2021 Subaru Outback Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- The airbag system recall is a critical safety concern; verify completion.
- Expect potential issues with windshields cracking spontaneously, impacting visibility and potentially EyeSight functionality.
- Battery drain is a common electrical problem, leading to no-start conditions.
- Infotainment and EyeSight system failures can disable safety features.
2021 Subaru Outback
Critical Failure Risk
Cracks or chips appearing on the windshield, often spontaneously or with minor temperature changes.
Early detection can help you avoid a $500-$2,000 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is supported by solid day-to-day usability signals.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing standard all-wheel drive and strong safety ratings.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Buyers seeking a trouble-free ownership experience with minimal risk of unexpected repairs.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2021 Subaru Outback Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 5
- Transmission
- Automatic (AV-S8)
- Drivetrain
- All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 26
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Most Common Issues
1. Visibility
Most reportedUsage: 97 reports
2. Electrical System
Usage: 68 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation
Est. shop cost: $70 - $120
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FAQ
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2021 Subaru Outback is 6.0/10. Reliability score is 6.0/10. NHTSA recalls: 6. Owner complaints: 390.
How practical is the 2021 Subaru Outback for daily use?
Practicality score is 7.1/10. The score is supported by solid day-to-day usability signals. EPA combined economy is 26 MPG. Seating capacity is 5. 5 passenger doors are listed. Boot capacity is 923 litres.
What is the overall score for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2021 Subaru Outback is 7.4/10. Overall score is 7.4/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.3/10. Tuning 4.0/10. Practicality 7.1/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2021 Subaru Outback?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $1000. Repair prediction highlight: Windshield (typical at 25,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $800).
What engine is in the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Engine specs list 4 • 2.4.
What transmission does the 2021 Subaru Outback use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Subaru Outback, transmission is Automatic (AV-S8). The paired drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
EPA combined estimate is 26 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2021 Subaru Outback?
13 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2021 Subaru Outback?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Subaru Outback, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2021 Subaru Outback?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Subaru Outback, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2021 Subaru Outback use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2021 Subaru Outback, drivetrain is All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic (AV-S8).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2021 Subaru Outback good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 4/10. The 2021 Subaru Outback, particularly the XT models with the 2.4L turbo engine, offers some avenues for modification, but its tuning potenti... Popular platforms: Subaru Outback XT.
What are the most common visibility/wiper problems on the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Top complaint category: visibility/wiper (97 reports, 24.9% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2021 Subaru Outback?
This model year has 6 official safety campaigns listed.