2021 Subaru Outback Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary
The 2021 Subaru Outback has 390 reported complaints.
- Top issues involve visibility/wiper and electrical system.
Reliability Score
Reliability Score
Based on 390 complaints
Most Frequent Issues
VISIBILITY/WIPER
97 24.9%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
68 17.4%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
58 14.9%
ENGINE
18 4.6%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
17 4.4%
Quick Insights
The top category is VISIBILITY/WIPER, accounting for 24.9% of all complaints.
Owners have reported issues across 31 distinct vehicle systems.
Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.
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What owners keep reporting on the 2021 Subaru Outback
The 2021 Subaru Outback has 390 owner complaints in this dataset. VISIBILITY/WIPER is the most common complaint category, representing about 25% of the reports shown here.
Most common complaint categories
The top complaint groups for the 2021 Subaru Outback are VISIBILITY/WIPER (97), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (68), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (58).
Are these complaints a serious red flag?
Potentially. 129 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.
What should buyers inspect on a used 2021 Subaru Outback?
Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.
Detailed Complaint Log
Showing 26 of 26 systems
VISIBILITY/WIPER
75 Reports30% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAD THE CAR ONLY 10 DAYS FROM THE DEALERSHIP, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING TO AN EVENT WHEN WE HEARD A CRACK, I LOOKED UP AND THERE WAS A HORIZONTAL CRACK HEADING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN THE WINDSHIELD.
11/23/2020
BRAND NEW 2021 OUTBACK PREMIER @ 647 MILES AND WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT IN OUR PRIVATE DRIVEWAY WE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED THE NEXT MORNING. LESS THAN 7 DAYS OF OWNERSHIP DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A ROCK CHIP . THE WINDSHIELD IS SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCREEN. DEALER RESPONSE IS INSULTING. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE GLASS. DEALER PUSHED THEIR EXPENSIVE INSURANCE TO COVER WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR. WE DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS A RECURRING ISSUE AT THIS TIME WITH THE CARS. IF WE HAD KNOWN WE WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR. IT WILL ALWAYS BE AN ISSUE. WILL IT CRACK AGAIN? WHO PAYS, WILL IT LEAVE US STRANDED SOMEWHERE? SUBARU DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WILLING TO STAND BY ITS PRODUCT AND TAKE CARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS
12/16/2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
49 Reports20% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I BOUGHT A NEW CAR IN DECEMBER 2020. ONE DAY IN JAN 2021, I NOTICED THAT THE BATTERY HAD DIED. I JUMP STARTED IT AND THEN IN FEBRUARY 2021, I HAD TO JUMPSTART IT 3 TIMES. AT LEAST THE LAST INSTANCE, I WAS CAREFUL TO CHECK NO INTERIOR LIGHTS WERE ON, AND IT STILL HAPPENED. I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE BATTERY. I HOPE THAT FIXES IT.
2/13/2021
PURCHASED THE CAR 7 DAYS AGO. DROVE APPROXIMATELY 50 MILES SO FAR. WENT OUT TO START THE CAR THIS MORNING AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD. NO LIGHTS HAD BEEN LEFT ON. CAR NEEDED TO BE JUMPED.
3/16/2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
39 Reports16% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY TWO TIMES. HAD TO REPLACE WINDSHIELD TWICE AND HAD TO RECALIBRATE EYESITE CAMERAS BOTH TIMES. ONE TIME HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING AND THE OTHER TIME PARKED.
12/4/2020
BOUGHT THE VEHICLE AND BASICALLY PARKED THE CAR IN MY GARAGE A/O 23 NOV 2020. I TRAVEL FOR WORK MOST OF THE TIME. BETWEEN 3 - 7 DEC, THE CAR WAS USED BY MY EX-HUSBAND FOR TWO TRIPS TO THE AIRPORT TO PICK ME UP/DROP OFF FROM/FOR A BUSINESS TRIP AND FOR ME TO DROP OFF THE TITLE OF MY OLD CAR. ON 21 DEC, AFTER BEING PARKED IN THE GARAGE FOR THREE WEEKS (SINCE 7 DEC), MY EX-HUSBAND NOTICED IN THE GARAGE AS HE WAS GETTING IN THE CAR TO HEAD TO THE AIRPORT TO PICK ME UP FROM MY 3-WEEK BUSINESS TRIP, SAW A 1 1/2 FOOT LONG CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD ORIGINATING BY THE WINDSHIELD PERIMETER FRAME (PASSENGER SIDE).
