2021 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 76about this part
- Share
- 26%of 298 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 2,150miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 76 complaints about the electrical system of the 2021 Subaru Outback, 26% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 2,150 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I bought a new car in december 2020. One day in jan 2021, I noticed that the battery had died. I jump started it and then in february 2021, I had to jumpstart it 3 times. At least the last instance, I was careful to check no interior lights were on, and it still happened. I went to the dealer and they replaced the battery. I hope that fixes it.”
NHTSA complaint #11396114, filed 2021-02, 2,500 miles“After 5000 miles my battery has been drained and is currently dead. I was told I must lock it every time I am not driving to ensure battery life is extended. Even with doing this battery is still dead after barely 5000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11414938, filed 2021-05, 5,000 miles“I bought this 2021 Subaru Outback in jan 2, 2021. In mid feb, I drove the Outback to lake tahoe. On my way, I went to costco gas station for gas after 1 hour highway driving. The car was just dead after refueling. I called roadside assistance not knowing what happened. The car was jumpstarted. I was able to continue my trip and back home. After I was back home, I drove the car to the dealer that sold the car. I was told it was battery problem and a new battery was installed. A few weeks later, my car couldn't start in my garage on a saturday morning. …”
NHTSA complaint #11408679, filed 2021-04, 1,200 miles“Multiple times issue with battery not providing sufficient charge to start the car resulting in inconvenience, stress and mental agony. From a safety perspective the car was not performing as per committed standards and electrical systems have gotten affected. Also the battery was leaking acid fumes causing health related hazards. This despite keeping the car running in idle multiple times. Further when given to tindol Subaru they did not rectify the problem but blamed me for not running the car enough which is a lie and false. They simply kept the car for 2 days and returned it to me!! …”
NHTSA complaint #11404069, filed 2021-03, 750 miles“Purchased the car 7 days ago. Drove approximately 50 miles so far. Went out to start the car this morning and the battery was dead. No lights had been left on. Car needed to be jumped.”
NHTSA complaint #11403232, filed 2021-03, 210 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11037938Sep 18, 2026"This Bulletin announces additional troubleshooting steps for the following DTCs: DTC C1956: RH Actuator Circuit DTC C1957: LH Actuator Circuit"
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the…
- 11037928Sep 14, 2026In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Head Unit used in the listed…
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036823Aug 31, 2026This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and provides a software update installation procedure to optimize the new Gen 4 Denso CP1 Audio and Navigation head units…
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2021 Subaru Outback
107 complaintsOther or unknown
66 complaintsForward collision avoidance
29 complaintsEngine
21 complaintsVehicle speed control
19 complaintsAir bags
16 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 27, 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