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severe Owners of the 2021 Subaru Outback have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of September 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Outback | 42 |
| 2018 Outback | 14 |
| 2019 Outback | 14 |
| 2020 Outback | 46 |
| 2021 Outback (this page) | 11 |
| 2022 Outback | 15 |
| 2023 Outback | 5 |
| 2025 Outback | 3 |
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.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air conditioning on. SYPMTOM 2: A shudder is felt from the powertrain along with a screeching type of sound. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.