2020 Subaru Outback Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Subaru Outback has 897 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 100, and ranks worst (1st) among 21 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Top issue areas are Visibility & Wipers (43%) and Electrical System (30%), plus 6 recall campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 100/100
- #1 of 21 Outback years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 897
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 6
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 19
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 7
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Visibility & Wipers
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 27.5
- 24.5 city / 31.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2020 Subaru Outback problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Visibility & Wipers383 (43%)
- Electrical System267 (30%)
- Other153 (17%)
- Engine61 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras55 (6%)
- Transmission & Powertrain46 (5%)
- Structure & Body27 (3%)
- Lane Departure20 (2%)
- Airbags18 (2%)
- Brakes17 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Windshields reportedly crack on their own, sometimes with a loud noise, without any impact.
- Owners describe unexpected electronic emergency brake or automatic braking engagement while stopped or slowing at intersections.
- Some owners report the engine failing to start repeatedly, with the battery draining after only days or weeks despite testing fine.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side and frontal impacts, including one crash where the lane keep assist system also did not alert.
- Electronic power steering has reportedly failed suddenly at highway speeds, causing loss of control.
- The backover prevention alert reportedly did not sound before a low-speed reverse collision.
2020 Subaru Outback recalls
6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V227000Mar 22, 2024Airbags118,723 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification:front passenger
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.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
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.
- NHTSA 22V485000Jul 8, 2022Transmission & Powertrain182 vehicles
Power train:driveline:chain/belt
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.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
- NHTSA 21V955000Dec 9, 2021Transmission & Powertrain198,255 vehicles
Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)
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.
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
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. 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.
2020 Subaru Outback fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24.5 MPG
- Highway
- 31.5 MPG
- Combined
- 27.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,375
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2020 compared with other Outback years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 Outback ranks worst among all 21 model years, with a complaint index of 100 and 897 complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Outback years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2020 Subaru Outback?
- Visibility & Wipers issues make up 43% of complaints (383 complaints), followed by Electrical System problems at 30% (267 complaints).
- Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have transmission recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA lists two Transmission & Powertrain recalls (campaigns 22V485000 and 21V955000) for a Transmission Control Unit programming error that could let the clutch engage before the drive chain fully seats.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2020 Outback, covering airbags, transmission, fuel system, collision avoidance cameras, and brakes, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2020 Outback compare to other years?
- The 2020 model has the highest complaint index (100) of the 21 years tracked, while years like 2023 and 2024 have much lower complaint indexes (25 and 45) and Good verdicts.