12/23/2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
12 Reports5% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAD THE CAR ONLY 10 DAYS FROM THE DEALERSHIP, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING TO AN EVENT WHEN WE HEARD A CRACK, I LOOKED UP AND THERE WAS A HORIZONTAL CRACK HEADING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN THE WINDSHIELD.
11/23/2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 60 MPH, THE BRAKES ENGAGED INADVERTENTLY. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HYMAN BROS. SUBARU (11960 MIDLOTHIAN TURNPIKE, MIDLOTHIAN, VA 23113) WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE EYESIGHT BY THE REAR VIEW MIRROR NEEDED TO BE RECALIBRATED. THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT THE DEALER UNREPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 900.
3/26/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
10 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Automatic braking system activated abruptly and forcefully when a vehicle in the adjacent lane slowed down to make a turn. This has occurred numerous time both on the highway and in city driving. I have called Subaru to report the issue. They did not recommend taking it to a service center, although I plan to. The car otherwise has shown no warning of automatic braking malfunction prior to or after the incidents. However the automatic braking system has continued to malfunction. I now deactivate the automatic braking every time I start the car to avoid further incidents. Potentially related to the automatic braking malfunction, the car regularly alerts me to keep my eyes on the road while I have my eyes on the road. Common situations when this happens include when I scan an intersection on approach for potential hazards (e.g., pedestrians, people running red lights, etc.), fixing my glasses or hat while continuing to look straight ahead, and simply scratching my face all trigger the warning. Occasionally, the warning is activated for seemingly no reason. At best, itâs a nuisance; at worst itâs a distraction and a liability. I now deactivate this feature when I start my car.
7/21/2021
Subaru has apparently integrated their Eyesight Collision avoidance system with their infotainment system and the infotainment system crashes constantly. When it crashes about 50% of the time Eyesight goes offline and kicks cruise control off. At highway speeds this is VERY dangerous. The vehicle will slow down 5-10 mph between when the system crashes and when someone realizes what has happened in order to put their foot on the gas pedal to keep their speed up. I've almost been rear-ended multiple times now because of this. Subaru has been aware of this issue for TWO FULL model years now and is going into a 3rd year with the SAME problem. The update they issues in Spring 2021 made the problem worse not better. Subaru must be forced to either fix the issue immediately or recall the entire system and replace it before someone dies in a highspeed accident caused by this system. Until two days ago Subaru of America's employees were arrogant, condescending, and beyond unhelpful. Wendy Clough has stated Subaru plans to issue an update in August has no actual confirmed timeframe. Subaru has done NOTHING to communicate with owners or dealers on mitigation options, if any, nor to warn customers of potential risks. Subaru must be forced to notify all owners of the issue immediately.
