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 13, 2020
MY RADAR DETECTOR REREADS BATTERY VOLTAGE AND WHEN U WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I NOTICED THE BATTERY VOLTAGE DROPPED FROM 14.4V TO 12V WHEN EVER THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. TURNING ON THE HEADLIGHTS, WIPERS OR HEATER WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WILL CAUSE TO VOLTAGE TO GO BACK TO 14.4V. I DO HAVE VIDEOS SHOWING THIS ISSUE. I NOTICED A LOT OF PEOPLE ON LINE THAT DO A LOT OF CITY DRIVING ARE COMPLAINING ABOUT DEAD BATTERIES. MY RESULTS SHOWS THAT THE CHARGING SYSTEM HAS AN ISSUE, SINCE THE BATTERY VOLTAGE SHOULD NEVER GO TO 12V WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING. THE VIDEO WAS TAKEN WITH MY CELLL PHONE WITH THE EXTENSION OF .MOV AND THEREFORE I CAN'T UPLOAD IT USING THIS APP.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 12, 2020
SPONTANEOUS CRACK OF THE WINDSHIELD. HIGHWAY DRIVING, HOT DAY AND A SMALL CRACK APPEARED (THERE WAS NO PEBBLE OR DEBRIS THAT HIT THE WINDSHIELD). YOU KNOW WHAT HAPPENS NEXT... THE CRACK GREW AND GREW AND GREW. I SEE THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM WITH OTHERS AND WANTED TO REPORT MY EXPERIENCE.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 10, 2020
I WAS ON A FOUR LANE ROAD (UNIVERSITY AVENUE IN EVANSVILLE, IN - NORTHBOUND) AND MY WINDSHIELD JUST POPPED AND CRACK ON MY WAY HOME FROM WORK THIS MORNING. I WAS MORE THAN 10 CAR LENGTHS FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME AND I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING HIT MY WINDSHIELD OR ANYTHING COME FROM THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME.
Structure, Aug 10, 2020
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN HIWAY 50 NEAR GUNNISON CO WHEN WE HEARD A SHARP SOUND FOLLOWED BY THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THIS WAS REPEATED BUT THE CRACKING OCCURRED IN A DIFFERENT PLACE ON THE WINDSHIELD.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Aug 5, 2020
ELECTRICAL ISSUES, FLICKERING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS, UNABLE TO UNLOCK/ LOCK DOORS. CAR WON'T START, DEAD BATTERY
Electrical system, Aug 3, 2020
BATTERY DIED AND DID NOT RESPOND TO A JUMP. HAD BEEN DRIVEN MAYBE 2 OR 3 DAYS A WEEK FOR SHORT DISTANCES (20 MILES RT) DUE TO QUARANTINE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE, DESPITE THE WARRANTY ON THE BATTERY.
Visibility, Jul 31, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A SMALL PEBBLE STRUCK THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A ONE FOOT LONG CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, WITHIN 24 HRS THE CRACK HAD GROWN TO APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET IN LENGTH. THE LOCAL DEALER BRANDON TOMES SUBARU LOCATED AT 1100 S CENTRAL EXPY, MCKINNEY, TX 75072 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,800. INVALID VIN.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 29, 2020
SINGLE ROCK CHIP TO WINDSHIELD OF 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED XT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RESULTED NOT JUST IN CHIP BUT IMMEDIATE MULTIPLE EXTENDING CRACKS SPANNING MOST OF LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. HAVE NOTED ONGOING CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT OVER THIS ISSUE.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 29, 2020
THERE WAS A TINY ROCK CHIP THAT WAS ABOUT 7 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD IN THE CENTER. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND IT CRACKED. ABOUT 14 INCHES FROM THAT CHIP ACROSS THEN DOWN. IT ALSO SPIDERED UP ABOUT 7 INCHES. SO NOW MY WHOLE WINDSHIELD WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS NO WAY THAT LITTLE OF A CRACK COULD SPIDER CRACK LIKE THAT. MIND YOU, I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TOMORROW MORNING TO GET THE CHIP FILLED. I WAS PLANNING ON TAKING CARE OF IT BUT NOW I WILL NEED A WHOLE NEW ONE.
Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 29, 2020
WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS THERE IS A CRACKING SOUND IN THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION OR BRAKE AREA, IT DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN GOING AT HIGH SPEEDS JUST SMALL BUMPS AND BRAKING.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 26, 2020
TINY CHIP IN CORNER OF WINDSHIELD, PROGRESSED WITHIN 2 HRS. TO A CRACK 1/3 SIZE 24 IN +/-) AROUND ON PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDOW. NOTICED ON A STOP, BUT WAS ON HIGHWAY, NO NOISE WAS HEARD PRECEDING THE CHIP.
Electrical system, Jul 23, 2020
OUR 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK, WITH FEWER THAN 800 MILES, FAILED TO START FOUR TIMES (6/1, 7/1, 7/10, & 7/13). DURING THESE INCIDENTS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHED, THE DASHBOARD PRODUCED A CLICKING SOUND, THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK, AND THE TAILGATE BECAME INOPERATIVE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SUCCESSFULLY JUMP-STARTED THE CAR EACH TIME AND TOOK IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING -- ONE IN SEATTLE AND ONE IN TACOMA. TWO ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SERVICE PROVIDERS SAID THEIR MOST FREQUENT SERVICE CALLS REQUIRING A JUMP-START WERE FOR "LATE MODEL SUBARUS. ONE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID HE RECEIVED MORE THAN 100 SUCH REQUESTS DURING THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE TACOMA DEALER FILED AM URFCA REPORT WITH SUBARU HEADQUARTERS AFTER THE THIRD INCIDENT. DURING THE FOURTH INCIDENT, THE BATTERY FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE TACOMA DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY ON JULY 13, 2020. AFTER RECHARGING THE BATTERY, IT TOOK A FEW DAYS OF BEING PARKED BEFORE THE BATTERY FAILED. DURING THIS LAST INCIDENT, I INTENTIONALLY LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH THE DEALER OVER A WEEKEND, WHICH WAS LONG ENOUGH FOR THE RECENTLY CHARGED BATTERY TO DRAIN ENOUGH TO FAIL TO START THE CAR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THESE CARS NEED TO BE DRIVEN AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PER TRIP TO SUFFICIENTLY RECHARGE THE BATTERY. WE'VE OWNED FIVE SUBARU OUTBACKS, AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS ADVICE BEFORE, NOR DID THE DEALER'S SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL THIS TO OUR ATTENTION WHEN WE PURCHASED THE 2020 OUTBACK. OUR LIFESTYLE, COUPLED WITH THE COVID-19 VIRUS, ONLY REQUIRES ONE OR TWO TRIPS PER MONTH LASTING MORE THAN 30 MINUTES. THE CAR SITS IN THE GARAGE FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS WITHOUT BEING STARTED. WE ALWAYS LOCK THE VEHICLE, TURN OFF ALL LIGHTS, CLOSE THE TAILGATE, AND KEEP THE KEY FOB IN THE HOUSE, WHICH IS MORE THAN 500 FEET FROM THE DETACHED GARAGE.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 23, 2020
PURCHASE 2020 SUBARU ON 12/30/19 AND AS 7/15/20 THE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES DO TO CRACKING. FIRST TIME IT CHIPS AND CRACK APPEARED AND SPREAD THE WINDSHIELD. SECOND TIME, CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE AND CAME OUT AND FOUND A CRACKED ACROSS THE LOWER PART OF IT. THIRD TIME ON JULY 15 DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD DRIVE OVER A SPEED BUMP AND A CRACK APPEARED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE GARAGE IS ALWAYS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. YESTERDAY, JULY 22, WALKED OUT TO THE CAR AND NOW THERE ARE NEW CRACKS ON THE DRIVER SIDE. HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE WINDSHIELD FIXED YET. CAN YOU HELP?
Visibility/wiper, Jul 22, 2020
WHILE DRIVING MY BRAND NEW 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK ON A 2 LANE PAVED ROAD AT APPROX 35 TO 40 MILES PER HOUR I HEARD THIS LOUD CRACK AND I THEN NOTICE A FAIRLY LARGE CRACK AT THE BOTTOM OF MY WINDSHIELD. THERE WERE NO VEHICLES IN FRONT OF ME AT THE TIME OF THIS CRACK SOUND.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 21, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE DRIVING ON ROAD.
