CarRecallWatchThe 2020 Subaru Outback has 6 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.
Owners have filed 904 complaints with NHTSA, including 19 crashes, 7 fires, 4 injuries.
The most-reported problem area is Visibility/Wiper (313 reports).
NHTSA rates it up to 5 stars overall for crash safety, depending on the version.
2020 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy in a Crash
A sensor in the occupant detection system on the front passenger seat may have a capacitor that can crack and short circuit.
Transmission May Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk
A programming error in the transmission control unit can let the clutch engage before the drive chain is fully clamped.
Transmission Can Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk
Certain 2019-2020 Subaru Ascent and 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles have a programming error in the transmission control unit.
Fuel pump may fail, causing engine stall while driving
The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail on certain Subaru and Toyota 86 vehicles.
Rearview camera display may shut off intermittently
Some 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with high or mid grade multimedia navigation may have a rearview display that shuts off intermittently.
Loose brake pedal bolt can reduce braking and raise crash risk
Certain 2020 Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles may have a brake pedal mounting bracket with a bolt that is missing or not tightened enough.
Most common 2020 Subaru Outback problems
Problem areas named in the 904 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.
| Problem area | Reports |
|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 313 |
| Electrical System | 261 |
| Unknown Or Other | 152 |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 73 |
| Visibility | 71 |
| Power Train | 51 |
| Engine | 49 |
| Lane Departure | 24 |
| Structure | 22 |
| Air Bags | 19 |
What owners report
I was driving my 2020 Outback and all of a sudden, I heard a thump, like something dropped and it shut down. I was on a major highway and it totally scared me. Thankfully, the car right behind me swerved, preventing a collision. I have around 160,000 miles on it. It was then towed. Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville, AR looked it over. The transmission is bad, and it needs to be replaced. I am not sure if there have been any recalls on my vehicle that pertain to the Transmission. I have also contacted Subaru of America and waiting to hear back. No, there were no warning signs.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear differential assembly completely failed, disabling the vehicle's all-wheel-drive capability. The component was replaced by Shingle Springs Subaru, so the original failed part is no longer available for physical inspection, but all diagnostic and repair receipts are available upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Around 73,000 miles, during a major winter snowstorm, I was starting to drive up a hill when the vehicle lost traction and the car would not move forward and began sliding. This sudden loss of control in severe weather put me, my [XXX] ch
On 25 Oct 26 at 1030, the hood latch on my 2020 Subaru Outback failed while driving on I 75 at Exit 220, causing the hood to fly up and smash into the windshiled causing other damage to the car. There was no warning, the safety latch, did not function, the hood just flew up.
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon starting the engine, the power steering assist failed to operate, and the power steering, EyeSight, and various other warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact applied excessive force to steer the vehicle until normal operation resumed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
I have a 2020 Subaru Outback with just over 70,000 miles on it. Well before hitting 70,000 miles, there were two occasions where a loud, unusual noise occurred while reversing out of my garage. Additionally, I occasionally hear a strange noise when shifting into Reverse from Park. I also sometimes notice a whining or humming sound when accelerating from a complete stop, such as at a traffic light. Regarding the two loud noises I experienced, I have saved an audio file recorded by another consumer who posted it online describing the exact same issue â the sound is identical to what my car produced on those two occasions. The audio file is available upon request and may assist in diagnosing
2020 Subaru Outback safety rating
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru Outback SUV AWD | ★★★★★ 5-star | 5 | 5 | 4 (18.5% rollover risk) |
2020 Subaru Outback questions
Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback: Passenger Air Bag May Not Deploy in a Crash; Transmission May Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk; Transmission Can Lose Drive Power, Raising Crash Risk; Fuel pump may fail, causing engine stall while driving; Rearview camera display may shut off intermittently. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Outback?
Based on 904 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility/Wiper (313), Electrical System (261), Unknown Or Other (152).
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Outback?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings program gives the 2020 Subaru Outback up to 5 out of 5 stars overall; ratings vary by version, see the table above.
How do I check if a recall on my 2020 Subaru Outback has been fixed?
Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.