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2021 Subaru Outback maintenance schedule

The 2021 Outback is part of the BT generation (2020-2026), sold as a wagon. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, the problems owners report for this year, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Outback needs, and when

All 5 of these items come from Subaru's own published schedule. Manufacturer rows link to Subaru's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

Ensure strict adherence for turbocharged FA24 to prevent bearing starvation.

6,000 mi / 6 monthsManufacturer
Brake fluid30,000 mi / 30 monthsManufacturer
Engine coolant137,500 mi / 11 yearsManufacturer
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededManufacturer
Spark plugs

Turbocharged FA24 models stress plugs heavily; do not delay replacement.

60,000 mi / 5 yearsManufacturer

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Powertrains in this generation

  • 2.5L / 2.4L 4-cyl (FB25 / FA24), CVT, AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Known problems

What 2021 Outback owners run into

Problems reported for this model year, with the mileage they tend to show up at. Buying past a window is not automatically a pass - it just needs to be priced in.

Thermo Control Valve

high severity

From about 40,000 mi · $900-$2,200 to fix

Erratic heater output, engine overheating, check engine light (P26A3)

Source: reddit.com

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA recalls for the 2021 Subaru Outback

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Subaru dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Air bags

NHTSA 24V227000

March 2024

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.

Remedy: 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

NHTSA 23V755000

November 2023

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.

Remedy: 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

NHTSA 22V485000

July 2022

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.

Remedy: 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

NHTSA 21V024000

January 2021

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.

Remedy: 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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$617

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Outback model years

BT (2020-2026)

2020202120222023202420252026

BS (2015-2019)

20152016201720182019

BR (2014-2014)

2014

Shopping new? The Subaru Outback guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-21. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running an Outback for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Outback earns before you buy it.

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