NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
The 2021 Subaru Outback scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 290 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Subaru Outback earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects excellent crash-test performance and a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. These positive factors are modestly offset by four active recall campaigns, which buyers should verify have been resolved.
The 2021 Subaru Outback received a 5-out-of-5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100 based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Subaru Outback ranks 44 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 18.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 290 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 44 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Subaru Outback?
The 2021 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Outback in MotorCaliber's safety scoring, rising three points to 87/100 from the 2020 model's 84/100, while remaining in the Strong band. That gain is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash-avoidance technology, reflecting the standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. The rollover sub-score of 4 out of 5 stars is the only crash-test result below the maximum, a characteristic of taller AWD wagons that shoppers should weigh against their driving environment. The defect record sub-score of 10.75 out of 20 is the index's soft spot for this year, a direct consequence of the four recall campaigns that span transmission control, shift linkage, occupant sensor, and park interlock components. The 290 unverified owner complaints, with Visibility/Wiper allegations alone accounting for 97 reports, add texture to that defect picture and suggest the electrical and sensor architecture drew disproportionate scrutiny in this generation. Taken together, the 2021 Outback's safety profile is strong at the structural level but carries a measurable administrative burden from its recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Subaru Outback perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Subaru Outback achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA, demonstrating exceptional performance in crash protection. This included perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact scenarios. The vehicle's rollover rating was 4 out of 5 stars, with a 19 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" result in the dynamic test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15629
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. Components affected include the front-passenger occupant classification sensor capacitor, the park/neutral start interlock switch, a transmission control module programming error, and the CVT shift linkage. No park-outside or do-not-drive order appears in the NHTSA data, but buyers should confirm remedy completion for all four campaigns by VIN before purchase.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V227000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-03-22
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH23V755000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2023-11-09
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)22V485000
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 W
Reported 2022-07-08
POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD21V024000
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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-01-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Owners have filed 290 unverified complaints with NHTSA. Alleged problem areas are led by Visibility/Wiper issues at 97 reports and Electrical System at 72. Unverified allegations also include 7 reported crashes, 1 reported fire, and 3 reported injuries. All figures are consumer allegations, not established findings.
290 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Subaru Outback?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 Outback. Given its recall record, used-market purchasers of the 2021 Outback should verify that all open recalls have been remedied before purchase. Unaddressed issues related to the transmission or occupant sensors represent both a safety concern and a point for negotiation. Documentation of recall remedy completion should be obtained in writing from the seller.
- The 2021 Outback's Safety Index of 87/100 is three points higher than the 2020 model's 84/100, driven by strong crash-protection and perfect avoidance-tech sub-scores.
- All four recall campaigns on this specific model year involve powertrain or occupant-detection components, including a CVT shift linkage recall issued as early as January 2021 and a front-passenger sensor capacitor recall issued years later, meaning remedy timelines vary widely.
- Unverified NHTSA complaints show Visibility/Wiper as the single most-reported alleged problem category at 97 reports, more than the Electrical System category at 72, which is an unusual distribution worth noting when inspecting a used example.
- The rollover rating of 4 out of 5 stars with a 19 percent risk figure is specific to the 2021 AWD SUV configuration tested by NHTSA and should be considered alongside the No Tip dynamic result, which indicates the vehicle did not tip during the standard maneuver test.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Subaru Outback places
The 2021 Subaru Outback qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Subaru Outback safety questions
Was the 2021 Subaru Outback crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Subaru Outback, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Subaru Outback crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Subaru Outback earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 18.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Subaru Outback?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 290 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Subaru Outback. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Outback years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15629), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Outback 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 44 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.