2021 Subaru Outback
Vehicle Specs & Maintenance Data
The 2021 Subaru Outback maintenance specs on this page cover the key fluids, torque values, and wear items you need for routine service. Use these numbers as a quick reference when performing oil changes, tire rotations, brake jobs, and other scheduled maintenance on your Subaru Outback.
For oil changes, the 2021 Subaru Outback takes 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil with a capacity of 5 quarts. Brake fluid type is DOT 3, the recommended coolant is Super Long Life Coolant (Blue), and transmission fluid is Subaru ATF. Always use the manufacturer-recommended fluids to maintain warranty coverage and engine longevity.
When mounting wheels on the Subaru Outback, torque the lug nuts to 89 ft-lbs using a calibrated torque wrench. Over- or under-torquing can lead to warped brake rotors or loose wheels. Re-torque after 50 to 100 miles on newly installed wheels.
Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback have reported 5 common issues including "Infotainment System Freezing and Black Screen", "Occupant Detection System Sensor Failure" and "Windshield Bonding Defect from Incorrect Clearcoat". Scroll down to the Diagnostics tab for detailed descriptions, solutions, and estimated repair costs.
There are 4 NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Check the Recalls tab below for full details.
Specifications on this page are compiled from multiple publicly available sources including manufacturer documentation, NHTSA data, and automotive databases. Always cross-reference with your owner's manual or official factory documentation before purchasing parts or performing any service.
The 2021 Subaru Outback uses 0W-20 Full Synthetic motor oil (5 qt capacity), requires lug nuts torqued to 89 ft-lbs, takes DOT 3 brake fluid.
Manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedule for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Always verify intervals against your owner's manual.
Enter a diagnostic trouble code to see causes, symptoms, and fixes for the 2021 Subaru Outback.
Common problems reported by 2021 Subaru Outback owners, with recommended fixes and estimated repair costs.
Infotainment System Freezing and Black Screen
The 11.6-inch vertical touchscreen freezes, goes blank, or becomes unresponsive during use, especially on hot days. Navigation via CarPlay becomes unusable, climate controls are inaccessible, and the display may show significant input lag.
Software updates at the dealer address many freezing issues. A factory reset of the Starlink system can provide temporary relief. In persistent cases, the head unit module requires replacement under warranty.
Est. Cost: $0 (warranty) / $1,000 - $2,000 if out of warrantyOccupant Detection System Sensor Failure
A capacitor in the Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensors may crack and short circuit, preventing the front passenger airbag from deploying correctly in a crash. No warning light indicates the fault to the driver.
Subaru issued a recall to inspect and replace the ODS sensor mat in the front passenger seat free of charge. Contact your dealer to verify recall status.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall)Windshield Bonding Defect from Incorrect Clearcoat
Incorrect paint clearcoat may have been applied to the windshield bonding area, causing the windshield to be insufficiently bonded to the vehicle body. An insufficiently bonded windshield can detach during a crash.
Subaru issued a recall to inspect and re-bond or replace the windshield on affected vehicles free of charge, per FMVSS 212 compliance requirements.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall)Engine Wiring Harness Damage and Stalling
The engine wiring harness may have been damaged during assembly, resulting in a loose electrical connection to the Engine Control Unit (ECU). This can cause intermittent engine stalling, rough idle, and check engine light illumination.
Subaru issued a recall to inspect and repair or replace the engine wiring harness and ECU connection free of charge. Dealers will verify proper harness routing and connector seating.
Est. Cost: $0 (recall)Excessive Oil Consumption on 2.5L Engine
The 2.5L FB25 boxer engine may consume oil at a rate exceeding 1 quart per 3,000 miles without visible external leaks. Owners notice low oil level warnings between service intervals, and prolonged low oil levels can cause engine damage.
An oil consumption test at the dealer documents the rate over 1,200 miles. If consumption exceeds Subaru's threshold, valve stem seal replacement or short block replacement may be performed under warranty or the extended warranty program.
Est. Cost: $0 (warranty) / $2,000 - $5,000 if out of warranty4 NHTSA safety recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will replace the inhibitor switch, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 8, 2024. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-800-782-2783. Subaru's number for this recall is WRQ-23.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
POWER TRAIN:SHIFT LINKAGE/CABLE/ROD
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles. The continuously variable transmission (CVT) select lever cable nut may not have been tightened properly, allowing the nut to loosen.
A loose nut can lead to a lost of retention in the CVT select lever cable and the gear selector not functioning properly, increasing risk of crash.
Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect, and, if necessary, tighten the nut, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-21.