2021 Subaru Outback power train problems
12 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Subaru Outback — 4% 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 recalls
- An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to failCampaign 23V755000 · Nov 9, 2023
- A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage…Campaign 22V485000 · Jul 8, 2022
- Continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been…Campaign 21V024000 · Jan 26, 2021
Related service bulletins
This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
16-158-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
16-154-25R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air conditioning on. SYPMTOM 2: A shudder is…
16-150-24R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models…
16-132-20R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Aug 20, 2026
Power Train problems in other Outback years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Outback | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 Outback | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 Outback | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 Outback | 18 | 4% |
| 2020 Outback | 46 | 5% |
| 2019 Outback | 15 | 1% |
| 2018 Outback | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 Outback | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 Outback | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 Outback | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 Outback | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 Outback | 59 | 20% |
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.