7/22/2021
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD
9 Reports4% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO STOCKER SUBARU (1454 DREIBELBIS ST, STATE COLLEGE, PA 16801, (814) 954-7320) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD HAD LINT OR DUST EMBEDDED INSIDE THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. THE WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AN ENGINEER INSPECTED THE WINDSHIELD AND STATED THE WINDSHIELD WAS ACCEPTABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND A GIFT CARD WAS PROVIDED TO THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE WAS MILEAGE WAS 600.*DT THE CONSUMER STATED CONTACTED MANUFACTURER ASKING FOR A REPLACEMENT WINDSHIELD AND REQUEST WAS DENIED. *TR
12/15/2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2021 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, SHE NOTICED A BUBBLE IN THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. ADDITIONALLY, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED APPROXIMATELY TWELVE INCHES WITHOUT IMPACT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO JIM ARMSTRONG SUBARU (2321 U.S. HWY 70 SW, HICKORY, NC 28602, (828) 322-9372) WHERE THE DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND DETERMINED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD BEEN IMPACTED BY AN UNKNOWN OBJECT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,800.*DT*JB CONSUMER STATED WINDSHIELD HAS BEEN REPLACED.*JB
2/26/2021
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
8 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
BRAND NEW 2021 OUTBACK PREMIER @ 647 MILES AND WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT IN OUR PRIVATE DRIVEWAY WE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED THE NEXT MORNING. LESS THAN 7 DAYS OF OWNERSHIP DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A ROCK CHIP . THE WINDSHIELD IS SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCREEN. DEALER RESPONSE IS INSULTING. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE GLASS. DEALER PUSHED THEIR EXPENSIVE INSURANCE TO COVER WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR. WE DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS A RECURRING ISSUE AT THIS TIME WITH THE CARS. IF WE HAD KNOWN WE WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR. IT WILL ALWAYS BE AN ISSUE. WILL IT CRACK AGAIN? WHO PAYS, WILL IT LEAVE US STRANDED SOMEWHERE? SUBARU DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WILLING TO STAND BY ITS PRODUCT AND TAKE CARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS
12/16/2020
Subaru has apparently integrated their Eyesight Collision avoidance system with their infotainment system and the infotainment system crashes constantly. When it crashes about 50% of the time Eyesight goes offline and kicks cruise control off. At highway speeds this is VERY dangerous. The vehicle will slow down 5-10 mph between when the system crashes and when someone realizes what has happened in order to put their foot on the gas pedal to keep their speed up. I've almost been rear-ended multiple times now because of this. Subaru has been aware of this issue for TWO FULL model years now and is going into a 3rd year with the SAME problem. The update they issues in Spring 2021 made the problem worse not better. Subaru must be forced to either fix the issue immediately or recall the entire system and replace it before someone dies in a highspeed accident caused by this system. Until two days ago Subaru of America's employees were arrogant, condescending, and beyond unhelpful. Wendy Clough has stated Subaru plans to issue an update in August has no actual confirmed timeframe. Subaru has done NOTHING to communicate with owners or dealers on mitigation options, if any, nor to warn customers of potential risks. Subaru must be forced to notify all owners of the issue immediately.
7/22/2021
ENGINE
7 Reports3% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The Auto-start feature, which stops the engine at a light, then restarts, is very dangerous. It cannot be permanently turned off - always on by default. 1 if the steering wheel is not perfectly straight, it jerks out of your hand when the engine restarts. 2 the car jerks forward when the engine restarts. This has already put me in danger of a crash several times - and this 'feature' must be actively disengaged each and every time the car is started. It should be able to be permanently turned off - not always on by default.
9/13/2021
Bought this new Subaru in December and the battery died twice after a week and a half of not driving. The first time I had to get the battery replaced. If I don't start the car every few days (and during COVID I don't) then the electricity completely drains the battery dead.
9/17/2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
While moving forward slowly with foot lightly on the brakes and pulling into a parking space at local shopping center the car accelerated and the steering wheel turned to the right. The result of the cars actions made the car jump the curb, drive across the sidewalk and then across small hedges in the landscaped area. Car finally came to a stop about 20 feet later, with me pushing hard on the brake, just prior to entering parking lot roadway cross traffic. There was no alarm, warning or any other indication from any of the safety systems. As far as the automobile was concerned, nothing wrong had happened. Luckily there were no other vehicles or pedestrians on sidewalk or in the landscaped area between the parking space and roadway. There was no vehicle damage as the shrubs were all fairly short and the car simply drove over them. My husband disabled the lane departure system and I continue to operate the car. Based on all the previous incidents reported on this site, my husband indicates that Subaru will blame operator error. I have a perfect driving record and this incident was not caused by me incorrectly stepping on the gas.
6/19/2021
Your form would not allow me to chcek all applicable issues. I believe the computer system and brakes are the major issues. The start/stop system engaged when I was turning in the middle of an intersection. When driving at cruising speeds (foot on the gas pedal), the car suddenly felt as if the brake was being engaged. The forward and rear collision warning signals do not work. The blind spot warning does not work. There is grinding coming from the undercarriage at times (random), while my foot is on the gas. The car bucks for no reason. The battery is draining (less than 2,000 miles on the car). Sometimes I have to turn the ignition twice in the morning. I turn everything off when I get out of the car. My safety and safety of others is definitely at risk. What I didn't realize until recently is that prior to accepting the vehicle, the salesman must have turned the start/system off, because when I went for a test drive, the start/stop did not engage once and I drove in city traffic with multiple stops. Immediately upon diving off lot, the car stopped and I had issues. The salesman told me I had to get used to the start/sytem. This is a dangerous situation. My car is currently being looked at by the dealer.
