2020 Subaru Outback
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1995 | 2 |
| 1996 | 46 |
| 1997 | 79 |
| 1998 | 127 |
| 1999 | 111 |
| 2000 | 207 |
| 2001 | 171 |
| 2002 | 143 |
| 2003 | 93 |
| 2004 | 90 |
| 2005 | 273 |
| 2006 | 276 |
| 2007 | 129 |
| 2008 | 226 |
| 2009 | 105 |
| 2010 | 359 |
| 2011 | 649 |
| 2012 | 290 |
| 2013 | 295 |
| 2014 | 208 |
| 2015 | 505 |
| 2016 | 639 |
| 2017 | 917 |
| 2018 | 803 |
| 2019 | 1029 |
| 2020 | 890 |
| 2021 | 291 |
| 2022 | 453 |
| 2023 | 85 |
| 2024 | 89 |
| 2025 | 65 |
| 2026 | 8 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
35% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 313 distinct reports on file.
28% of complaints: electrical system — 251 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow 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
7% of complaints: visibility — 64 distinct reports on file.
CRASH5% of complaints: engine — 45 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow 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
5% of complaints: power train — 43 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
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
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
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
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
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
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 (251 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility issues (64 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.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.