback recalls 4
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.
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 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.
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, 202…
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.
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. (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.
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.
Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.
2021 Subaru Outback common problems
The most-reported problem areas from 290 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.
2021 Subaru Outback MPG & running costs
Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.
What's a 2021 Subaru Outback worth?
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.
2021 Subaru Outback trims & engines on record
2021 Subaru Outback vehicles on record
2021 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK)4S4BTANC4M3198977
2021 Subaru Outback Base4S4BTAAC1M3154263
2021 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK)4S4BTANC9M3123501
2021 Subaru Outback Premium+SMART+M/R+NAVI4S4BTAFC5M3144425
2021 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK)4S4BTANC3M3181247
2021 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK)4S4BTANC0M3174739
2021 Subaru Outback Base4S4BTAACXM3108270
2021 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BTACC0M3155112
2021 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BTACC9M3157960
2021 Subaru Outback Premium+SMART4S4BTADC1M3204851
2021 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK)4S4BTANC0M3204936
2021 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BTACC6M3154403
2021 Subaru Outback Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK)4S4BTGND2M3161938
2021 Subaru Outback Premium4S4BTACC2M3173398
Other Subaru Outback model years
2021 Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions
Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Based on 290 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, air bags, vehicle speed control.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Subaru Outback get?
The U.S. EPA rates the 2021 Subaru Outback at about 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway).
How much is a 2021 Subaru Outback worth?
Comparable 2021 Subaru Outback listings run roughly $27,845–$38,500, typically around $32,921 (from 11 vehicles).
Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.