MYRModel Year Report

2020 Subaru Outback

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2020 Subaru Outback
BUILT 2026-09-02

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 PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Subaru Outback Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2020 highlighted. 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: 276 complaints 2007: 129 complaints 2007 2008: 226 complaints 2009: 106 complaints 2010: 360 complaints 2011: 651 complaints 2011 2012: 292 complaints 2013: 296 complaints 2014: 208 complaints 2015: 509 complaints 2015 2016: 642 complaints 2017: 917 complaints 2018: 807 complaints 2019: 1032 complaints 2019 2020: 896 complaints 2020 2021: 296 complaints 2022: 461 complaints 2023: 88 complaints 2023 2024: 96 complaints 2025: 75 complaints 2026: 13 complaints 2026
2020: 896 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
19952
199646
199779
1998127
1999111
2000207
2001171
2002143
200393
200490
2005273
2006276
2007129
2008226
2009106
2010360
2011651
2012292
2013296
2014208
2015509
2016642
2017917
2018807
20191032
2020896
2021296
2022461
202388
202496
202575
202613

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

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

VISIBILITY/WIPER 35%

35% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 313 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 29%

29% of complaints: electrical system — 260 distinct reports on file, 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, 20191030

Also filed under PARKING BRAKE and SERVICE BRAKES

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 8%

8% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 73 distinct reports on file, 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, 20230917

Also filed under ENGINE and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

VISIBILITY 8%

8% of complaints: visibility — 71 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing windshield and exterior.

CRASH
ENGINE 5%

5% of complaints: engine — 48 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
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, 20260710

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, 20260721

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and WHEELS

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20191001 — service brakes, hydraulic

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.

Campaign 19V664000 — check if this car was fixed

▮ 2020 — complaint volume: 896
R 20210122 — back over prevention

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.

Campaign 20V766000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20210924 — fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 21V587000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220819 — power train

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.

Campaign 21V955000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20220824 — power train

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.

Campaign 22V485000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20250203 — air bags

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.

Campaign 24V227000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2020 Subaru Outback — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (313 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (260 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (73 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V664000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 20V766000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V587000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 21V955000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V485000 (power train) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 24V227000 (air bags) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 1996 ▲ 2025 ▲ 1997

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ■ 2017 ■ 2018

See all years ranked →

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 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.