2021 Subaru Outback engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 20, 2026CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Good Day! I bought my 2021 Subaru Outback XT Onyx in Jan 2021. I had waiting 6 yrs for Subaru to use the Turbo Motor in the Outback again. I've had this car for 5 years with my warranty running out Jan 2026, but I only drive 5000-7000 miles per/yr. Current odometer is 29,901 miles. At my most recent oil change service at the Dealer, they showed me a video of my cars drivetrain from underneath. There were two bad seal leaks. One at the transmission pump housing and the other…

   NHTSA complaint #11758285 · source
2. Filed May 7, 2026NJEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Thermo Control Valve Failure- Contact Subaru of Cherry Hill, NJ for Inspection 177,4XX Miles P26A5 code Check engine Light on, Disabled Safety Systems (Eyesight System), Car may have overheated if not pulled over and turned off. Part of warranty extension but did not qualify due to mileage.

   NHTSA complaint #11736441 · source
3. Filed Mar 26, 2026COEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   The failure involves the engine (powertrain), which was under warranty. The vehicle has experienced four catastrophic engine failures resulting in sudden loss of power, including at highway speeds (65–75 mph). The most recent failure also involved an oil-saturated catalytic converter. These failures occurred between 06/25/2024 and 03/16/2026. During this ~629-day period, the vehicle was only in my possession for about 184 days, as it remained at the dealership for diagnosis,…

   NHTSA complaint #11727143 · source
4. Filed Aug 7, 2025MDCrashElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   While slowly backing out of a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on it's own - I do not recall pressing on the accelerator but the engine surged and the vehicle rapidly reversed and struck 4 other parked cars. It felt as if the accelerator became stuck and would not respond to braking. No warning light or dashboard alerts appeared. Subaru eyesight and adaptive cruise control were not engaged at the time. There was no known obstruction under the petals. This felt…

   NHTSA complaint #11679036 · source
5. Filed Jul 24, 202518,640 miSCTowedDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled. During the failure the "Eyesight" message was displayed, and the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was later towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the thermal control valve had failed and needed to be replaced. The thermal control valve was replaced, and the vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure…

   NHTSA complaint #11675847 · source
6. Filed Apr 2, 2025NMDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

   Thermo Control Valve. Check engine light on. Eyesight Adaptive Cruise Control Automatic Emergency Braking Blind Spot Warning Forward Collision Warning Lane Departure Warning Lane Keeping Assistance X mode Dealership would not honor repair even though there is recall it does not cover vin 63400 miles Vehicle inspected by manufacturer code P2682 Check engine light is on and eyesight warning

   NHTSA complaint #11652303 · source
7. Filed Dec 14, 2024ILDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The speed control (adaptive) doesn't work. The interior heater doesn't work. Several lights including the 'check engine' light come on the dash. The lane departure system doesn't work. (It appears the thermo control value subassembly may be at fault.) The car has approximately 25K miles on it.

   NHTSA complaint #11630726 · source
8. Filed Nov 4, 202424,000 miAZTowedBrakesEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the check engine, ABS, and brake warning lights illuminated. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The contact turned off the vehicle and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle; however, upon restart the transmission failed to shift into the desired gear. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11623437 · source
9. Filed Aug 16, 2024MAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionOther / Unknown

   Today while waiting at a stop light the auto start stop engaged. When the light went green I put my foot on the gas and the vehicle stalled. The car was on but not running, several alarms were on the dashboard. I had to put the car in park, turn it off and then restart the car. This is a repeated issue and has been going on at least once a month since we purchased the car in 2021. We've brought it to the dealer and they said there was nothing wrong because there was no OBD…

   NHTSA complaint #11608885 · source
10. Filed Mar 12, 2024GAEngine

    failure/malfunction of thermo coolant control valve some of the systems safety features have been disabled making it unsafe for me to drive vehicle The car gets hot and high beams don’t work heater doesn’t work. Diagnostic was performed by independent mechanic determining this issue Warning lights on dashboard to check engine and many other lights flashed Repairs cost over $1700 which is not affordable especially since this a manufacturer defective part.

    NHTSA complaint #11576782 · source
11. Filed Feb 20, 2024OKDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

    While doing a casual drive, engine made a noise after work at night. Woke up in the morning and check engine light as well as the EyeSight light was on. Checked everything and noticed the coolant was low; but upon filling it, did not resolve the issue. Took it to a Subaru service center and was told that it the Temp Valve had been stuck and that they had replace not only one for my year model the same day, but also a ‘20 and ‘19 in the past week. Have looked online and…

    NHTSA complaint #11573060 · source
12. Filed Nov 22, 2023NVDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Received error code P2682, a faulty Thermo Control Valve. This happened on 11/17/2023. Car potentially could have quit running in traffic. Subaru has identified the issue with TSB 09-80-21R. They have changed the design of the valve due to the many failures. My car has 74,000 miles. My brother in law has the same vehicle with 57,000, and his car is in the shop today for the same issue. The service tech working on his vehicle stated that he does a couple of these repairs a…

    NHTSA complaint #11556403 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology