NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Subaru Outback
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Subaru Outback occupies a unique corner of the market as a raised wagon - often categorized alongside midsize SUVs despite its sedan-based roots. Aimed at active families, outdoor enthusiasts, and all-weather commuters across its 2019 to 2025 model years, the Outback blends all-wheel-drive capability with a car-like driving character. Its safety reputation is a core part of its identity, making the federal data especially worth examining closely.
The 2021 Subaru Outback earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Outback as one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment, praising its all-weather capability, practical cargo space, and composed road manners. Safety technology content tends to draw positive attention across coverage. Criticism, when it appears, typically centers on the infotainment system and engine refinement rather than anything structural to the vehicle's safety character.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
290 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.