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Body and structurePart report

2021 Subaru Outback Body and structure Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
2%of 298 total for the year
Median mileage
500miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the body and structure of the 2021 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 298 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 500 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“A design flaw in the remote (required for both keyless entry and vehicle operation) leads to accidental trunk openings due to pocket trunk opening . This is a safety hazard as it could lead to humans or animals entering the vehicle, as well as a potential route to water damage. This happens while the vehicle is parked and locked, and the key is in one's pocket and in range (eg in a house near the driveway)”

NHTSA complaint #11386116, filed 2021-01, 500 miles

“Sunroof exploded driving home in 90 degree sunny and clear weather. It sounded like a gun went off right over my head. It scared me so bad I jerked my steering wheel into the other lane. Thank God no one was in that lane. I had to get it replaced at Mid State Glass company. according to what I found on the internet this happens rather frequently. No notification by Subaru that this was even a possibility. I have the receipt the replaced sunroof and photos of the sunroof after it exploded.”

NHTSA complaint #11690946, filed 2025-10

“The car flashed “eye sight off” before flickering and shutting off while I was braking at a stop light. I tried putting my car into park and then turning it off and restarting it but it would not turn back on. I tried this a few more times but I was in the middle lane of a heavily trafficked street. The steering wheel was locked and I was not able to immediately remove it from the road and maybe an hour later it was able to be shifted into neutral and moved out of the street. However, it would still not turn on and when I did open my power gate, the gate would not secure closed. …”

NHTSA complaint #11611660, filed 2024-08

“Passenger lower side windshield cracked while driving, it started as a tiny crack but the next morning the crack line was 16 inches long. I contacted Subaru because the car is under warranty but they said they will not cover it. The whole windshield had to be replaced.”

NHTSA complaint #11445254, filed 2021-12

“Windshield developed a large crack for no apparent reason. There is no sign of an impact from an object. Vehicle was parked outside when outside temperature dropped overnight. Crack over 6” long appeared the next morning.”

NHTSA complaint #11441207, filed 2021-11

Related service bulletins

Body and structure: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202615%
202511%
202422%
202322%
202272%
202172%
2020212%
2019273%
2018152%
2017263%
2016193%
2015336%
2014115%
2013114%
201252%
2011112%
2010144%
200955%
200863%
200754%
200621%
200573%
200355%
2002107%
2001159%
2000136%
199944%
199822%
199734%
199637%

Other parts of the 2021 Subaru Outback

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
107 complaints
Electrical system
76 complaints
Other or unknown
66 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
29 complaints
Engine
21 complaints
Vehicle speed control
19 complaints
Air bags
16 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
12 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints
Brakes
8 complaints
Lane departure
7 complaints
Wheels
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