2021 Subaru Outback power train problems
11 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Subaru Outback — 4% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Thermo Control Valve Failure- Contact Subaru of Cherry Hill, NJ for Inspection 177,4XX Miles P26A5 code Check engine Light on, Disabled Safety Systems (Eyesight System), Car may have overheated if not pulled over and turned off. Part of warranty extension but did not qualify due to mileage.”
filed May 7, 2026
“The failure involves the engine (powertrain), which was under warranty. The vehicle has experienced four catastrophic engine failures resulting in sudden loss of power, including at highway speeds (65–75 mph). The most recent failure also involved an oil-saturated catalytic converter. These…”
filed Mar 26, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to failCampaign 23V755000 · Nov 9, 2023
- A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage…Campaign 22V485000 · Jul 8, 2022
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been…Campaign 21V024000 · Jan 26, 2021
Power Train problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 2 | 3% |
| 2024 Outback | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 Outback | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 Outback | 17 | 4% |
| 2020 Outback | 46 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 15 | 1% |
| 2018 Outback | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 Outback | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 Outback | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 Outback | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 Outback | 59 | 20% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Subaru Outback
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.