Visibility, Jul 21, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A FRACTURE ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITHIN 24 HOURS THE FRACTURE SPREAD TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO IRA SUBARU (97 ANDOVER ST, DANVERS, MA 01923, (978) 739-8850) WHO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE WINDSHIELD WAS NOT REPLACED DUE TO A STRESS POINT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 4,100.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ALONG ROUTE 81 SOUTH OF CARLISLE PA. AN AUDIBLE POP WAS HEARD. I NOTED NOTHING AT THE TIME. LATER IN THE DAY, THIS 2 FOOT CRACK APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD. I DON'T BELIEVE THE CRACK IS THE RESULT OF AN OBJECT AS THERE IS NO APPARENT POINT OF IMPACT AND ONLY THE THE VERY SMALL AREA ADJOINING THE FRAME IS AT ALL DISTURBED ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS CLEAN CRACK.
Other or unspecified, Jul 21, 2020
JULY 2, 2020: THE FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED SEEMINGLY WITHOUT CAUSE WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE. AFTER STOPPING, IT APPEARED TO HAVE A TINY CHIP NEAR THE REAR-VIEW MIRROR AND A CRACK ABOUT 3 FEET LONG EXTENDING FROM IT. THIS WINDSHIELD WAS REPLACED ON JULY 8, 2020. JULY 19, 2020: THE NEW WINDSHIELD RECEIVED A TINY ROCK CHIP WHILE DRIVING. THE ROCK CHIP WAS LESS THAN 1 INCH IN SIZE SO A REPAIR WAS TO BE ATTEMPTED. THE REPAIR WAS UNSUCCESSFUL AS THE ROCK CHIP IMMEDIATELY SPREAD WHEN SUCTION WAS APPLIED TO THE SURFACE.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2020
AFTER OWNING MY 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK FOR JUST OVER A MONTH WITH 1700 MILES ON IT I'VE HAD TO JUMP START MY CAR NOW 6 TIMES. I WORK 7 MILES FROM HOME AND DRIVE A LOT OF SHORT TRIPS. I SEE SUBARU HAS A ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE BATTERY GOING DEAD WITH MY NAME CONCERN I WORK FOR A DEALER THAT HAS THE SUBARU DEALER AND I WILL CALL THEM TOMORROW TO FIND OUT WHAT THEY WILL DO BESIDES JUST REPLACE MY BATTERY. TODAY I HAD TO JUMP TO DRIVE TO WORK. JUMP TO GO OUT AT LUNCH. JUMP TO LEAVE WORK AND WHEN I GOT HOME I TRIED TO RESTART AND IT DIDN'T START AGAIN SO I KNOW WHAT I WILL BE DOING IN THE MORNING.
Electrical system, Jul 20, 2020
WE BOUGHT THIS CAR. 06/25/2020 AND IN THE FIRST FOUR DAYS THE CAR NEEDED TO BE JUMPED THREE TIMES . THE DEALERSHIP HAD US BRING IT IN AND GAVE US A NEW BATTERY . SO FAR EVERYTHING IS WORKING WELL .THIS HAPPENED IN THE MORNINGS AFTER SITTING THE NIGHT
Visibility/wiper, Jul 19, 2020
THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON I NEVER SAW ANYTHING HIT IT OR NEVER HEARD ANYTHING HIT IT. IT LOOKS LIKE IT STARTED AT THE EDGE OF THE GLASS. THEN THE CRACK BEGAN TO SPREAD OVER NIGHT WHILE CAR WAS SITTING, BECAUSE I WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING IN THE CRACK WAS WAY LONGER.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 19, 2020
2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. CRACKER WINDSHIELD FROM A PEBBLE NICK. NOT A ROCK.
Electrical system, Jul 18, 2020
AFTER NOT BEING USED FOR 10 DAYS THE BATTERY WAS COMPLETELY DRAINED ON JULY 3, 2020. TOWED TO THE DEALER ON JULY 5 PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED, CHARGED BATTERY RETURNED CAR JULY 9, 2020. CAR SAT NOT USED UNTIL JULY 18 AND SAME DEAD BATTERY ISSUED RECURRED.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 13, 2020
I WENT INTO A STORE. WHEN I CAME OUT, THERE WAS A S SHAPED CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD, STARTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO CARS WERE PARKED NEAR MINE. THE CRACK SEEMED TO APPEAR SPONTANEOUSLY.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 13, 2020
WINDSHIELD CRACKED WHILE DRIVING