2021 Subaru Outback Air bags Problems
- Complaints
- 16about this part
- Share
- 5%of 299 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,400miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 16 complaints about the air bags of the 2021 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 299 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,400 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“The airbag light came on in my car even though the cars airbags have never deployed. The code that the scanner is bringing up is B1784. The description for this error is Right front occupant detection sensor collision detection, Subaru has a safety recall for this exact issue for this exact year and type of car but are stating my vin does not have the recall. I have contacted them and they stated there is nothing they can do for me to fix this recall because my car's vin is not showing to have this recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11712489, filed 2026-01“We are VERY concerned about the failure of some very important safety features of our 2021 Subaru Outback Touring Edition. We were involved in a bad car accident caused by a person under the influence who was in handcuffs when we were taken away by ambulance. As you can see by the photos, there was MAJOR damage to the other car and significant damage to ours. What is most concerning is the fact that NONE of the airbags deployed and the safety and security plan also failed - it did not call 911. I had to find my phone on the floorboard and call 911 myself. …”
NHTSA complaint #11739672, filed 2026-05“Passenger seat air bag system does not recognize my wife at times. She weighs some where around 100 pounds. Sometime the “The passenger is here light” comes on right a way, sometimes with in a mile and sometime never. Talk to the Subaru services rep. He said there was nothing they could about it. I told him I would bring the car in and leave for days so they could check it out, he told if I wanted to waste my time to go a head. Looking online this has been a safety problem for sometime that Subaru won’t do anything about. …”
NHTSA complaint #11516593, filed 2023-04“The passenger air bag alert on the dashboard indicates the air bag is off when my wife who is elderly and weighs approximately 95 pounds is seated in the front passenger seat .Sometimes it changes to air bag on during our journey but other times it remains off .I am concerned the air bag won't deploy in the event of a crash potentially causing serious injury .I have e mailed sales representative who sold us the car at Maple Hill Auto Group Kalamazoo ,MI in March 2021 who responded that seat sensor was designed to alert off at 65 pounds or less .Two subsequent e mails to Subaru Customer…”
NHTSA complaint #11446683, filed 2022-01“The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The air bag warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11603103, filed 2024-07, 29,000 milesRelated recalls
- 24V227000Mar 22, 2024Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System…Covers: Subaru Outback 2020–2022, Legacy 2020–2022
Related service bulletins
- 11030569Mar 16, 2026Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System…
- 11029325Feb 5, 2026This announcement provides updates for WRA-24 ODS Sensor Replacement.
- 11021249Jul 14, 2025This announcement is to inform subscribed customers of a software update for in-vehicle multimedia system.
- 11019930Jun 23, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System…
- 11016167Mar 4, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System…
- 11014846Feb 3, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System…
- 11014842Feb 3, 2025This announcment is an update on safety recall WRA-24 ODS sensor replacement. Used vehicle inventory & CPO updates.
- 11014841Feb 3, 2025This announcement is an update on safety recall WRA-24 ODS sensor replacement.
- 11013523Jan 28, 2025This announcement is in regard to special service tool shipment for completion of the upcoming ERA-24 ODS sensor replacement safety recall.
- 11005609Jul 15, 2024This announcement provides information on Takata Recall Escalated Towing Program.
Air bags: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 | 2 | 2% |
| 2022 | 6 | 1% |
| 2021 | 16 | 5% |
| 2020 | 18 | 2% |
| 2019 | 13 | 1% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 16 | 2% |
| 2016 | 10 | 2% |
| 2015 | 14 | 3% |
| 2014 | 38 | 18% |
| 2013 | 42 | 14% |
| 2012 | 39 | 13% |
| 2011 | 73 | 11% |
| 2010 | 44 | 12% |
| 2009 | 30 | 28% |
| 2008 | 104 | 46% |
| 2007 | 47 | 36% |
| 2006 | 40 | 14% |
| 2005 | 38 | 14% |
| 2004 | 25 | 28% |
| 2003 | 19 | 20% |
| 2002 | 5 | 4% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 5 | 2% |
| 1999 | 7 | 6% |
| 1998 | 11 | 9% |
| 1997 | 2 | 3% |
| 1996 | 8 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2021 Subaru Outback
108 complaintsElectrical system
76 complaintsOther or unknown
66 complaintsForward collision avoidance
29 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
12 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsBrakes
8 complaintsLane departure
7 complaintsBody and structure
7 complaintsWheels
6 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology