Recall Radar

2021 Subaru Outback recalls

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2021 Subaru Outback. The most recent was reported on March 22, 2024.

Check your own car by VIN. A recall applies only to certain vehicles, built in certain periods. NHTSA’s recall lookup checks your 17-character VIN against open recalls and is free.

Recalls at a glance

DateCampaignPartVehicles
March 22, 202424V-227Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger118,723
November 9, 202323V-755Power train: automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switch95,830
July 8, 202222V-485Power train: driveline, chain/belt182
January 26, 202121V-024Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod383

Recall details

Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger

March 22, 2024 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 24V-227

What is 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.

The 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.

Power train: automatic transmission, park/neutral start interlock switch

November 9, 2023 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 23V-755

What is 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.

The 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.

Power train: driveline, chain/belt

July 8, 2022 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 22V-485

What is 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.

The 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.

Power train: shift linkage/cable/rod

January 26, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc. · Campaign 21V-024

What is 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.

The 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.

Other model years of the Subaru Outback

All Subaru Outback recalls · All Subaru recalls

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Subaru Outback have recalls?

NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns since 2013 that include the 2021 Subaru Outback, the most recent reported on March 22, 2024. A campaign covers only certain vehicles, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours is affected.

What parts have been recalled on the 2021 Subaru Outback?

Power train (3), Air bags (1).

Are recall repairs free?

In 4 of the 4 campaigns listed here, the remedy states that the repair is free of charge. Read the remedy in each recall for the details.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall data for passenger vehicles, recalls since 2013, shown as published. This site is independent and not affiliated with NHTSA or any manufacturer. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and follow your manufacturer’s notice. Terms and disclaimer.