2021 Subaru Outback Recalls

NHTSA lists 4 open recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer, however old the vehicle is.

Recall data as of Oct 16, 2026 — NHTSA. For a live answer, run the check yourself, or see the latest recalls.

Power Train Shift Linkage/Cable/Rod

What's wrong:
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.
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.
What to do:
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 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Jan 26, 2021.

Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)

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

What's wrong:
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.
Risk:
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
What to do:
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.

NHTSA campaign 22V485000 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Jul 8, 2022.

Park/Neutral Start Interlock Switch

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

What's wrong:
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.
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.
What to do:
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 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Nov 9, 2023.

Occupant Classification Front Passenger

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

What's wrong:
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.
Risk:
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
What to do:
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 — quote this at the dealer.Reported Mar 22, 2024.

Owner complaints

298filed with NHTSA · 18 in the last 12 months
Filed by yearpeak 2021
151617181920212223242526
Visibility/Wiper
97
Electrical System
76
Forward Collision Avoidance
29
Engine
21

9 involved a crash · 2 a fire · 4 injuries

Reported by owners to NHTSA and not verified. Complaints often surface a problem months before a recall.

See the complaints at NHTSA

Other Subaru Outback years

Every year links to that vehicle's full recall page.

20262025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010

Subaru Outback, every year

How recall repairs work

  • Repairs are free at any franchised Subaru dealer — regardless of the vehicle's age or whether you bought it new.
  • Bring the NHTSA campaign number; it's printed on each recall above and on the sheet you can print here.
  • Call ahead: some recalls are announced before parts are available, and the dealer can tell you when yours are in.
  • Your VIN tells the dealer whether your exact vehicle is affected — the free check accepts one and never stores it.

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