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, Jun 21, 2021
Purchased the car Friday 06/18/2021, Battery was dead two days later on 06/18/2021, Flemington subaru replaced the battery on 06/19/2021.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 21, 2021
I was driving down the interstate with no cars around and my outback windshield cracked. I was far enough away from cars and I didn’t see anything hit the window. I heard a loud pop. A soft but quick pop, not like the sound of a rock hitting but different. Then I drove on down the road and saw a large crack forming from the bottom of the passenger side of the window. And there’s no dimple anywhere in the crack.
Structure, Engine, Jun 21, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 mph when multiple warning lights were illuminated and a "Stop Driving the Vehicle" message was displayed. The contact stated he was able to drive to a nearby gas station. The contact stated while inspecting under the hood, he noticed the drive belt was shredded. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the drive belt to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated in February of 2021, the tailgate failed to open with the key fob or manually. The contact stated after opening the tailgate, it failed to latch and close properly. The contact stated the tailgate ajar warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was called and made aware of the failure. The dealer informed the contact to disconnected the battery. The contact followed the instructions and stated the tailgate was functioning properly but in May of 2021, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed to Royal Moore Subaru (1326 SE Enterprise Cir, Hillsboro, OR 97123: (503) 640-5660) where they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired but was pending repairs. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,500.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 20, 2021
The front windshield cracked unexpectedly today while driving. There were no visible rock chips where the crack emanated from but I have noticed other chips in the glass. I only have 15,000 miles on this vehicle. There was a loud pop and a large crack appeared on my windshield.
Other or unspecified, Jun 19, 2021
Along with the ongoing class action lawsuits about the Subaru Outback lower windshields, we have had a crack in our lower windshield that popped up ~30 seconds after the smallest stone hit the windshield. We've had the same small stones hit our windshield on our other cars for decades and never had a crack (around 9-12 inches in length) come up like this.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 15, 2021
Went to drive vehicle and found windshield cracked down the middle from top to bottom. No chips and no prior damage of any kind to windshield. Windshield spontaneously cracked for no reason whatsoever.
Electrical system, Jun 15, 2021
I have had to call Subaru Roadside Assistance at least five occasions. Randomly on occasion, when I go out to use my Car, I find my vehicle locked with the battery drained. Everytime it happens the dealer gives me a loaner vehicle while they try to troubleshoot the problem. Every time they say they cannot not find a power drain. The service department then said that I must have bumped the rear dome light and that drained the battery. I am pretty sure I did not bump the light so this last time I taped that dome switch with clear tape so that could not move. This morning 12/15/21 my started fine. I drove more than 50 miles to the VA Hospital in Tampa. I stopped my car a line for a pre-op COVID check. I turned the car off 5-10 minutes and when the line of cars moved again and I went to crank the car up again, it would not start. I got out and called Subaru Roadside Assistance and got locked out. I used my hidden key in the Fab. Subaru brought a gallon of gas which was not the solution and then he told me to try to start the vehicle. He said the battery was drained (which is strange because had just drove fifty miles to th location and the alternator should be keeping the battery full). He the connected a battery power pack jumper and successfully jumped the car. I have faithfully waited and been patient with Cannon Subaru explanations and reasons to no avail. I explained to a sales representative that my 2020 Subaru Outback Limited is a Lemon and I want to exchange it for a new car (Under the Lemon Law) or get my money refunded (I paid almost $37,000 cash for the vehicle). I was given Subaru of America's phone number 1(800)782-2783, and was told to contact them for a resolution. I was given a case number(1-7056862051) and was told a case manager would call me in an hour or two, which is yet to happen. I purchased my vehicle on June 22, 2020 and I am filing this complaint form to protect my rights under the Lemon Law, and the NHTSA. This about the fifth Incident.
Electrical system, Back over prevention, Forward collision avoidance, Jun 14, 2021
In the last month, twice within 30 seconds of starting the car, the head unit has done a complete reboot, which meant that I had no rear-view camera as I was backing out of a parking space. Since the car was already in motion, it was very distracting as it took about a minute for the unit to reboot. This seems to indicate that there is an electrical problem with the car as many others have noted. Many of the car's controls (such as climate control) are soft buttons displayed on the head unit and cannot be adjusted otherwise. Therefore, it is essential that this unit operate properly and dependably.
