IllustrationSPONTANEOUS WINDSHIELD CRACK WHILE DRIVING
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Outback years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3960–25K
3025–50K
1250–75K
275–100K
1100–150K
2150K+
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 reportsSUBARU WINDSHIELD CONTINUES TO CRACK UNDER SUSPECT CONDITIONS. I AM NOW ON MY THIRD WINDSHIELD IN THE FIRST 5,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. THE FIRST WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND. THE SECOND WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHEN A MINISCULE ROCK HIT IT WHILE DRIVING. IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE SUCH WEAK GLAS…
Read full complaint
SUBARU WINDSHIELD CONTINUES TO CRACK UNDER SUSPECT CONDITIONS. I AM NOW ON MY THIRD WINDSHIELD IN THE FIRST 5,000 MILES OF OWNERSHIP. THE FIRST WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE DRIVING WITH NO OTHER CARS AROUND. THE SECOND WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHEN A MINISCULE ROCK HIT IT WHILE DRIVING. IT IS DANGEROUS TO HAVE SUCH WEAK GLASS IN A MODERN CAR. THERE IS NO REASON THAT WINDSHIELDS SHOULD BE CRACKING THIS FREQUENTLY.
WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING
BATTERY WAS REPLACED AFTER 5,549 MILES. VEHICLE WAS PARKED FOR 4-5 DAYS PRIOR TO 07/08/2020 AND NEED TO BE JUMPED DEALER COULD NOT FIND PROBLEM. VEHICLE WAS AGAIN PARKED FOR 4-5 DAYS PRIOR TO 10/09/2020 AGAIN THE BATTERY WAS DEAD & WAS UNABLE TO USE FOB TO UNLOCK CAR ETC, JUMPED STARTED CONTACTED SUBARU ABOUT PROBLEM
I JUST PURCHASED A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK LTD AND WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE INFOCENTER WENT BLANK, AND ALL SAFETY FEATURES WAS DISENGAGED. THE SCREEN REMAINED BLANK FOR APPROX 10 SECONDS BEFORE REBOOTING. I CALLED SUABRU AMERICA AND WAS INFORMNED THAT THERE IS A CLITCH IN THE PROGRAM THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO FIX UNSUCCESSFU…
Read full complaint
I JUST PURCHASED A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK LTD AND WHILE DRIVING THE ENTIRE INFOCENTER WENT BLANK, AND ALL SAFETY FEATURES WAS DISENGAGED. THE SCREEN REMAINED BLANK FOR APPROX 10 SECONDS BEFORE REBOOTING. I CALLED SUABRU AMERICA AND WAS INFORMNED THAT THERE IS A CLITCH IN THE PROGRAM THAT THEY HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING TO FIX UNSUCCESSFULLY. I BOUGHT THIS CAR DUE TO ITS SAFETY FEATURES. SHOULDN'T I HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THIS POTENTIAL COMPUTER CRASH THAT AFFECTS THE SAFETY OF MYSELF AND MY PASSENGERS, WHICH INCLUDES MY 85 YEAR OLD MOTHER?
THE FIRST ISSUE I NOTICE WAS BACK IN MAY, MY SUBARU ALMOST CAME TO A FULL COMPLETE BEFORE IT LEAP FROGGED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING ME TO REARED END THE CAR. THEN TODAY OCTOBER 11. I GOT INTO MY CAR, REMOVED MY WINDSHIELD SUNSHADE FROM MY CAR AT AROUND NOON. I HEARD A LOUD GLASS LIKE CRACK. I THEN SAW A HUGE CRACK FRO…
Read full complaint
THE FIRST ISSUE I NOTICE WAS BACK IN MAY, MY SUBARU ALMOST CAME TO A FULL COMPLETE BEFORE IT LEAP FROGGED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING ME TO REARED END THE CAR. THEN TODAY OCTOBER 11. I GOT INTO MY CAR, REMOVED MY WINDSHIELD SUNSHADE FROM MY CAR AT AROUND NOON. I HEARD A LOUD GLASS LIKE CRACK. I THEN SAW A HUGE CRACK FROM WHERE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS AND A LINE FROM TO TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD TO THE BOTTOM. JUST LIKE THAT. ITS 8 MONTHS OLD SUBARU WITH 5000 MILES ON IT.
CAR WINDSHIELD HAD ICE OBSCURING PART OF THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM ON STARTUP. WARNING INDICATORS LIT UP INFORMING ME THAT THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM WAS DISABLED. CONCURRENT WITH THIS FAULT, THE FAILURE OF THE EYESIGHT SYSTEM WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO RELEASE THE ELECTRONIC PARKING BRAKE LEAVING ME STRANDED IN THE SNOW.
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITHOUT IMPACT, WHILE IN PARK POSITION IN A PARKING LOT. THE CRACK IS IN A "U" SHAPE WITH THE TOP OF THE U AT THE TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK IS ON THE PASSENGER SIDE.
THE BATTERY IS NEARLY ALWAYS DEAD AT STARTUP AND I HAVE TO JUMP IT WITH A BATTERY STARTER. THE DEALER HAD SAID THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE BATTERY ON MULTIPLE OCCASIONS, YET I HAVE TO JUMP THE CAR IN GROCERY STORE PARKING LOTS. THE CAR ONLY HAS 5300 MILES ON IT, AS WE DON'T DRIVE THAT MUCH.
I HAVE HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH MY BATTERY DYING. IT STARTED SLOWLY, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC, I DIDN'T DRIVE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. WHEN THE SERVICE GUY CAME OUT TO JUMP IT, HE SAID THAT I SHOULD CAN DRIVE IT AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. I'VE BEEN DOING THAT AND I'D ONLY OCCASIONALLY HAD TO JUMP IT. NOW WITH 10 MONTHS OF OW…
Read full complaint
I HAVE HAD REPEATED PROBLEMS WITH MY BATTERY DYING. IT STARTED SLOWLY, AT THE BEGINNING OF THE PANDEMIC, I DIDN'T DRIVE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. WHEN THE SERVICE GUY CAME OUT TO JUMP IT, HE SAID THAT I SHOULD CAN DRIVE IT AT LEAST ONCE A WEEK. I'VE BEEN DOING THAT AND I'D ONLY OCCASIONALLY HAD TO JUMP IT. NOW WITH 10 MONTHS OF OWNERSHIP AND UNDER 6,000 MILES, I HAVE TO JUMP IT EVERY DAY. WHEN I TOOK IT IN, DEALERSHIP SAID BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR WERE FINE. IF BATTERY IS FINE, MUST BE ELECTRICAL. EITHER WAY, VERY UNHAPPY WITH THIS DEFECT IN MY NEW CAR.
Official recalls
624V227000 · 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
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.