2021 Subaru Outback Body & Structure Problems
6 owner-reported body & structure complaints from NHTSA data
Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.
Owner Complaints (6)
Your sunroof spontaneously shattered while driving in clear, hot weather (90°F), making a loud noise that startled you and caused you to swerve into another lane. The sunroof required replacement at an auto glass shop. You've found reports online suggesting this problem occurs relatively frequently with this model.
Parts you may need:
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On[XXX] while accelerating to travel speed (45 mph) on a rural Maine highway, the little used glass moon roof of our 2021 Subaru Outback Touring with 24,100 miles on the odometer exploded with a huge, shocking BANG!. Weather was clear and bright, wind ~5 mph, temperature about 68ºF, no traffic. We never saw or heard anything strike the car, either from the road or falling down from the trees at or prior to this incident. We had the interior shade closed so no glass fell into passenger compartment thankfully. Upon inspection at the road side and discovery of the problem, the glass panel had a large hole in the middle and the edges of the remaining glass looked like it had been blown upward. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Passenger lower side windshield cracked while driving, it started as a tiny crack but the next morning the crack line was 16 inches long. I contacted Subaru because the car is under warranty but they said they will not cover it. The whole windshield had to be replaced.
Windshield developed a large crack for no apparent reason. There is no sign of an impact from an object. Vehicle was parked outside when outside temperature dropped overnight. Crack over 6” long appeared the next morning.
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.
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)