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2021
Our 2020 Subaru Outback has less than 14,000 miles. In the last month the battery has failed 4 times. The last time we had Subaru tow come out and give it a charge. It seemed to work but when we took it out upon returning it failed again. We again had Subaru come out and charge it and we drove it to the dealer. The dealer had it Wednesday afternoon through Friday. (6/9/21 - 6/11/21). The notes from the dealer said, "upon inspection of the vehicle technician did not require a jump start to turn vehicle engine on. Tech performed a battery diagnostic test using the Subaru GR8 battery machine. Diagnostic battery results came back as a good battery.Vehicle battery was deeply discharged and required re-charging. Vehicle battery is operating as designed after performing service. No repairs or additional services required." Today, Sunday, won't start again. Yes, it is available for inspection. It hasn't been a risk at this point but certainly could be one.
Electrical system, Jun 13, 2021
Battery failed. 12 months, 5000 miles Battery Information: 620 AMPS LN2 20HR 62 AH 82110AN00A
Visibility/wiper, Jun 12, 2021
The front windshield of our 2020 Subaru Outback spontaneously cracked, impairing the ability to see outside. I drove the car yesterday with my wife in the passenger side (June 11, 2021), returning about 1500, and parked the car. We went out today, at about 1400 to go on an errand, not having driven the car since the previous day, and found a crack in the windshield. Compared to other cracks we've experienced in other cars, there is no impact area (and we didn't hear one when driving the previous day). See picture attached. There are no other drivers of this car in our home.
Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2021
Windshield developed a crack from no apparent external cause and crack has spread across windshield from driver's side to vmcenter if vehicle obscuring driver view of roadway. I live in MT where cracked windshields are very common, usually occuring due to rock or pebble striking glass and then spreading from a "bullseye" to a crack. This incident occured with no apparent external object striking vehicle, not was the crack preceded by the common bullseye normally created by flying gravel or rock.
Forward collision avoidance, Jun 11, 2021
On multiple occasions my car has come to a complete stop, due to the automatic emergency breaking, when the car in front of me was in no way near my car or when there was nothing near my car at all. After almost having 2 accidents in the last 2 weeks due to this, I brought my car to Subaru (twice! two different dealerships) where I was informed that Subaru cameras are overly sensitive and "this happens a lot". Both dealerships told me to turn off my safety features and said there was nothing to fix. There is a class action lawsuit in the works for this exact issue and Subaru is continuing to tell me nothing is wrong. I'm hoping filling this out will get the issue further investigated since it's a common enough problem.
Visibility, Jun 8, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle had been parked for three days when she noticed that the windshield was cracked. The contact stated that the windshield had cracked without impact. The local dealer was contacted and informed of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,460.
Visibility, Jun 7, 2021
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the windshield cracked without impact. The crack grew to approximately 20 inches. The windshield had been cracked on five separate occasions. A week prior to the latest crack developing, the windshield had been replaced for the same failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,000.
Visibility/wiper, Jun 5, 2021
Windshield cracked while sitting in driveway, nothing hit the windshield.
Electrical system, Jun 3, 2021
On May 27, 2021, my 2020 Outback would not start after driving approx. 20-25 min. and being shut off approx. 15-20 min. I called my dealer, they sent technician & loaner car. He was able to start the car with a battery booster after trying several other things. My husband & I drove directly to the dealer, approx. 30 min., to have battery checked out. They did a Battery and Electrical System Analysis which came back with a "Good Battery". The next 2 days, no problems. On May 30, 2021, the car would not start 2 different times at our home. My husband used the battery booster both times to start. On June 1, 2021 I sched. an appt. for 6/2 with dealer to find problem. I checked in at 12:53, out at 4:15. It took 3 hrs. 22 min. to decide that the battery had failed and replaced.
Electrical system, May 30, 2021
Car driven regularly 6 days a week. Battery completely drained overnight and needed replacement.
Other or unspecified, May 29, 2021
Cracked Windshield
Electrical system, May 29, 2021
Our car would not start. Lots of clicking and lights on the dash. It was parked in the garage and was driven the day before. Car has around 900 miles on it. I ordered a 1.5 amp charger/maintainer online. AAA came the following day, diagnosed it as a low charge on the battery and jump started it. I let it sit for 1 hour. Battery charger/maintainer arrived and it has been charging all night and all this morning. I researched online and found out this battery has been an issue with Subaru since 2017 and a service bulletin was put out. See link: https://www.torquenews.com/1084/subaru-hit-new-lawsuit-over-outback-wagon-dead-battery-issue?page=2 We researched more on the internet and now need to make sure we take extra precautions as to how far we drive, where we drive to etc.