10/14/2021
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I HAD THE CAR ONLY 10 DAYS FROM THE DEALERSHIP, MY HUSBAND AND I WERE ON THE HIGHWAY HEADING TO AN EVENT WHEN WE HEARD A CRACK, I LOOKED UP AND THERE WAS A HORIZONTAL CRACK HEADING FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN THE WINDSHIELD.
11/23/2020
BRAND NEW 2021 OUTBACK PREMIER @ 647 MILES AND WHILE PARKED OVERNIGHT IN OUR PRIVATE DRIVEWAY WE NOTICED THAT THE WINDSHIELD HAD CRACKED THE NEXT MORNING. LESS THAN 7 DAYS OF OWNERSHIP DEALER CLAIMS IT WAS A ROCK CHIP . THE WINDSHIELD IS SPLIT DOWN THE MIDDLE OF THE SCREEN. DEALER RESPONSE IS INSULTING. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY KNOW THIS IS AN ISSUE WITH THE GLASS. DEALER PUSHED THEIR EXPENSIVE INSURANCE TO COVER WHEN WE PURCHASED THE CAR. WE DID NOT KNOW THIS WAS A RECURRING ISSUE AT THIS TIME WITH THE CARS. IF WE HAD KNOWN WE WOULD NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS CAR. IT WILL ALWAYS BE AN ISSUE. WILL IT CRACK AGAIN? WHO PAYS, WILL IT LEAVE US STRANDED SOMEWHERE? SUBARU DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE WILLING TO STAND BY ITS PRODUCT AND TAKE CARE OF ITS CUSTOMERS
12/16/2020
STRUCTURE:BODY
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
A DESIGN FLAW IN THE REMOTE (REQUIRED FOR BOTH KEYLESS ENTRY AND VEHICLE OPERATION) LEADS TO ACCIDENTAL TRUNK OPENINGS DUE TO "POCKET TRUNK OPENING". THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD AS IT COULD LEAD TO HUMANS OR ANIMALS ENTERING THE VEHICLE, AS WELL AS A POTENTIAL ROUTE TO WATER DAMAGE. THIS HAPPENS WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AND LOCKED, AND THE KEY IS IN ONE'S POCKET AND IN RANGE (EG IN A HOUSE NEAR THE DRIVEWAY)
1/2/2021
During heavy rains, the vehicles leak water into the driver's side wheel well. Numerous times back to the dealer and the vehicle being piece by piece all seals are being replaced. As per numerous blogs on Subaru forums, an indication of a faulty windshield seal could be the issue, but the dealership refuses to replace or reset the windshield seal. Bought the car on June 28, 2021, and have been to the dealership 3 times for the same issue. The dealership is replacing seals on the skylight and door but as of yet no resolution. At the time of this complaint, the vehicle has been at dealership for 3 weeks with no resolution.
8/14/2021
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 Reports2% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
Driving at 65 mph, engine stopped taking gas, slowed to below 30 in heavy freeway traffic. Resumed normal operation in about a minute. Then failed in similar fashion 5 minutes later. Took my 2021 Subaru outback xt to the dealer where purchased. They have been unable to duplicate the issue and want me to drive the car without any fix. I refuse to do that as if it happens in a situation where I must accelerate to be safe, it is going to be disastrous. They point to no recall on the 2021 model, but had this issue for the last 3 years on many of their models. What to do?
9/4/2021
Since we bought our 2021 Subaru Outback in May 2021, the vehicle hesitates when accelerating mainly after filling up with gas but also at other times. We have taken the vehicle in 4 times for service, but Subaru cannot duplicate the problem. Another issue we are having is that every time it rains, there is a puddle of water that forms on the passenger side floor board. We have taken the vehicle in 4 times for service, but Subaru cannot duplicate the problem.
