2020 Subaru Outback
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Visibility/wiper is the leading concern among 899 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 3rd highest complaint count among 26 Outback model years with reports.
Of the 2020 reports, 19 involved a crash and 7 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classification, front passengerMar 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.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
Campaign 24V227000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)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.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 22V485000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmission, control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)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.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V955000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJul 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.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V587000 on NHTSA.gov
Back over prevention, display functionDec 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."
The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
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.
Campaign 20V766000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, pedals and linkagesSep 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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V664000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
899 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Aug 23, 2022
The car's battery keeps draining inexplicably, leaving the car unable to start.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
My windshield cracked and I got it repaired on 7/7/22. The tech said it was a caused by a stress fracture. I got the windshield replaced and within a month on 8/4/22, I got another crack. I thought it must be an installation problem but Safelite told me it was another stress fracture. That same week I got another crack in the windshield, said to be another stress fracture. It seemed strange to me that the windshield would crack that easily. I then found this article: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/new-ruling-subaru-cracked-windshield-lawsuit-now-adds-25m-cars I paid a $500 deductible to Progressive (my insurance) for each windshield replacement. The car is available for inspection upon request. This vehicle is putting mine and other people's safety at risk because it easily cracks and makes it hard to see out of the windshield. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance representatives at Safelite in Ann Arbor, MI and Toledo, OH.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 19, 2022
We notice on the morning of 8/14 /2022 that our Subaru Outback 2020 had a substantial crack in the windshield .The car was parked overnight in the garage. We called the Burlington Subaru dealer( as per advice from Subaru Consumer line) The dealer spokesperson(Erika) took our information and said a pre - approval person from the dealer ship will call us to discuss if the windshield would be covered under the warranty;3 years / 36000 miles. As the local dealer does not repair windshields ,all repairs are performed by a second party. We are awaiting a resolution from Subaru. In the meantime we would like to add our names to the complaints of many Subaru owners.Thanks , The Kayser’s.
Other or unspecified, Aug 16, 2022
Windshield has a known cracking issue
Electrical system, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 15, 2022
The car set overnight (was fine) next AM no electrical. Everything locked except driver's door and passenger door. No battery charge at all. Everything DEAD.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 9, 2022
Front windshield spontaneously cracked windshield on drivers side midway to 1/3 across windshield. Had not driven in 2 days. Sitting in driveway. Was excessively hot day (upper 90 degrees). No prior windshield (or car) issues. Awaiting repair guidance from dealer and insurance.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 5, 2022
Very small rock hit the windshield and bounced off creating an immediate 3 inch crack that grew to reach almost the other side of the windshield in the next 2 days. This is the second windshield that needed to be replaced in under 2 years. It definitely cracks easier than any other vehicles we have owned and considering the lawsuit for the Subaru glass being prone to this, It is not cool they continue without correcting the issue, especially considering the expense. It does count against you for insurance claims.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 4, 2022
The windshield started getting scratches & dings on it within 2 weeks of it being purchased for no apparent reason
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2022
We bought our 2020 Outback used in May 2022. I have had to get a jump three times in the past two weeks. I am traveling alone and not only had it involved me being late for work, but my safety as well.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 2, 2022
Some kind of debris hit windshield on passenger side above bottom corner. The glass is not chipped, but the crack started developing quickly and reached to the middle of the windshield. The windshield itself was as new @12,000 miles only. It is noticeable that the crack is widened like the windshield glass is pulling itself apart. The crack is growing in length every day and following some random path. I visited the Mile One dealership and stated the issue that windshield should not crack like this without glass being noticeable chipped and it's a major safety and quality concern. They refused to even look at and said I am on my own because Subaru does provide any warranty for their windshields.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 27, 2022
Windshield cracks Third time to replace
Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2022
Windshield cracked without outside impact (e.g., rock, debris). Retailer refusing to cover under warranty. Car was parked when the windshield cracked.
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2022
Windshied spontaneously cracked
Other or unspecified, Jul 22, 2022
This is my fourth cracked windshield in less than 2 years! I’ve never cracked a windshield in ANY other car I’ve owned in the last 20 years! The windshields do not seem to be strong enough to accommodate the flex of the frame of the vehicle. I hear the car flex over rough roads or speed bumps. I’m assuming the torsion of the vehicle is weakening the glass, and any minor impact will cause the windshield to crack. I haven’t been abusing the car at all, this time around I parked the car, came back 3 hours later and the windshield was cracked, I assume from the speed bumps on the way into the park. I was calm at first, but now am outraged! I cannot afford a new windshield every six months, especially at $1,000 a piece! Please help!
Electrical system, Jul 21, 2022
My battery has been replaced three times by the dealer. Initially days after buying the vehicle and twice since then. After letting the vehicle sit for 3-7 days the battery is not able to start the vehicle. Each time I have taken it to the dealer for repair. The first time in 2020 it was just a battery replacement. Then in 2021 it was a relay and battery replacement. In 2022 it was a module and then another battery replacement. All without a comprehensive explanation from the dealer or service advisor.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2022
Electrical system freezes/reboots spontaneously during operation; electrical system fails to power off after engine stops; electrical system stays on and drains battery, leading to car not starting; car has refused to start while away from the house due to battery drain from electrical system; car will sometimes start with all systems disabled (RAB, eyesight, cruise, etc.) due to electrical issue; car has current Virginia state inspection through December 2022; car was inspected by Sheehy Subaru in Fredericksburg, VA and "software update" was pushed 17 May 2022; problems persist even after software update on 17 May 2022.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 16, 2022
Windshield was cracked and spread across the windshield. I wasn’t aware that it was broken until my sister got in the car and asked me if I knew it was broken! I don’t know when it happened or the mileage.
Power train, Jul 14, 2022
******* DELETE VOQ ******* THIS COMPLAINT IS BEING MARKED FOR DELETION BECAUSE THE CONSUMER PLACED THE REQUEST.*DJR ******* DELETE VOQ *******
Power train, Jul 13, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outlook. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V955000 (Power Train) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Electrical system, Jul 11, 2022
The battery has had to be jumped 3 times in the last six months. And less than 29,000 miles. Took to dealership on July 5 and they said no issue and next time it happens would need to have it towed. Just worried it could happen in a remote place or in the evening.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Jul 6, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stopped in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact engaged the hazard lights; the police arrived on the scene and helped to move the vehicle safely to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.
Visibility, Jun 29, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that as she approached the vehicle, she noticed that the passenger’s side windshield was cracked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact notified the dealer by phone. The dealer informed the contact to notify her insurance company of the issue. The contact related the failure to a manufacturing defect. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 35,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 29, 2022
The car experienced an unexplained spontaneous front windshield crack. It started small on the drivers side near the wiper and has continued to spread. No foreign body or rock has hit the windshield. I took the vehicle to O'Steen's Subaru in Valdosta and they refused to repair it.
Electrical system, Jun 28, 2022
TWICE now, once a year ago and then again today, my car battery is completely drained. I do not leave my FAB in the car and there were no lights left on in the vehicle. A year ago, the same thing happened and they replaced the battery with another OEM battery, thereby just temporarily fixing the issue. The service manager lied to me and told me he had no knowledge of a class action lawsuit in place to address this issue. He also commented, "well you haven't had an issue for over a year".
Power train, Jun 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal, the Brake Hold feature failed to automatically disengage and the vehicle was driven and a clunking noise coming from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who indicated that the noise was due to a faulty transmission and that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 21,207.