2020 Subaru Outback Transmission & Powertrain Problems
NHTSA lists 46 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Subaru Outback, 5% of the year's 897 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 23,000. Two related recalls (22V485000, 21V955000) cover a Transmission Control Unit programming error that can let the clutch engage before the drive chain fully seats.
- Transmission & Powertrain complaints
- 46
- 5% of 897
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 23,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical transmission symptoms owners report
- Transmission slips, clunks, or shudders during normal driving, with some owners reporting it worsened over months.
- Some vehicles needed a full transmission rebuild or replacement around the median 23,000-mile mark or higher.
- Owners describe grinding, vibrating, and shaking from the drivetrain that dealers were unable to resolve on the first visit.
- A driveshaft and wheel mechanism reportedly detached during a crash while the vehicle was changing lanes at highway speed.
- Owners who received the TCU recall notice reported no immediate fix was available and described feeling unsafe driving until repaired.
- One owner reported sudden unintended acceleration into a stationary object while parked, with the cause not identified by the dealer.
When 2020 Subaru Outback transmission complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 1, 2020, latest Aug 5, 2026.
Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback
- 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.
Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Outback model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many transmission complaints does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?
- NHTSA lists 46 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Outback, making up 5% of the 897 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a transmission recall on the 2020 Subaru Outback?
- Yes, two recalls (22V485000 and 21V955000) address a Transmission Control Unit programming error that can let the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully seated.
- At what mileage do 2020 Outback transmission problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 23,000 miles.
- Did the 2020 Outback transmission issue cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data links 2 crashes to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Outback, with no reported fires or injuries.
- How does the 2020 Outback compare to other Outback years for transmission complaints?
- The 2020 Outback's share of complaints in this area is 5%, higher than 2018 (2%) and 2019 (1%) but lower than earlier years like 2011 (33%) and 2012 (37%).