5/27/2022
WHEELS
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
EARLY IN FEBRUARY, MY CAR STARTED TO SEND ME INTERMITTENAT ERROR MASSAGES STATING THAT THE TIRES HAD LOST PRESSURE. THIS HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A RECALL REGARDING THE SOFTWARE, AND THE DEALERSHIP STATED THAT THEY THOUGHT THE SOFTWARE UPDATE WOULD CORRECT THE PROBLEM. IT DID NOT. THE NEXT FIX INVOLVED REPLACING THE MODULE THAT MONITORS THE TIRE PRESSURE. THIS DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM EITHER. IT HAS BEEN OVER A MONTH SINCE THE PROBLEM STARTED. AND THE DEALERSHIP DOES NOT KNOW HOW TO FIX THE ISSUE.
3/28/2021
DRIVING ON GROOVED CONCRETE HIGHWAY THE CAR WANDERED ALL OVER THE ROAD. IT FEELS VERY UN-SAFE AND THAT YOU ARE NOT IN CONTROL OF THE CAR. THIS STARTED THE DAY I PICK UP THE CAR 2 WEEKS AGO, 1700 MILES
4/29/2021
SERVICE BRAKES
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
While moving forward slowly with foot lightly on the brakes and pulling into a parking space at local shopping center the car accelerated and the steering wheel turned to the right. The result of the cars actions made the car jump the curb, drive across the sidewalk and then across small hedges in the landscaped area. Car finally came to a stop about 20 feet later, with me pushing hard on the brake, just prior to entering parking lot roadway cross traffic. There was no alarm, warning or any other indication from any of the safety systems. As far as the automobile was concerned, nothing wrong had happened. Luckily there were no other vehicles or pedestrians on sidewalk or in the landscaped area between the parking space and roadway. There was no vehicle damage as the shrubs were all fairly short and the car simply drove over them. My husband disabled the lane departure system and I continue to operate the car. Based on all the previous incidents reported on this site, my husband indicates that Subaru will blame operator error. I have a perfect driving record and this incident was not caused by me incorrectly stepping on the gas.
6/19/2021
Your form would not allow me to chcek all applicable issues. I believe the computer system and brakes are the major issues. The start/stop system engaged when I was turning in the middle of an intersection. When driving at cruising speeds (foot on the gas pedal), the car suddenly felt as if the brake was being engaged. The forward and rear collision warning signals do not work. The blind spot warning does not work. There is grinding coming from the undercarriage at times (random), while my foot is on the gas. The car bucks for no reason. The battery is draining (less than 2,000 miles on the car). Sometimes I have to turn the ignition twice in the morning. I turn everything off when I get out of the car. My safety and safety of others is definitely at risk. What I didn't realize until recently is that prior to accepting the vehicle, the salesman must have turned the start/system off, because when I went for a test drive, the start/stop did not engage once and I drove in city traffic with multiple stops. Immediately upon diving off lot, the car stopped and I had issues. The salesman told me I had to get used to the start/sytem. This is a dangerous situation. My car is currently being looked at by the dealer.
10/14/2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
I have issues with the headlights on my Outback. They are very bright to the point that i get flashed on a regular basis by other drivers thinking i have my brights on. Just this morning coming to work I passed someone on the Ohio Turnpike and they must of been blinded by my lights because they then got right up behind me and started following me with their brights on. These lights are a danger to other drivers and It makes me worried for my safety because of the actions of other drivers if they think I'm not turning my brights off. I told the dealer service department where I bought my car and they didn't take me seriously. I found a forum on line where other subaru drivers complain about the headlights and it goes back a couple years.
5/23/2022
The headlights on this vehicle are obnoxiously bright! I get flashed by oncoming drivers constantly at night. I even get flashed by pickup trucks. I'm not sure if it's the main headlamps or the fog lights. It does seem like the fog lights have really poor beam control. When driving on a country road at night I can tell the fog lights are lighting up the tops of trees by toggling them on and off. I passed an oncoming car just like mine a while back and I could finally understand why I get flashed all the time. They ARE really blinding. I tried to bring it up with Subaru of America and the guy on the phone literally laughed at me and just told me to not use the fog lights. They don't seem to care at all about all the safety issues the current generation Outback has. Very unprofessional. Subaru doesn't appear to welcome feedback at all.
