Recall 21V024 affects 383 2021 Subaru Outback and Impreza vehicles for a loose CVT select-lever cable nut. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 383 2021 Outback and Impreza vehicles because the CVT select lever cable nut was not tightened properly and can loosen. A loose nut can cause the gear selector to stop functioning properly, increasing the risk of a crash; Subaru dealers will inspect and repair the cable nut free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The CVT select lever cable links the cabin gear selector to the transmission linkage. When you move the shifter, the cable carries that movement so the continuously variable transmission is placed in the selected position. The nut on that cable keeps the linkage connection tight enough to hold its position.
On the recalled 2021 Subaru Outback and Impreza vehicles, the nut that secures this cable was tightened with an incorrect torque wrench technique during assembly. That left the nut below the required tightness. As the vehicle is used, the loose nut can back off farther and let the cable shift out of its intended position. Once that happens, the gear selector movement and the transmission linkage no longer stay properly matched.
Subaru listed no owner warning sign for this defect. There is no warning sign before failure.
Who's affected?
Both listed model lines use the same powertrain shift linkage, cable, and rod component covered by this campaign.
| 2021 Subaru Outback | powertrain |
|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Impreza | powertrain |
| Units affected | 383 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching 2021 Subaru Outback or Impreza does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
A loose nut can let the CVT select lever cable lose retention, which can keep the gear selector from working properly and increase crash risk. There is no warning sign before this failure. Schedule the inspection soon, and if the selector does not respond correctly, stop using the vehicle and call the dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2021 Subaru Outback or Impreza is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free inspection and CVT select lever cable nut tightening that fixes the loose gear-selector connection.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one, and reference recall number 21V024 when you call or arrive.
- Stop driving and call the dealer if the gear selector does not function normally before the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician inspects the continuously variable transmission select lever cable nut and tightens it if it is loose. The recall repair is free, including the inspection and any needed tightening. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file for owners who paid for this repair before the recall notice. If you already paid for work tied to the select lever cable nut, contact Subaru customer service or bring documentation to the Subaru service desk so the claim can be reviewed under that plan.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| January 26, 2021 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| January 27, 2021 | Dealer notification began |
| January 27, 2021 | Dealer notification ended |
| February 12, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| February 19, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| February 19, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 21V024?
Recall 21V024 covers 383 2021 Subaru Outback and Impreza vehicles with a CVT select lever cable nut that can loosen. A loose nut can stop the gear selector from working properly, increasing crash risk. Subaru dealers inspect and tighten the nut for free.
What should I do if my 2021 Subaru Outback or Impreza is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 21V024. If it is, call a franchised Subaru dealer and ask for the WRA-21 recall repair. The dealer will inspect the CVT select lever cable nut and tighten it for free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Subaru to repair the defect at no cost. For this recall, a franchised Subaru dealer inspects the CVT select lever cable nut and tightens it when needed, with parts and labor covered by Subaru.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is that the gear selector can stop working properly if the CVT select lever cable nut loosens. That can increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free Subaru dealer inspection and repair before relying on normal selector operation.
What if I bought my 2021 Subaru used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Outback or Impreza is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall WRA-21.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/21V024000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 21V024 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 21V024000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →