MYRModel Year Report

2020 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2020 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
899
Recalls
6

Campaigns on file for 2020

Investigations
0

None on file

Top problem
Visibility/wiper

35% of complaints

Complaints per year

1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 46 complaints 1997: 79 complaints 1998: 127 complaints 1999: 111 complaints 1999 2000: 207 complaints 2001: 171 complaints 2002: 143 complaints 2003: 93 complaints 2003 2004: 90 complaints 2005: 273 complaints 2006: 277 complaints 2007: 129 complaints 2007 2008: 226 complaints 2009: 106 complaints 2010: 360 complaints 2011: 652 complaints 2011 2012: 292 complaints 2013: 297 complaints 2014: 208 complaints 2015: 509 complaints 2015 2016: 642 complaints 2017: 918 complaints 2018: 813 complaints 2019: 1,034 complaints 2020: 899 complaints 2020 899 2021: 296 complaints 2022: 465 complaints 2023: 89 complaints 2024: 103 complaints 2025: 81 complaints 2026: 16 complaints
1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 46 complaints 1997: 79 complaints 1997 1998: 127 complaints 1999: 111 complaints 1999 2000: 207 complaints 2001: 171 complaints 2001 2002: 143 complaints 2003: 93 complaints 2003 2004: 90 complaints 2005: 273 complaints 2005 2006: 277 complaints 2007: 129 complaints 2007 2008: 226 complaints 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 360 complaints 2011: 652 complaints 2011 2012: 292 complaints 2013: 297 complaints 2013 2014: 208 complaints 2015: 509 complaints 2015 2016: 642 complaints 2017: 918 complaints 2017 2018: 813 complaints 2019: 1,034 complaints 2020: 899 complaints 2020 899 2021: 296 complaints 2022: 465 complaints 2023: 89 complaints 2023 2024: 103 complaints 2025: 81 complaints 2025 2026: 16 complaints
1995: 2 complaints 1995 1996: 46 complaints 1997: 79 complaints 1997 1998: 127 complaints 1999: 111 complaints 1999 2000: 207 complaints 2001: 171 complaints 2001 2002: 143 complaints 2003: 93 complaints 2003 2004: 90 complaints 2005: 273 complaints 2005 2006: 277 complaints 2007: 129 complaints 2007 2008: 226 complaints 2009: 106 complaints 2009 2010: 360 complaints 2011: 652 complaints 2011 2012: 292 complaints 2013: 297 complaints 2013 2014: 208 complaints 2015: 509 complaints 2015 2016: 642 complaints 2017: 918 complaints 2017 2018: 813 complaints 2019: 1,034 complaints 2020: 899 complaints 2020 899 2021: 296 complaints 2022: 465 complaints 2023: 89 complaints 2023 2024: 103 complaints 2025: 81 complaints 2025 2026: 16 complaints

2020: 899 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19952
199646
199779
1998127
1999111
2000207
2001171
2002143
200393
200490
2005273
2006277
2007129
2008226
2009106
2010360
2011652
2012292
2013297
2014208
2015509
2016642
2017918
2018813
20191,034
2020899
2021296
2022465
202389
2024103
202581
202616

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

35% · 313 reports

Electrical system

29% · 261 reports

Most commonly citing 12v/24v/48v battery and accesory power outlet/jack/port/usb/sae/cigarette lighter.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. While the vehicle was at an intersection, the contact depressed the accelerator pedal; however, the electronic emergency brake engaged without warning.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-10-30

Also filed under Parking brake and service brakes

9/20/26 my 2020 Subaru Outback experienced repeated electrical failures followed by loss of power-steering assistance. The underlying failed component is unknown. The vehicle is parked and available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-20

Also filed under Steering

Forward collision avoidance

8% · 73 reports

Most commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

I was driving and car accelerated without warning. Hit partially open garage door, only stopped after hitting and damaging back wall of garage. Significant damage to car, items in the garage and garage wall. There was no warning whatsoever.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-17

Also filed under Engine and vehicle speed control

Visibility

8% · 71 reports

Most commonly citing windshield and exterior.

CRASH

Engine

5% · 48 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Car fire, originating under the hood. Unknown if vehicle is available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system

The warning lights on our 2020 Subaru Outback have lit intermittently for the past 2 years. When bringing the vehicle into the dealer for service and oil changes, this was reported. Recently the TPMS light began to light intermittently.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-21

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and wheels

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2019-10-01Service brakes, hydraulic19V664000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. ▮
    2020Complaint volume 899 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2021-01-22Back over prevention20V766000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  4. R
    2021-09-24Fuel system, gasoline21V587000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2022-08-19Power train21V955000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  6. R
    2022-08-24Power train22V485000 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.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  7. R
    2025-02-03Air bags24V227000 Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles.

    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.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Visibility/wiper: 313 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 261 reports on file for this year.
  • Forward collision avoidance: 73 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 19V664000 · Service brakes, hydraulic
  • Recall 20V766000 · Back over prevention
  • Recall 21V587000 · Fuel system, gasoline
  • Recall 21V955000 · Power train
  • Recall 22V485000 · Power train
  • Recall 24V227000 · Air bags
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Subaru Outback is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Outback?
The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 35% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.