9/5/2022
STEERING
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
While moving forward slowly with foot lightly on the brakes and pulling into a parking space at local shopping center the car accelerated and the steering wheel turned to the right. The result of the cars actions made the car jump the curb, drive across the sidewalk and then across small hedges in the landscaped area. Car finally came to a stop about 20 feet later, with me pushing hard on the brake, just prior to entering parking lot roadway cross traffic. There was no alarm, warning or any other indication from any of the safety systems. As far as the automobile was concerned, nothing wrong had happened. Luckily there were no other vehicles or pedestrians on sidewalk or in the landscaped area between the parking space and roadway. There was no vehicle damage as the shrubs were all fairly short and the car simply drove over them. My husband disabled the lane departure system and I continue to operate the car. Based on all the previous incidents reported on this site, my husband indicates that Subaru will blame operator error. I have a perfect driving record and this incident was not caused by me incorrectly stepping on the gas.
6/19/2021
The contact's wife owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced loss of power steering as the power steering warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, that the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the power steering wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle remained at the dealer awaiting repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 17,500. The VIN was not available.
3/27/2023
POWER TRAIN
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The Auto-start feature, which stops the engine at a light, then restarts, is very dangerous. It cannot be permanently turned off - always on by default. 1 if the steering wheel is not perfectly straight, it jerks out of your hand when the engine restarts. 2 the car jerks forward when the engine restarts. This has already put me in danger of a crash several times - and this 'feature' must be actively disengaged each and every time the car is started. It should be able to be permanently turned off - not always on by default.
9/13/2021
I walked outside my house yesterday morning to find my 2021 Outback XT idling in the driveway. I may have failed to turn the engine off, or it may have started itself. Nonetheless, I calculate that it burned about five gallons of gasoline and probably ran all night. The car should not be able to run for hours on end! This is a clear problem--an overheated catalytic converter could start a fire, someone could have jumped in and driven away, or--much worse--it could have been running in an enclosed area and filled it with CO.. This car does have remote starting capability, so I wonder if that somehow played a role. It also has the start-stop function to save gas. I have noticed that if I stop the car and hit the start/stop button right away, it sometimes seems to stop but then runs on. I strongly believe that the car should not be able to run on like this. Couldn't Subaru build in a a timer to turn the engine off after, say, one hour? These are not police cars and do not need to be able to idle for hours on end. Thanks very much for your kind consideration!
3/21/2022
AIR BAGS
2 Reports1% of totalPreviewing the first 2 complaint summaries.
The passenger air bag alert on the dashboard indicates the air bag is off when my wife who is elderly and weighs approximately 95 pounds is seated in the front passenger seat .Sometimes it changes to " air bag on" during our journey but other times it remains off .I am concerned the air bag won't deploy in the event of a crash potentially causing serious injury .I have e mailed sales representative who sold us the car at Maple Hill Auto Group Kalamazoo ,MI in March 2021 who responded that seat sensor was designed to alert "off " at 65 pounds or less .Two subsequent e mails to Subaru Customer Service about this issue have not been acknowledged or generated any response which concerns me . At this point car has not been tested by technician as my wife is frail and not in position to go to dealer for demo . Not sure what next steps to take since Subaru Customer Service is not responding to my concerns .
1/7/2022
Passenger seat air bag system does not recognize my wife at times. She weighs some where around 100 pounds. Sometime the âThe passenger is here lightâ comes on right a way, sometimes with in a mile and sometime never. Talk to the Subaru services rep. He said there was nothing they could about it. I told him I would bring the car in and leave for days so they could check it out, he told if I wanted to waste my time to go a head. Looking online this has been a safety problem for sometime that Subaru wonât do anything about. Like most safety issues someone will have to die before something is done.
4/11/2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the battery had fully drained and was recharged two times. There was no warning light illuminated. The third time the vehicle was towed to an unknown mechanic and was diagnosed with needing the battery to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Subaru was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 832.
