2021 Subaru Outback engine problems
21 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2021 Subaru Outback — 7% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Good Day! I bought my 2021 Subaru Outback XT Onyx in Jan 2021. I had waiting 6 yrs for Subaru to use the Turbo Motor in the Outback again. I've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out Jan 2026, but I only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr. Current odometer is 29,901 miles. At my most…”
filed Aug 20, 2026
“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
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
This service bulletin outlines the diagnostic and repair procedure for white smoke emitted from the exhaust after startup. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
02-196-26R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026
Engine problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 Outback | 7 | 7% |
| 2023 Outback | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 Outback | 21 | 5% |
| 2020 Outback | 48 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 39 | 4% |
| 2018 Outback | 37 | 5% |
| 2017 Outback | 43 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 53 | 8% |
| 2015 Outback | 47 | 9% |
| 2014 Outback | 35 | 17% |
| 2013 Outback | 67 | 23% |
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.