2021 Subaru Outback Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Outback
5
Visibility/Wiper complaints Red flag
Test wipers, washers, headlights, and all exterior lights, including the backup camera if equipped. (97 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 97 NHTSA complaints
Electrical System complaints Red flag
Test all electronics — lights, windows, infotainment, and driver aids — and confirm no warning lights stay on. (75 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 75 NHTSA complaints
Forward Collision Avoidance complaints Red flag
Test driver-assistance features on the drive and confirm no warning lights stay on. (29 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 29 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (21 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 21 NHTSA complaints
Vehicle Speed Control complaints Red flag
Test cruise control on the highway and confirm it engages and disengages cleanly. (19 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 19 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
38 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Power Train Red flag
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.
Power Train Check
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Power Train Check
An inoperative inhibitor switch may prevent the reverse lights from illuminating and the rearview camera image from displaying, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Outback–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Subaru Outback have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Outback. The most serious involve Power Train (21V024000) and Air Bags (24V227000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Outback?
The top complaint areas are Visibility/Wiper (97 complaints) and Electrical System (75 complaints), out of 296 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Outback?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Visibility/Wiper, which drew 97 complaints for this model-year.