Electrical system, May 29, 2021
Electrical issues started August 15, 2020 when car would not start. Requested jump without positive results and after sitting for 3 hours in a parking lot, it started. Took to dealership and they found nothing wrong. Fast forward to 2021, driving on Interstate at 65mph and again at 70mph when radio turns off by itself, then front driver monitoring system light comes on, the side collision prevention light comes on, the RAB light comes on and another warning light that I was unable to catch. Lasts a few seconds then goes off. The next morning after the car sat for approximately 16 hours, it would not start. Dealership stated it was the battery and replaced battery on May 6, 2021. It sat at dealership 2 days and would not start when went to pick it up. They stated dome light left on, charged battery and gave it back to me. Third time when warning lights came on, took in and they stated they couldn’t find anything thus couldn’t fix something they couldn’t find and gave it back to me (May 19, 2021). Now on May 28, 2021 same issue, dead in driveway. Car has 22,285 miles on it.
Visibility/wiper, May 29, 2021
I purchased a 2020 Subaru Outback XT in March 2020 (approximately 14 months of driving at the time of this submission). The vehicle currently has almost 15k miles on it. I recently had my fourth (4th!) windshield installed. The first replacement windshield was installed after a pebble the size of a grain of rice (I saw kicked up by a truck in front of me) hit the windshield and caused a large lateral crack the propagated. The vehicle had approximately 1500 miles at the point. The first replacement (OEM) cracked after hitting another pebble on the highway. I did not see the size this time because it was on the part of the windshield obstructed by the side posts on the outside of the windshield. The crack propagated horizontally across the entire windshield. This occurred at approximately 8K miles. The second replacement (aftermarket made to OEM specs) cracked after hitting a bug! A picture taken immediately after bug impact is attached below. The crack propagated in a Y-formation and needed replacement. Although cicadas have recently begun coming out, this was not an overly large bug. It was approximately the size of a lightning bug, as I saw it hit. I also drive a VW Golf with 50k miles (over 5 years) and have never had a windshield issue.
Visibility/wiper, May 28, 2021
Windshield cracked while on the freeway. I don't think anything hit it, we were driving at 75 MPH when we heard a crack, and instantly a crack went from the bottom left side of the windshield in an upward direction almost all the way across the center of the glass. The glass at the bottom left side where the crack started is broken deeply into the glass and may be all the way through. We are concerned that if a large rock hit the windshield it would break apart and fall into the car. I brought the car to the Subaru dealer we purchased the car from. The service manager looked at it and instantly said, rock hit, not covered and wouldn't talk to us after that. The car has less than 10,000 miles.
Lane departure, Forward collision avoidance, May 27, 2021
The electronic controls black out while driving the entire center screen and electronics shut down disabling the warning lights and I think also the electronic systems that function to control the safety warnings and functionality. This has been a problem on an ongoing basis since the purchase of the vehicle. This has been "repaired" multiple times by the dealer under the direction of Subaru. There was a recall earlier this year that was supposed to correct the problem it added some functionality, but primarily this recall reprogramming of the electronics was supposed to correct the blacking out of electronics and the disabling of the safety systems. The recall reprogramming has not corrected the problem. When I complained to Subaru they suggested that I take a video of the failure when it happened. I explained that this was not possible because I was driving at 70 MPH when it happened and could not just grab my phone and start a video while driving on I-95. Last week I was able to get a video of the failure as it happened while my wife was driving and I was a passenger. The entire panel blacked out and she pulled to the side of the road and I took a video of the 4 minutes the system was out. I will attach this video to this report. In addition there is an additional problem that occurred related to the lane keep assist function. There are four options to configure this function they are: 1> OFF 2> Warning Buzzer Only 3> Lane Keep function Only 4> All Functions. My understanding of the operation of this system has one function that shuts the system Off that is obviously the OFF function. #2 although only a buzzer has the system on, #3 has the functionality working but no warning buzzer (my preferred choice) and #4 that has all functions operating both warning buzzer and lane keep functions. My concern is that if you use #3 the system shows a warning light on the dash that shows the system if OFF. I have video of the electronics but don't know how to upload it.
Electrical system, May 26, 2021
Battery dead when parked in garage at home. No lights or other systems were left on. Had to jump start, drove several miles to recharge. Next time tried to start, battery was dead again. This happened 3 or 4 times (eg: 3 or 4 different days), before finally brought to dealership to have battery replaced under warranty. It is at the shop now, so I have no documentation as of yet. Moderate weather in the 50s-80s outside, so weather not a factor. Car has about 8500 miles on it. I hear this is known problem with Subaru outbacks. Glad battery was dead in garage. at home, and I was not stranded somewhere remote, unsafe or in bad weather