2021 Subaru Outback Recall

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

8 common questions answered

What are the known NHTSA recalls for a 2021 Subaru Outback?
The NHTSA records show 33 recall campaigns covering various Outback model years; one recall directly affecting the 2021 model is the CVT lever cable nut campaign (WRA-21) issued February 12, 2021. These campaigns address multiple components including steering, airbags, transmission, electronic stability control, windshield wipers, braking systems, and more. Mike Shaw Subaru monitors NHTSA updates and can confirm whether your vehicle is included — schedule service for a free VIN check today.
How do I check if my 2021 Subaru Outback has an open recall?
You can check your VIN on NHTSA.gov or bring your vehicle to Mike Shaw Subaru for a free recall lookup; the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains official campaign lists. To save time, call us or schedule appointment and our factory-trained service advisors will verify open campaigns and advise next steps. We also post local updates and limited-time offers on our service specials page.
How much does a 2021 Subaru Outback recall repair cost?
Manufacturer recall repairs are performed free of charge to the vehicle owner; Mike Shaw Subaru performs recall fixes at no cost under Subaru’s recall program. If any non-recall service is recommended, our advisors will explain pricing and available parts options before you approve work. We offer service financing so you can get non-covered maintenance done now and pay over time if needed.
Can I get my 2021 Subaru Outback recall fixed at an independent shop or do I need a dealer?
Recall repairs must be performed by an authorized dealer to guarantee OEM parts, factory diagnostic procedures, and free manufacturer coverage; Mike Shaw Subaru is a certified Subaru franchise dealer in Thornton, CO. Independent shops may not have Subaru’s recall parts, proprietary diagnostic tools, or access to updated service bulletins required to complete manufacturer recall work properly. For safety and warranty protection, we recommend scheduling at your local certified Subaru dealer — schedule service with Mike Shaw Subaru.
How long does a 2021 Subaru Outback recall repair take?
Most recall repairs are completed within a few hours, though some campaigns require parts ordering; exact turnarounds vary by campaign and parts availability. For example, inspections or software reprogramming (listed in several campaigns) are often same-day, while air bag inflator or structural repairs can take longer depending on parts. Call Mike Shaw Subaru or schedule appointment and we’ll provide an estimated turnaround when we verify the recall status for your VIN.
Does an open recall affect my 2021 Subaru Outback's trade-in or resale value?
Yes — unresolved recalls can negatively affect trade-in value and buyer confidence because many buyers and dealers check NHTSA recall status before purchase. Mike Shaw Subaru will complete recall repairs free of charge to protect your vehicle’s resale or trade-in value; you can start a quick appraisal at our trade-in page. Completing recalls also helps avoid issues during state inspections or pre-sale checks and demonstrates proper maintenance to prospective buyers.
Can I fail a state inspection because of an unresolved 2021 Subaru Outback recall?
In most states, an open safety recall itself does not automatically fail an inspection, but safety-related defects (steering, brakes, airbags) could cause inspection failures or registration restrictions. Because several recalled items (steering, electronic stability control, airbags, brakes) directly affect vehicle safety, it’s important to resolve recalls promptly at Mike Shaw Subaru to avoid inspection problems. If you’re near Thornton or the Denver metro area, schedule service and we’ll run a free VIN check and advise whether any open campaigns could impact inspections.
2021 Subaru Outback Recall Summary
Summary of NHTSA recall campaigns affecting Outback models (many campaigns reference multiple model years). All listed corrective actions are performed free of charge at an authorized Subaru dealer like Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO. These recall summaries are based on NHTSA records. If you own a 2021 Subaru Outback, contact Mike Shaw Subaru in Thornton, CO to confirm your VIN, review the specific campaigns that apply to your vehicle, and schedule service for free recall repairs performed by factory-trained technicians using OEM parts.

Recall Service & Dealership Highlights

Recall Summary

32 recalls found · All repairs FREE

Steering

FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Consequence

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

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Steering2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured February 29, 2016, to May 6, 2016. The steering column on the affected vehicles may have been improperly machined, and as a result, turning the steering wheel may have no effect on the direction of the wheels.

Consequence

The loss of steering ability would increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the lot number on the steering column, replacing the steering column, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783 or by visiting http://www.wtd65.service-campaign.com. Subaru's number for this recall is WTD-65. Note: Until the vehicles have been inspected, owners are advised not to drive their vehicles.

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Electronic Stability Control1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy and Outback vehicles manufactured on July 20, 2015. The brake fluid used in these vehicles may contain excess moisture which may adversely affect the performance of the electronic stability control system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 126, Electronic Stability Control Systems.

Consequence

Poor performance of the electronic stability control system when it is activated may result in a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will perform an ABS activation, then flush and replace the brake fluid, free of charge. The recall began on May 20, 2016. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTC-64.

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Transmission2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015 and 2016 model year Subaru Legacy 4-Door and Outback vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to July 27, 2015. Transmission oil may leak from a deformed seal cap on the propeller shaft yoke.

Consequence

If the transmission oil leaks onto the exhaust pipe, there is a possible risk of fire.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the propeller shaft, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on August 28, 2015. Owners may contact 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQU-56.

