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2021 Subaru Outback Other Problems

45 owner-reported other complaints from NHTSA data

45
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2021Dec 2023
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (45)

criticalUNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2025

Your car suddenly accelerated to about 2000 rpm while you were backing out of your garage and turning, even though your foot was firmly on the brake pedal and nowhere near the accelerator. You had to press hard on the brake to stop the car before hitting a tree. There were no floor mats or objects blocking the pedals. The dealer will need to diagnose why the engine revved unexpectedly while braking.

NHTSA #: 11689866
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2025

Your car shut off at a stop sign due to the auto start/stop feature, but then wouldn't restart because the battery was dead. You were left stranded in an intersection. The battery needed to be replaced to get the car running again.

NHTSA #: 11697533
highUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2025

Your rear driver's side window shattered unexpectedly while you were driving at 35-40 mph with no external impact. This is concerning because similar incidents have reportedly occurred on other Subaru models, and a passenger sitting near the window could have been injured by the breaking glass.

NHTSA #: 11662765
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2024

Today while waiting at a stop light the auto start stop engaged. When the light went green I put my foot on the gas and the vehicle stalled. The car was on but not running, several alarms were on the dashboard. I had to put the car in park, turn it off and then restart the car. This is a repeated issue and has been going on at least once a month since we purchased the car in 2021. We've brought it to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong because there was no OBD code. I have checked myself and I have not found any code. This is extremely unsafe

NHTSA #: 11608885
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2024

2021 Subaru Outback Limited | ~13000 miles | Component: Battery | Car suddenly stopped and ALL warning lights started flashing at a busy traffic signal, while I was waiting to take a left turn (lucky to have escaped safely from that situation). I had to turn the car off and restart it. 2 days later, the car would not start at all. Tried jumping it multiple time in vain. Had to tow the car to the nearest Subaru service center. Technician ran a diagnostic and concluded that the battery was not holding any charge at all and it was deemed faulty. Reading many posts on reddit and other forums of many Subaru owners facing the same issue from older (2015) to newer models. Many of them also complained of Parasitic drain on the battery due to faulty DCM on Starlink. Note: there was no warning lights/messages or any other symptom before this. This was a Subaru certified pre-owned car that went through a 152 point inspection in 2023.

NHTSA #: 11607996
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2024

Front windshield on my 2021 outback has numerous large cracks for no reason. This is a known issue via Google and class action law suits for windshields. This is a safety issue and needs to be addressed. I emailed Subaru and filed a complaint with them, Case#240708-220236. Asking them to replace windshield with new one that won't crack like this one. i have photos if needed.

NHTSA #: 11600428
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2024

Windshield breaks way too easy. Rock chips happen easily, then they spread across the whole windshield. I am on my 2nd one and this one needs to be replaced too.

NHTSA #: 11587146
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2024

The windshield is very light and delicate. I have had two cracked windshields in less that two years, Also, the glass is so soft that it gets tons of micro-pits from sand. At night they each disperse lights and make it difficult to see.

NHTSA #: 11581651
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2024

Defective windshield. Car purchased in 6/2021 and as of 2/16/24, windshield has been replaced 3 times which would make it my 4th windshield total. No off-road use. Car driven locally. Insurance is dropping me due to excessive windshield replacement.

NHTSA #: 11572331
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2023

I have had 3 windshields crack spontaneously during normal use in the past year. Each incident was repaired by a certified repair shop and at time the damage was noticed, no chips, signs of damage, or impacts were noted. The crack appeared to be internal and was not able to be felt from outside or within. In each incident the crack began near the edge of the glass and spread across the entire length of the windshield. The most recent was 12/27/2023, the approximate dates of the previous are 12/2022, and 03/2023. All three occurred in periods of clear weather, no ice, or snow present, although all three occurred in the cold, while parked outside overnight either at work or home.