6/2/2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ADAS:CONTROL MODULE
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contactâs wife was driving 40 MPH and noticed that the center console display screen went blank and rebooted independently after a few minutes. However, the failure reoccurred and affected several safety features on the vehicle including the HVAC controls, Bluetooth connectivity, and navigation on the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer who inspected the vehicle and duplicated of the failure the but could not determine the cause of the failure. The dealer was able to install a software monitor to replicate the failure so the contact could notify the failure to the dealer. The contact took the vehicle back to the local dealer where the dealer replaced the center module in an attempt to repair the vehicle however, the failure still occurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,800.
8/24/2021
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while coming out of a full stop, the vehicle would stall without warning. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 6,500.
9/1/2021
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
Several times, at random, the infotainment system goes blank. Screen goes black and can NOT adjust any of the ADAS controls! After 10 to 20 seconds the system seems to reboot and slowly returns to normal operations.
12/13/2021
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
The passenger air bag alert on the dashboard indicates the air bag is off when my wife who is elderly and weighs approximately 95 pounds is seated in the front passenger seat .Sometimes it changes to " air bag on" during our journey but other times it remains off .I am concerned the air bag won't deploy in the event of a crash potentially causing serious injury .I have e mailed sales representative who sold us the car at Maple Hill Auto Group Kalamazoo ,MI in March 2021 who responded that seat sensor was designed to alert "off " at 65 pounds or less .Two subsequent e mails to Subaru Customer Service about this issue have not been acknowledged or generated any response which concerns me . At this point car has not been tested by technician as my wife is frail and not in position to go to dealer for demo . Not sure what next steps to take since Subaru Customer Service is not responding to my concerns .
1/7/2022
LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
THE MAIN COMPUTER SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM, CRUISE CONTROL, LANE DEPARTURE, ALL HVAC CONTROLS, NAVIGATION, ETC. SHUTS DOWN (GOES BLACK), AND REBOOTS RANDOMLY. WHEN THIS OCCURS, ALL OF THE FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE COMPUTER SYSTEM ARE LOST. CRUISE CONTROL DROPS OUT AND THE BUILT IN SAFETY FEATURES ARE DISABLED. IT IS DISTRACTING TO THE DRIVER AND REQUIRES THE DRIVER'S ATTENTION TO RESET FEATURES THAT WERE LOST. IT IS A KNOWN PROBLEM BY SUBARU AND HAS NOT BEEN FIXED ON MY VEHICLE FOR OVER A YEAR NOW. THIS COMPLETE COMPUTER BLACKOUT EVENT OCCURS ALMOST EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE.
2/24/2022
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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I have had this vehicle since @ 6/30/21, under 4,000 miles. Sometimes when I'm driving, the car will suddenly brake or lurch when I am not near another object or person. I drove down the highway once when this happened and it was very concerning. I have also been in the middle of an intersection when this occurred, as I was turning left. It has happened approximately 10 other times since I've had the vehicle. Today it happened and a truck was behind me; thankfully I did not get hit.I brought this into the dealereship twice and they claim there is nothing wrong with the car. There is definitely something wrong with the car; it's dangerous. My car is available for inspection upon request. I and others are at great risk for an accident. I remember flashing lights on a few occasions, not today. When I went online to check for recalls, I noticed many other Subaru owners having the same issues.
4/14/2022
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
1 Report0% of totalPreviewing the first 1 complaint summaries.
We bought this vehicle new and since we have had issues with the infotainment shutting down multiple times while driving. The infotainment screen along with all safety features associated with the electronic panel turn off. We have taken it to the dealership multiple times and keep getting told that they can't replicate the problem. We have recorded the issue and sent proof but Subaru manufacturing keeps delaying any inquiries in hopes to bypass lemon law.
4/27/2022
Data and Methodology
Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.
What are the most common owner complaints for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Are complaints about the 2021 Subaru Outback a serious warning sign?
How should buyers use complaint data for the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Are complaints about the 2021 Subaru Outback severe?
Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.
Subaru Outback: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?
Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.
- Complaint entries
- 390
- Top-topic view
- 5 grouped topics shown
- Primary source
- NHTSA ODI owner complaint records
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