NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback. The newest was filed on October 3, 2025. A campaign covers some or all cars of this model year. To check one car, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Power train3Air bags1
Recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback
NHTSA 24V227000 · filed October 3, 2025
Air bags: sensor, occupant classification, front passenger
What NHTSA says: 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.
The risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The fix, as filed: 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
What NHTSA says: 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.
The 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, as filed: 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.
What NHTSA says: 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.
The 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, as filed: 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.
Power train: automatic transmission, control module (tcm/PCM/tecm)
What NHTSA says: 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.
The 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, as filed: 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.
This list is for the model year. Only a VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows which recalls are still open on one car.
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Recalls often cover one engine, trim or build period. Decode the VIN to see what the car left the factory with.
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Source: NHTSA recall data, checked November 1, 2026.Not affiliated with NHTSA or Subaru.
2021 Subaru Outback recalls: common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2021 Subaru Outback as of November 1, 2026. Each campaign covers some or all vehicles of that model year, so not every car is affected by every recall.
How do I check if my 2021 Subaru Outback has an open recall?
Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or on the manufacturer's own recall page. That lookup shows the recalls still unrepaired on that one car, which this page cannot do. The VIN is on the driver's side of the dashboard, seen through the windshield, and on your registration card.
Do I have to pay for a recall repair?
Under federal law the manufacturer generally has to fix a safety recall at no charge to the owner. There are limits, for example for vehicles first sold more than 15 years before the recall was issued (5 years for tires). A Subaru dealer does the work, so call one with your VIN to book it.
Where does this recall list come from?
From NHTSA, the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which publishes recall records as public data. We refresh the list every week and show NHTSA's own wording for each campaign. We are not affiliated with NHTSA or with any vehicle manufacturer.