NHTSA #: 11562714
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2023

While my husband was driving up a hill at low speed (25-30miles/hr) the car lost power, struggled and felt like it was going to stall. 5 days later, I was driving up a hill going 25miles/hr, the car lost acceleration the stalled, was unreponsive to gas pedal being depressed, the car then started again on its own. I brought the car to Subaru but they couldn't find anything wrong. Luckily nobody was behind me when the car stalled.

NHTSA #: 11559703
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2023

The windshield has spontaneously cracked on 4 separate occasions. Subaru denies this is a defect and claims all have been caused by rock chips. This is not true. The cracked windshield has caused the vehicle on numerous occasions to slam on its breaks while traveling at 55 mph or greater as it “senses” a collision. This has nearly caused 3 accidents so far.

NHTSA #: 11538618
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2023

I just had my second windshield failure in 2 years on this vehicle. The first time a rock hit me, but today a ~ 12" crack appeared out of nowhere while I was driving down the highway with no impact. The windshields on this vehicle seem overly prone to cracking, whether or not any impact is applied. I'm worried this will interfere with the eyesight functionality.

NHTSA #: 11529285
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Jun 2023

My windshield has cracked 3 times since vehicle was purchased, the last time within 2 months of replacement. The first 2 times the windshield was replaced by the dealership with OEM glass. There was no visible crack from rocks, etc in the last two incidences...went out in the morning to find that the windshield was cracked across half the windshield after it had been parked and no visible damage had occured beforehand in both cases. ( I have taken pictures of this last incident... insurance notified, but no inspections took place. no warning lights, etc appeared pryor to cracks)

NHTSA #: 11526368
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2023

Both passenger and driver doors leak water onto floor while using the car wash. The dealership has replaced the door moldings but it still leaks.

NHTSA #: 11517713
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Apr 2023

The moonroof glass exploded yesterday in my parking lot. I contacted local dealers and they refused to cover it under factory warranty.

NHTSA #: 11517236
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2023

Defective windshield. I purchased my Subaru Outback XT from the Subaru dealership in Shoreline, Washington in October 2020. Since then, the windshield has cracked 4 times beyond repair. Each time, a small hairline fracture develops and quickly spreads across the windshield until the windshield has to be replaced. I have taken the car to the Subaru dealership each time to replace the windshield. The car remains under warranty. I reached out to Subaru of America after the windshield cracked for the 4th time, but I was told that the crack was a result of "outside influence". I have never had a car windshield crack until I purchased the Subaru, and 4 cracked windshields in about 2 years is beyond excessive. After doing additional research online, it appears that this is a frequent and ongoing issue with newer Subaru models possibly because the windshield used now is of a thinner material.

NHTSA #: 11512862
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2023

The front windshield of my vehicle cracked excessively after being hit by a pea sized piece of gravel while traveling less than 50 MPH. I felt that the safety of my family was put at risk as the crack quickly spread to over 8 inches in length by the end of that same day.

NHTSA #: 11508205
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2023

Subaru has a known issue with windshields being easily cracked. I purchased a new 2021 Subaru Outback Onyx XT and had to replace the windshield 2 times within the first year of owning due to cracked windshield, both happened after having a small chip from likely a small rock hitting windshield. I currently have another cracked windshield after hearing a slight hit on my windshield , after a semi truck passed me going in the opposite direction. I have had other vehicles that have had small chips after taking a slight hit from rocks and never developed cracked that required windshield replacement. Truly think that Subaru could do better and correct this issue as windshields are very expensive to replace and those who can’t afford replacement will continue to drive with potentially impaired visibility.

NHTSA #: 11507567
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2022

The driver's side window when I activate the automatic button to close the window it goes 3/4 way up then automatically comes down. Cannot close try several time. It will eventually close after several attempts.

NHTSA #: 11486129
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Aug 2022

My 2021 Subaru Outback vehicle is subject to a recall for engine harness and ECM replacement, according to Subaru. I took my car in twice to the dealership and it was unable to perform the recall repair. That dealership told me that the issue presents no safety problem - is that true? (The current recall of 2022s sound like there is a safety issue.) Your website says my repair was performed. That is false. Can you help me understand why you show the vehicle has been repaired? Can you help me find a dealership that knows how to safely repair the car?

NHTSA #: 11479785
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2022

While driving eastbound on I-90 at the top of Snoqualmie pass, the sunroof completely shattered causing small pieces of glass to cover the small children in the back and driver and front seat passenger. At the time there were no vehicles in front of us and there was a cargo carrier on the roof racks. This caused small pieces of glass to go everywhere causing small lacerations to 2 of the occupants. There were no warnings signs of this extreme failure of the glass. The vehicle was repaired by a Subaru dealership.

NHTSA #: 11475414
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2022

Our 2020 Outback dashboard display randomly goes black and hard resets. It also appears that the eye sight cameras, collision detection, and other features disable at the same time. This has occurred about a dozen times since purchase.

NHTSA #: 11475109
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2022

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.

NHTSA #: 11466335
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2022

The battery does not hold a charge. I have had to have AAA charge my battery on 10 occasions in the fourteen months since I purchased this vehicle. I also have had to have the battery jumped by friends to start the car. The battery was replaced by the dealership in early September 2021, claiming it was a deflected battery and I should have no more battery problems. The replaced battery has not held a charge either. There is no warning, just a dead battery. i have been informed by Subaru that the cause of a dead battery is because the car is not driven every day. I am retired and have no need to drive every day. However, when I have been able to start the car and use it frequently the battery still dies. The car is not safe to drive when the battery is unreliable.

NHTSA #: 11453302
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2022

Cracked windshield from no sign of impact. This is clearly an issue, as there have been class action law suits regarding these windshields covering 2015-2020 outbacks. They've done nothing to fix the issue and deny that it's a problem, instead falsely claiming that there was a chip.

NHTSA #: 11448850
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2022

The front windshield on the passenger side cracked for not apparent reason. The vehicle had been parked in my carport all was fine. Next morning upon entering the vehicle I noticed the crack. Within 2 days the longest crack had grown from about 2 inches towards the drivers side to about 10 inches. I called Subaru of America customer service with a complaint. They suggested taking it to the dealer for inspection and a determination if it’s covered under the new car warranty. I have had the vehicle for about a year and it has less than 15000 miles on the odometer.

NHTSA #: 11446815
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

I have owned my 2021 Outback since April of 2021. I currently have just under 15,000 miles on it and am now looking to replace my second windshield. I have taken the car on 5 road trips over 200 miles and this is the second time where I instantly have a 6-8 inch long crack appear. There was evidence of a very small impact but the instant spreading seems to be an issue with many other Outback owners as I have seen on social media groups that some people have gone through 5+ windshields in the first year of ownership. I believe it is clear at this point that there is an issue with the glass itself and this could be a serious safety concern as I am fearful what would happen if a normal size rock were to hit it how it would respond to the impact.

NHTSA #: 11441278
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2021

When I bought my new 2021 Subaru on Sep. 27, 2021. It was twilight and the sales lady said it had a small rock chip in the windshield but they were going to fix it. Driving home, I saw the windshield had a spider web of cracks all over it. I took it back on Sep. 30 and they replaced the windshield. On Oct 31, I drove 660 miles. When I looked at the Subaru in the motel parking lot the next morning, the new 5-week old windshield had cracks. There was a rock chip where the cracks crossed. They were not spread all over but covered an area about 14" wide and 8" high. I didn't want to drive it but I had to get it back to the dealer. Later I saw the State of New Jersey had filed lawsuits against Subaru for cracked windshields on 2.5M vehicles. I felt sick and didn't know what to do. I found a "Service Bulletin" No. 12-192-12R dated 10/26/15. It was only for 2015-2016MY Legacy and Outback models and MY's but it described the crack issue and illustrated it. It was very limited. It just offered an extended warranty and one repair on specific models. I believe this is a serious Safety Defect because it is spread over a large population of vehicles and Subaru is not admitting any defect or safety problem. If this occurs on a trip, it's likely the driver will continue to drive to their destination with a dangerously compromised windshield. FMVSS 205 states that Glazing in Auto windows is to reduce injuries resulting from impact to glazing surfaces, to maintain transparency for visibility and minimize the chance occupants are ejected from the vehicle in a collision. It also appears the windshields do not meet Fracture Test 7 in SAE Z26 for tempered glass and multiple glazed units. The size of fragments observed in the spider-web patterns are 1" to 3" and more and likely weigh more than the 4.25 grams in the Fracture Test. In my 65 years of driving, I’ve never had a windshield crack like the two windshields cracked on my Outback in the period of five weeks.

NHTSA #: 11441218
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2021

The vehicle on board computer system periodically goes completely black (i.e., completely shuts down) disabling all of the operator controls (heater/fan/defrost controls, seat heater controls, temp controls, navigation, radio and other dash monitoring and informational controls, etc.). I am not sure of all features/functions that are lost because it happens when I am driving and I cannot investigate to see what all functions/indications I have lost. It remains out of service for a short period (the times of the shut down seem to have varied) of time and then comes on and reboots itself. Sometimes it comes back to where/when it shut down, and sometimes it just comes back to the initial ignition/start screen. This requires action by the driver (which is a safety concern because it requires the driver's attention and is distracting) to reset control settings. Navigation sometimes requires resetting an address because the computer lost its destination. This is dangerous. I just had the vehicle serviced for this issue and had a Subaru "FIX" installed - that apparently did not work. The problem still exists.

NHTSA #: 11438733
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Sep 2021

Infotainment system suddenly shuts down while driving blank screen often triggered while using GPS. Radio will turn on spontaneously at full blast creating a startle effect, often unable to turn off. Had to pull over and turn car off. Daily event has been escalating. Apparently dealerships aware Subaru has been non-responsive. Telling dealerships there is a software fix issue, finally communicating to me there is no current fix. Multiple communications have led to no response. Despite near miss of an accident due to these issues. Almost daily over last 2-3 months

NHTSA #: 11434917
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
CrashFiled: Sep 2021

Windshield suddenly cracked, starting from bottom center of the window, crack moved up about 6" and then turned 90 degrees towards passenger side and went another 6". No object hit the window or car; it just spontaneously cracked from bottom then moved upwards.

NHTSA #: 11432671
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2021

Don't buy I regret buying it. Water leaks into the vehicle passenger side door. I got a loaner and the same issue water leaks into the vehicle

NHTSA #: 11429659
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2021

Windshield cracked at bottom base without any impact from something hitting it. In standstill traffic, all of a sudden we heard and saw a crack just appear! Then is spread rapidly straight up, then to both sides sides. So scary. This was about 4:45pm on 8/4/2021. We noticed next day it spread even more. Then a day later 8/6/2021 at 3:30pm traveling, the right side base of windshield cracked again! And spread quickly. So now there are two cracks! It is the oddest thing! Never experienced anything like this with any vehicle. This is an AVIS rental car. We will bring it to the Suburu dealership in West Palm Beach, FL when we get home early next week. This windshield is obviously defective.

NHTSA #: 11428181
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2021

Bought my 2021 outback June 16th. Last week my battery went dead in my driveway. Called customer care and they had to jump me. Yesterday morning it was dead in the driveway again. Again they had to come out and jump me. July 29th was the first time and august 4th was the second time. This is a brand new car!!

NHTSA #: 11427874
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jul 2021

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, it’s a nuisance; at worst it’s a distraction and a liability. I now deactivate this feature when I start my car.

