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2020 Subaru Outback

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Outback years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Outback are substantially higher than the model-year median of 207.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

443 reports with mileage · 453 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 313 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 258 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Visibility. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

19 crash reports7 fire reports4 injury reports

What owners actually said

896 reports
7,216 miles · Feb 27, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureVisibility/wiper

WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A PROGRESSIVE CRACK FROM EDGE ON PASSENGER SIDE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CRACK WAS NOT THERE ON FRIDAY, 2/26/2021 AT THE END OF THE DAY. HOWEVER, WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT ON SATURDAY MORNING, 2/27/2021 THERE WAS A 6-8 INCH CRACK. THE CRACK HAS CONTINUED TO SPREAD ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. I DID NOT HIT ANYTH…

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WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A PROGRESSIVE CRACK FROM EDGE ON PASSENGER SIDE FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE CRACK WAS NOT THERE ON FRIDAY, 2/26/2021 AT THE END OF THE DAY. HOWEVER, WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE IT ON SATURDAY MORNING, 2/27/2021 THERE WAS A 6-8 INCH CRACK. THE CRACK HAS CONTINUED TO SPREAD ACROSS THE WINDSHIELD. I DID NOT HIT ANYTHING NOR DID ANYTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ODI #11398226

7,000 miles · Feb 26, 2021
Forward Collision Avoidance

HAIRLINE CRACK IN WINDSHEILD

NHTSA ODI #11398011

5,413 miles · Feb 25, 2021
Electrical System

I PURCHASED MY 2020 OUTBACK IN MAY 2020. IN FEBRUARY 2021, I HAD ABOUT 5400 MILES ON THE CAR WHEN THE BATTERY SEEMED TO DIE. ADMITTEDLY THE TEMPERATURES WERE COLD AND THE CAR WAS OUTSIDE FOR 48 HOURS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. I WAS UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY JUMPSTART THE CAR WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO DO SO ONE WEEK LATER. THE TEMPERATURE…

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I PURCHASED MY 2020 OUTBACK IN MAY 2020. IN FEBRUARY 2021, I HAD ABOUT 5400 MILES ON THE CAR WHEN THE BATTERY SEEMED TO DIE. ADMITTEDLY THE TEMPERATURES WERE COLD AND THE CAR WAS OUTSIDE FOR 48 HOURS WITHOUT BEING DRIVEN. I WAS UNABLE TO SUCCESSFULLY JUMPSTART THE CAR WHEN I ATTEMPTED TO DO SO ONE WEEK LATER. THE TEMPERATURE THAT DAY WAS IN THE UPPER 20S. I TRIED AGAIN 3 DAYS LATER WHEN THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOUT 40. I SUCCESSFULLY JUMPSTARTED IT THAT DAY AND I LET IT IDLE FOR 20 MINUTES. THE NEXT MORNING, IT WOULD NOT START AGAIN SO I HAD TO JUMPSTART IT ONCE AGAIN. THIS TIME I IDLED IT FOR 20 MINUTES IN THE MORNING AND 20 MINUTES IN THE AFTERNOON (IT STARTED WITHOUT A JUMP IN THE AFTERNOON). THE NEXT MORNING IT ONCE AGAIN REQUIRED JUMPSTARTING. I LET IT IDLE FOR 20 MINUTES IN THE MORNING AND ANOTHER 20 MINUTES IN THE AFTERNOON (ONCE AGAIN JUMPSTARTING IN THE AFTERNOON WAS NOT NECESSARY). FINALLY, IT STARTED ON ITS OWN THE NEXT MORNING AND I DROVE IT TO THE DEALER WHO SAID EVERYTHING WITH THE BATTERY AND THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS FINE. THERE WAS NO EVIDENCE OF ANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I AM NOT CONVINCED ABOUT THIS IN LIGHT OF PROBLEMS WITH 2017-2019 OUTBACK BATTERY FAILURES.

