2021 Subaru Outback Transmission Problems

Your 2021 Subaru Outback has experienced four sudden engine failures over approximately 20 months, with the most recent occurring in March 2026, causing complete loss of power without warning — including twice at highway speeds (65–75 mph), creating a safety hazard. The vehicle has been repaired or replaced under warranty multiple times by an authorized Subaru dealership, but the root cause remains unidentified even after multiple inspections. Additionally, the most recent failure involved an oil-saturated catalytic converter, and a broken axle was discovered during a third inspection. The fix may require a complete engine replacement and thorough diagnostic testing, though Subaru has been unable to determine what's causing these recurring failures.

While your 2021 Subaru Outback was idling at a red light, it lurched forward twice without warning and hit the vehicle in front of you. Several warning lights came on after the impact, but your airbags did not deploy. The dealer hasn't diagnosed or repaired the issue yet, but Subaru has been notified and plans to send a technician to check your vehicle's data recorder. A repair would likely involve diagnosing the transmission or cruise control system that may have caused the unexpected acceleration.

Your 2021 Outback has stopped running and needs a transmission replacement, but you've noticed the previous owner had the fuel pump replaced twice at roughly 20,000-mile intervals — and you're now approaching another 20,000 miles since the last replacement. Your warranty company is refusing to cover the repair. The issue may involve replacing the fuel pump again, the transmission, or diagnosing why the vehicle won't start.

Your car's wheel bearings failed at 55,000 miles, which is earlier than typical for a vehicle of this age. This could cause noise, vibration, or handling problems. Replacing the failed wheel bearings will likely involve removing the wheel and installing new bearing assemblies.

I have had this happen several times on my 2021 Outback and my 2013 Outback. The dealership has never been able to recreate this issue. I will be driving (gear in D) and it randomly shifts to 1st or 2nd gear. I have been in a parking lot when it has happened or entering the interstate. I notice it because I hear the engine roar and look down to see it shifted gears. I only use D so this should never happen.

The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V755000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

I was driving and suddenly 13 flashing lights and codes from check engine to loss of cruise control and RAB -dealer says it needs a new thermo control valve (thermostat). This failed part has been common on Subarus for 3 years-reported on internet and even to the point where a guy sitting next to me today with same car and year and same $1800 bill and diagnosis. Should be a recall. Part was redesigned in 2022 I read.

I walked outside my house yesterday morning to find my 2021 Outback XT idling in the driveway. I may have failed to turn the engine off, or it may have started itself. Nonetheless, I calculate that it burned about five gallons of gasoline and probably ran all night. The car should not be able to run for hours on end! This is a clear problem--an overheated catalytic converter could start a fire, someone could have jumped in and driven away, or--much worse--it could have been running in an enclosed area and filled it with CO.. This car does have remote starting capability, so I wonder if that somehow played a role. It also has the start-stop function to save gas. I have noticed that if I stop the car and hit the start/stop button right away, it sometimes seems to stop but then runs on. I strongly believe that the car should not be able to run on like this. Couldn't Subaru build in a a timer to turn the engine off after, say, one hour? These are not police cars and do not need to be able to idle for hours on end. Thanks very much for your kind consideration!

The Auto-start feature, which stops the engine at a light, then restarts, is very dangerous. It cannot be permanently turned off - always on by default. 1 if the steering wheel is not perfectly straight, it jerks out of your hand when the engine restarts. 2 the car jerks forward when the engine restarts. This has already put me in danger of a crash several times - and this 'feature' must be actively disengaged each and every time the car is started. It should be able to be permanently turned off - not always on by default.