NHTSA #: 11425744
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jul 2021

My 2021 Outback windshield just cracked. My 2020 Outback did the same thing. Apparently three class action lawsuits are not enough for them to fix the windshield problem. $1200 to fix, on a brand new car. looks like the St. Louis Arch.

NHTSA #: 11425275
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jun 2021

I believe the computer system malfunctions. It is available for inspection upon request. The first problem noticed was the automatic door locking system. Since this is keyless entry, putting your hand in the driver's door handle unlocks the driver's door with accompanying 2 beeps (setting I have chosen). But intermittently my passenger door also unlocks when my passenger puts their hand in their door handle(adds either 1 or 2 beeps to my 2 beeps). Dealer could not duplicate. They assumed I had it set wrong. Dealer confirmed setting was set to driver's door only. I have it set to driver's door only for anti carjacking. I also had an incident when starting the car that only the driver's front speaker was on and it was a HORRIBLE loud tinny, staticy sound. I turned my radio on and off repeatedly. Cleared to normal after 1 mile of driving. Sometimes several of my Apps are greyed out when starting the car. After 5 minutes of travel they will usually become active. I had one episode of the digital and analog speedometers not matching. The analog was 5 over the digital. When stopped at a light my analog was at 5 mph. Most of the time my analog is 1 sometimes 2 miles more than digital. Also, normal operation is that music continues to play until the driver's door is opened. Twice I have had music turn off when ignition is turned off. It has been to the dealer once, but they didn't find anything. These problems started after a month of ownership. It currently has 2600 miles after 6 months of ownership. I drive 3 miles round trip to work, with occassional trips across the state to see family. It is unknown how many different ways the safety of the driver and occupants could be affected with a malfunctioning computer system. When will it do something unexpected that has serious consequences? The dealer is completely unconcerned which does anger me.

NHTSA #: 11419812
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2021

The front windshield is easily chipped or cracked. A rock hit it, and by the next morning it had starburst across the windshield. We replaced the windshield and two weeks later a second rock chipped it in the same spot. A couple weeks later a third rock chipped it above an inch above the last chip.

NHTSA #: 11418973
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
Filed: Apr 2021

CRACK IN WINDSHIELD APPEARED WITH NO PUNCTURE. NOTICED CRACK WHEN DRIVING ON HIGHWAY. NOTHING HAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD, PASSENGER NOTICED THE CRACK.

NHTSA #: 11414504
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2021

WINDSHIELD FAILED TWICE IN FIRST SIX WEEKS, DEALER REPLACED IT ONCE, IT LASTED 9 DAYS, BOTH TIMES WINDSHIELD BROKE IN SNOW STORM WITH DEFROSTER ON HIGH

NHTSA #: 11405691
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2021

I WAS JUST DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE AND THE WINDSHIELD STARTED CRACKING ON IT'S OWN. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE AT ALL PRIOR TO THE EVENT. NO DEBRIS HIT THE WINDSHIELD IT JUST STARTED CRACKING AND THE CRACK RAPIDLY GREW OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL MINUTES TO A SIZE OF 10 INCHES.

NHTSA #: 11397663
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Jan 2021

THIS IS AN ISSUE WE EXPERIENCED WITH AN EXPLODING SUNROOF OF OUR NEW SUBARU OUTBACK. WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON DECEMBER 22, 2020. WITHIN DAYS OF THE PURCHASE, ON DECEMBER 27, 2020, THE SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY EXPLODED WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. BOTH THE SUNROOF AND INTERIOR SUNROOF COVERING WERE CLOSED AT THE TIME. THE FRACTURED GLASS WAS BROKEN OUTWARD WHICH LEADS US TO BELIEVE THIS IS A VEHICLE MANUFACTURING DEFECT. WE HAVE CONTACTED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AND THEY REFERRED US TO SUBARU CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS.

NHTSA #: 11386292
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 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).

NHTSA #: 11384667
mediumUNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Dec 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11377849

Other 2021 Subaru Outback Issues