NHTSA ODI #11397976

11,000 miles · Feb 25, 2021
Visibility/wiper

WINDSHIELD CRACKED DOWN THE MIDDLE WHILE DRIVING ON A CLEAR DAY AND NOTHING SEEMED TO HAVE HIT THE WINDOW

NHTSA ODI #11397862

2,600 miles · Feb 23, 2021
Electrical System

MY CAR IS LESS THAN 1 YEAR OLD AND ONLY HAS 3200 MILES. THE BATTERY HAS DIED TWICE IN THAT TIME AND NEEDED TO BE JUMPED. LAST TIME WAS FEB 23 2021

NHTSA ODI #11397596

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2021
Electrical System

NEED IMO SHE SCHEME

NHTSA ODI #11397437

1,200 miles · Feb 22, 2021
Forward Collision AvoidanceLane DepartureVisibility/wiper

RETURNED TO CAR FOUND FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED. NO EVENT OCCURRED TO MY RECOLLECTION TO CAUSE THIS

NHTSA ODI #11397335

13,900 miles · Feb 20, 2021
Visibility/wiper

DROVE CAR ON WEDNESDAY (2/17/21) AND PARKED IN MY GARAGE. WENT TO DRIVE CAR ON FRIDAY AND SAW I HAD AN L SHAPED CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD FROM PASSENGER PILLAR ACROSS AND DOWN THE WINDSHIELD. NO DING IS FELT ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD.

NHTSA ODI #11397107

300 miles · Feb 20, 2021
Visibility/wiper

WITHIN 12 HOURS OF HAVING THE CAR, THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR SEEMINGLY NO REASON. NO ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD NOR WAS I USING AIR CONDITIONING OR THE HEATER. OUTSIDE TEMP WAS ABOUT 65F. I WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 MPH.

NHTSA ODI #11397092

1,100 miles · Feb 19, 2021
EngineVehicle Speed Control

AUTO ON-OFF FUNCTION SHUTS OFF ENGINE WHEN VEHICLE STOPS IN TRAFFIC FOR ANY REASON. THE ENGINE IS TO RESTART WHEN DRIVER STEPS ON ACCELERATOR...HOWEVER THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE. MANY TIMES THE ENGINE FAILS TO START WHICH CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BELIEVE THE ACCELERATOR NEEDS MORE PRESSURE. WHEN THE ENGINE DOES FINALLY START THE C…

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AUTO ON-OFF FUNCTION SHUTS OFF ENGINE WHEN VEHICLE STOPS IN TRAFFIC FOR ANY REASON. THE ENGINE IS TO RESTART WHEN DRIVER STEPS ON ACCELERATOR...HOWEVER THIS IS NOT ALWAYS THE CASE. MANY TIMES THE ENGINE FAILS TO START WHICH CAUSES THE DRIVER TO BELIEVE THE ACCELERATOR NEEDS MORE PRESSURE. WHEN THE ENGINE DOES FINALLY START THE CAR LEAPS FORWARD SINCE IT IS STILL IN FORWARD GEAR. THIS FORWARD LEAP IS VERY DANGEROUS SINCE ITHE LEAP IS TOTALLY UNEXPECTED. MOST DRIVERS TURN OFF THIS FUNCTION HOWEVER THE DRIVER TURN OFF SELECTION IS VOIDED ONCE THE CAR IS TURNED OFF. THE DRIVER MUST REMEMBER TO CANCEL THIS AURO-OFF FUNCTION EVERY TIME THE CAR IS STARTED SUBARU HAS RECEIVED MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS FUNCTION AND HAS DECIDED TO RELOCATE THE OFF-ON ICON TO A FRONT SCREEN RATHER THAN THE PREVIOUS 3RD SCREEN. THE CORRECT FIX WOULD SEEM TO BE ONCE THE DRIVER SELECTS TO SHUT OFF THIS FUNCTION IT SHOULD NOT OVERRIDE THE OFF SELECTION UNLESS INITATED BY THE DRIVER. ONCE I SHUT OFF MY RADIO IT STAYS OFF UNTIL TIRNED ON AGAIN. SUBARU SERVICE PROGRAM WRI-20 JANURARY 2021

NHTSA ODI #11396954

Official recalls

6

24V227000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger

Mar 22, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.

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.

22V485000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:driveline:chain/belt

Jul 8, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:chain/belt

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.

Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

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:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

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.

Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

21V955000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:driveline:chain/belt

Dec 9, 2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

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 were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Power Train:driveline:chain/belt

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

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 were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.

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 were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.

21V587000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jul 29, 2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

20V766000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function

Dec 10, 2020

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.

19V664000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages

Sep 18, 2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Subaru Outback problems