2021 Subaru Outback Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback frequently report issues related to airbag recalls, with many stating that the required parts for recall repairs are unavailable, leading to delays in addressing the problem. Complaints often mention the airbag warning light illuminating, sometimes accompanied by an audible chime, particularly when a passenger is seated. A few owners note that the passenger seat airbag system inconsistently recognizes lighter passengers, which may affect airbag deployment. These issues are reported at various mileages, with some as early as 17,800 miles and others around 29,000 miles. No crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported in the complaints, but the potential for airbag non-deployment is a noted safety concern.

Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the power train, including unexpected gear shifts and problems with the auto-start feature. Complaints describe the vehicle randomly shifting to lower gears while driving and the auto-start feature causing the car to jerk forward when the engine restarts, which some owners say has put them in danger of a crash. A crash incident is reported where the vehicle lurched forward unexpectedly while idling at a traffic light. Mileage at the time of failure varies, with one owner reporting transmission issues under 80,000 miles and another experiencing a crash at approximately 30,800 miles. These reports suggest potential safety implications, particularly concerning loss of control and the risk of crashes.

Owners report that the 2021 Subaru Outback's Forward Collision Avoidance system, particularly the Eyesight system, exhibits several issues. Common symptoms include unexpected and unnecessary activation of emergency braking, often when no immediate obstacle is present or when vehicles are in adjacent lanes, leading to potential rear-end collision risks. Multiple owners also describe the main computer system, which controls Eyesight and other features, shutting down or rebooting randomly, causing temporary loss of cruise control and safety features. These issues are reported at varying mileages, from as low as 900 miles to higher mileages around 14,000 miles. The complaints highlight safety implications, such as sudden deceleration and increased risk of rear-end collisions, particularly at highway speeds.

Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback frequently report issues with the vehicle speed control system, particularly with unintended acceleration and cruise control malfunctions. Symptoms include unexpected acceleration when the brake is applied and cruise control disengaging without warning. These issues are commonly reported at mileages ranging from approximately 16,000 to 74,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one report of a crash involving acceleration into a stationary object and another incident where the vehicle struck a curb. Several owners also mention problems with the Thermo Control Valve, which may be linked to these speed control issues.

Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback frequently report issues related to the thermo control valve, with complaints indicating failures that lead to dashboard warning lights, such as the check engine and EyeSight lights. Symptoms described include engine overheating, non-functional high beams and heaters, and instances of low coolant levels. These issues often arise around 60,000 miles, with some owners noting repair costs exceeding $1,700. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle stalling at traffic lights and battery drainage when the car is not driven regularly, though these are less commonly mentioned. Safety concerns emerge from the disabling of safety features and vehicle stalling, although no crashes or injuries are reported.

Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback report several steering-related issues. Complaints frequently mention loss of power steering, with some owners indicating that warning lights, including the power steering warning light, illuminate when the issue occurs. Affected vehicles often have mileage around 17,500. Another pattern involves the vehicle accelerating unexpectedly while steering, leading to loss of control, although no injuries are reported. One owner also describes a complete vehicle shutdown, which locks the steering wheel and prevents the car from being moved. These issues carry safety implications, as they involve potential loss of control and unexpected vehicle behavior.

Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback report two distinct braking issues. One involves premature wear of the front rotor brakes, with a complaint emerging at approximately 22,000 miles, where the owner notes the need for replacement despite a recent satisfactory checkup. Another issue involves unintended braking or lurching, sometimes occurring without nearby obstacles, reported by an owner with under 4,000 miles on the vehicle. This sudden braking has been experienced in potentially hazardous situations, such as on highways and in intersections, raising safety concerns. These reports suggest potential reliability and safety issues that prospective buyers should consider, especially regarding unexpected braking behavior.