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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
3,400 miles · Jan 31, 2020
Unknown Or Other

THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO FRAGILE. I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN 4 MONTHS, HAVE ALREADY HAD MY WINDSHIELD REPLACED ONCE. LITERALLY 2 WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT, ANOTHER CRACK. I DIDN'T EVEN HEAR A ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS DRIVING OFF THE EXIT OF A FREEWAY, NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME, I HEARD A SMALL CRACKING NOISE. I NOTICED A BUL…

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THE WINDSHIELD IS TOO FRAGILE. I'VE OWNED THIS CAR FOR LESS THAN 4 MONTHS, HAVE ALREADY HAD MY WINDSHIELD REPLACED ONCE. LITERALLY 2 WEEKS AFTER REPLACEMENT, ANOTHER CRACK. I DIDN'T EVEN HEAR A ROCK HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS DRIVING OFF THE EXIT OF A FREEWAY, NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME, I HEARD A SMALL CRACKING NOISE. I NOTICED A BULLSEYE CRACK ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. IF THE GLASS CAN'T EVEN SUSTAIN A SMALL ROCK HITTING IT (SO SMALL THAT I DIDNT EVEN HEAR IT HIT THE WINDSHIELD) HOW DOES THIS GLASS HOLD UP IN ACCIDENTS?

NHTSA ODI #11306386

2,100 miles · Jan 28, 2020
Visibility/wiper

CRACKED WINDSHIELD FOR NO APPARENT REASON. PARKED THE CAR IN THE GARAGE WITH NO CRACK IN THE WINDOW CAME OUT IN THE MORNING AND WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED. DEALERSHIP WILL NOT COVERUNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #11302466

1,000 miles · Jan 26, 2020
Visibility/wiper

CAR HAS ~1000 MILES. THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO CHIPS OR IMPACT. CAR WAS NOT IN MOTION. JUST WOKE UP ONE MORNING AND NOTICED IT WAS CRACKED. THIS APPEARS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH SUBARU CARS. MULTIPLE REPORTS AND CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS.

NHTSA ODI #11302134

5,900 miles · Jan 24, 2020
Visibility/wiper

THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED FOR NO REASON. WHEN RETURNING HOME, NOTICED A 15 INCH CRACK RISING FROM THE LOWER PASSENGER-SIDE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD, RISING UNDER THE WIPERS AND TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PARKED OUTDOORS UNDER OVERCAST SKIES (NOT HOT), AND THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO T…

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THE WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED FOR NO REASON. WHEN RETURNING HOME, NOTICED A 15 INCH CRACK RISING FROM THE LOWER PASSENGER-SIDE EDGE OF THE WINDSHIELD, RISING UNDER THE WIPERS AND TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN PARKED OUTDOORS UNDER OVERCAST SKIES (NOT HOT), AND THERE WAS NO IMPACT TO THE WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING. (NOR DO I RECALL ANY WINDSHIELD IMPACTS AT ANY TIME SINCE PURCHASING THE CAR) THE CRACK SIMPLY APPEARED. IT WAS NOT PRESENT 10 MINUTES PRIOR WHEN MY SON GOT INTO THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11301720

3,700 miles · Jan 22, 2020
Structure

DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, 65 MPH. HEAR A SMALL "CLICK." LOOK OVER AND DISCOVER A 6" CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. I'VE BEEN DRIVING FOR 40 YEAR AND KNOW WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE WHEN A STONE HITS THE WINDSHIELD. THIS WASN'T A STONE.

NHTSA ODI #11301273

5,400 miles · Jan 21, 2020
Visibility/wiper

WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE FROM BENEATH THE WIPER BLADE UP ABOUT 12-15 INCHES. VERY SMALL CHIP ABOUT 2 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD ALONG THE CRACK. DO NOT REMEMBER BEING HIT BY DEBRIS. EVEN SO IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SMALL PEBBLE AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. SEEMS EXTR…

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WINDSHIELD CRACKED ON PASSENGER SIDE FROM BENEATH THE WIPER BLADE UP ABOUT 12-15 INCHES. VERY SMALL CHIP ABOUT 2 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD ALONG THE CRACK. DO NOT REMEMBER BEING HIT BY DEBRIS. EVEN SO IT WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY SMALL PEBBLE AND I BELIEVE IT SHOULD NOT HAVE CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK. SEEMS EXTREMELY WEAK. NOT SURE IF THE NEW 2020 OUTBACKS HAVE THE SAME WINDSHIELD ISSUE AS THE 2017-2019 BUT IT SEEMS TO HAVE A LOT OF SIMILARITIES WITH MANY OTHER CONSUMERS AND THE CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS AGAINST SUBARU FOR THIS REASON.

NHTSA ODI #11300781

2,500 miles · Jan 11, 2020
Unknown Or Other

FRONT WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED DURING NORMAL DRIVING MODE

NHTSA ODI #11298555

400 miles · Jan 11, 2020
Structure

GOT INTO THE CAR , SHUT THE DOOR AND THE REAR WINDOW SHATTERED. THE CAR IS TWO WEEKS OLD.

NHTSA ODI #11298547

6,200 miles · Jan 7, 2020
Unknown Or Other

THE FRONT WINDSHIELD OF THE CAR CRACKED WHILE THE CAR WAS PARKED IN A PARKING LOT THAT HAD NO TREES OR OBJECTS THAT COULD HAVE HIT IN THE LOCATION IT CRACKED.

NHTSA ODI #11297806

1,100 miles · Jan 5, 2020
Visibility/wiper

WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. ON 12/30/2020 MY WIFE AND I DROVE UP INTO MOUNTAINS TO SPEND NEW YEARS EVE CAMPING. ASCENT WAS 6000+ FEET WITH A SHARP TEMPERATURE CHANGE. TWO CRACKS APPEARED BELOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEN JOINED INTO ONE AND SPREAD FURTHER UP THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK SEEMED TO OCCUR SHORTLY AFTER TURNING O…

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WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED. ON 12/30/2020 MY WIFE AND I DROVE UP INTO MOUNTAINS TO SPEND NEW YEARS EVE CAMPING. ASCENT WAS 6000+ FEET WITH A SHARP TEMPERATURE CHANGE. TWO CRACKS APPEARED BELOW THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS, THEN JOINED INTO ONE AND SPREAD FURTHER UP THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK SEEMED TO OCCUR SHORTLY AFTER TURNING ON THE DEFROST FUNCTION. WE NOTICED THE CRACK WHILE STOPPED. NOTHING HIT THE WINDSHIELD. I TOOK THE CAR TO OUR DEALER, BOB BAKER SUBARY IN CARLSBAD, CA, BUT THEY DENIED ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CRACK. THE SERVICE MANAGER SAID IT WAS FROM A ROCK AND HE COULD TELL BECAUSE HE HAS 35 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. YET HE FAILED TO ASK A SINGLE QUESTION OF WHEN, WHERE OR HOW IT OCCURRED.

NHTSA ODI #11297214

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