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Brake Light1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Legacy vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Outback vehicles manufactured February 24, 2014, to April 16, 2015, Impreza vehicles manufactured September 9, 2014, to April 14, 2015, XV Crosstrek vehicles manufactured October 16, 2014, to April 15, 2015, and 2016 WRX vehicles manufactured March 23, 2015, and equipped with the Eyesight Driver Assist System. If the switch that activates the brake lights fails, the automati

Consequence

If the automatic pre-collision braking system does not function as intended, the vehicle will not react to an obstacle in its path, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the driver assist system, free of charge. The recall began on July 20, 2015. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQS-54.

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Trailer Hitch1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2015 Outback vehicles manufactured January 22, 2014, to August 18, 2014, and equipped with a Subaru accessory trailer hitch assembly. During installation, the trailer hitch mounting nuts may have been overtightened, potentially resulting in failure of the trailer hitch mounting studs.

Consequence

The mounting nut(s) may not provide sufficient force to remain attached to the studs or the studs themselves might break. If this were to happen while a trailer is being towed, the driver might not be able to operate the vehicle as desired or the trailer may detach from the vehicle. Either situation could increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace all eight mounting nuts for the trailer hitch assembly, and will inspect all eight mounting studs for damage, free of charge. The recall began on October 7, 2014. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WQN-50.

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Air Bag13
FREE13 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester, 2003-2006 Baja, 2004-2011 Impreza, 2004-2014 WRX (including STI), 2003-2014 Legacy and Outback, and 2005-2006 Saab 9-2X vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or Zone C." These vehicles h

Consequence

An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify their owners. General Motors will notify Saab owners. Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflators, free of charge. The recall began January 7, 2020. Subaru owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Saab owners may contact the Saab Customer Assistance Center at 1-800-955-9007. Subaru's number for this recall is TKC-20.

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Ignition2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Forester vehicles, 2008-2011 Impreza vehicles, 2008-2014 WRX vehicles, 2005-2014 Legacy vehicles, 2005-2014 Outback vehicles and 2006-2008 Tribeca vehicles equipped with a mechanical key ignition switch installed as a replacement part. The ball spring inside the switch may break, reducing the strength of the ignition switch. If this occurs, the weight on the key ring and certain road conditions could cause the ignition switch to move out of t

Consequence

The engine turning off unexpectedly can increase the risk of a crash. If a crash occurs under this condition, the air bag may not deploy, increasing the risk of injury.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the ignition switch, replacing the ignition switch, if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 10, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUF-91.

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Parking Brake2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2010-2014 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with a manual transmission. The electronic parking brake (EPB) may not engage as intended, allowing the vehicle to rollaway if the transmission is not in the proper gear when parked.

Consequence

A vehicle rollaway can increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the EPB actuator assembly, free of charge. The recall is scheduled to begin November 7, 2018. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WTV-81.

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Windshield Wiper2
FREE2 OPEN RECALLS

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Legacy vehicles manufactured November 26, 2008, to June 7, 2013, and 2010-2014 Outback vehicles manufactured January 9, 2009 to June 7, 2013. Due to contamination, components within the windshield wiper motor bottom cover may interfere with each other. If an obstruction, such as a buildup of snow or ice prevents the wiper arms from being able to stop in the parked position, the wiper motor may overheat and the bottom cover may melt

Consequence

If the windshield wiper motor overheats, the wipers may fail, reducing driver visibility and increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, the wiper motor cover may melt, increasing the risk of a fire.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the windshield wiper motor bottom cover assembly, free of charge. The manufacturer has not yet provided a notification schedule. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WTK-71. Note: This recall supersedes recall 11V-469. All vehicles that were remedied under that campaign are affected by this campaign, and need to have their wiper motor bottom cover replaced again.

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Electrical System1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru is recalling certain model year 2010-2012 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with an automatic or CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, certain model year 2012-2013 Impreza vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory, and certain model year 2013 XV Crosstrek vehicles equipped with a CVT transmission and an Audiovox remote engine starter (RES) accessory. Additionally included are certain model year 2013 Legacy and

Consequence

The engine may inadvertently start and run for up to fifteen minutes. The engine may continue to start and stop until the fob battery is depleted, or until the vehicle runs out of fuel. If the vehicle is parked in an enclosed area, there is a risk of carbon monoxide build-up which may cause headaches, dizziness or, in extreme cases, unconsciousness and/or asphyxiation.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the RES key fobs, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin by the end of April 2013. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783 for more information.

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Structure1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Legacy and Outback vehicles. Spot welds located on the duct below the cowl panel may have been improperly applied, impacting the vehicle's body strength.

Consequence

In the event of a crash, the reduced strength of the vehicle body may increase the risk of injury.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicles and repair or repurchase the vehicle, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began July 26, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUH-93.

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Fuel Pump1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019 Impreza, Outback, Legacy, and Ascent vehicles. The low pressure fuel pump may become inoperative.

Consequence

If the low pressure fuel pump fails, the engine may stall without the ability to restart the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will replace the low pressure fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRD-20.

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Backup Camera1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation

Consequence

The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.

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Brake Pedal1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Consequence

A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action

Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.

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CVT Lever Cable Nut1
FREE1 OPEN RECALL

Defect

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.

Consequence

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.

Corrective Action

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.

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