The 2020 Subaru Outback exhibits several significant recalls that potential buyers should consider carefully. With a peak failure range around 53,751 miles, it's advisable for owners to monitor the affected components closely to mitigate risks.
Key Factor:Multiple significant recalls
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Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (6) than the average SUBARU vehicle (1.3). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
6 recalls for this vehicle1.3 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
πWhy This Matters
The presence of multiple recalls in critical areas such as the fuel system and powertrain raises concerns about the reliability and safety of the 2020 Subaru Outback. Notably, issues with the fuel pump could lead to performance problems or stall risks, while problems with the transmission control module may affect drivability. Buyers and current owners alike should recognize that these defects not only impact vehicle performance but also add potential long-term financial liabilities related to repairs and maintenance.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis
Year-over-year safety trends indicate that Subaru has faced challenges with this model year, particularly surrounding its powertrain components. The concerns here are amplified compared to industry standards, suggesting a need for thorough inspection before purchase or continued ownership.
Safety & Reliability Score
37/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-48
Complaint Impact-5
Investigation Impact-10
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2020 SUBARU Outback
Model Year2020
MakeSUBARU
ModelOutback
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more β
Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Oct20
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep21
RECALLRecall Issued
Aug22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
Nov23
ISSUEFirst Report
Consumer Complaint Analysis
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Most Reported Issue
24 complaints (24% of total)
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Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
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Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.
π High
4(4%)
π‘Medium
16(16%)
π’Low
80(80%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
βοΈEngineering Insight
The peak failure range of 40k-60k miles indicates that critical issues may arise when vehicles are still relatively new. For current owners, this suggests an urgency to monitor performance closely after reaching this mileage threshold, as many defects could emerge at this stage.
π Mileage data extracted from 22 of 100 complaints (22% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (5%)
20k-40k
4 reports (18%)
40k-60k
8 reports (36%)
60k-80k
6 reports (27%)
80k-100k
2 reports (9%)
100k+
1 reports (5%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.
π οΈ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
BACK OVER PREVENTIONPOWER TRAINFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINESERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICAIR BAGS
π―Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Fuel Pump
Issue: Potential failure of the low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank.
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Check for signs of fuel delivery issues immediately.
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Request detailed service history focusing on fuel system repairs or replacements.
Campaigns:20V12320V12420V125
2
Transmission Control Module
Issue: Programming errors may lead to premature clutch engagement affecting drivability.
β
Monitor transmission behavior and address any irregularities promptly.
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Inquire about any completed recall repairs related to transmission issues.
Campaign:20V126
π‘Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (6)
Campaign: 20V766000
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
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Summary
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
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. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V955000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 21V587000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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Summary
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.
Consequence
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 19V664000
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES
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Summary
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.
Consequence
A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 22V485000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY
1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V227000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER
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Summary
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.
Consequence
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.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
2 investigations
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2020 Outback.
INV-2020-1000π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Outback performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 10,898
INV-2020-1001π’ Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Outback performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 36,538
Consumer Complaints
100 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Outback.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning24%
Crack23%
Battery14%
Accident6%
Engine/Powertrainβ οΈ High
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
A fire started under the hood of my car while I was driving. There were no warning lights on in my car and the temperature gauge was in the middle where it usually is. Earlier in the day, I smelled gas, but I thought it was a different car as the smell of gas went away after a car that had a lot of exhaust coming out was no longer in sight.
Steering/Suspensionπ΅ Low
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission is failing. Wheel bearing bad. This is a 5 year old car with regular maintenance. No warning lights.
Electricalπ΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Immediately stop every single traffic light
Safety SystemsπΆ Medium
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Gas cap was not secured overnight. The next day every ADAS function both safety and convenience was disabled and their lights were on. Users guide said car should recover after a few miles of driving. 100 miles and multiple restarts later it did not. It was taken to the dealer where they cleared the error for free. Poor design that a loose gas cap could cause a collision due to lack of ADAS. Dealer said it is a known condition with all Subaru models.
Brakesπ΅ Low
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
I was driving to a medical appointment in Ann Arbor Mi, and was in the area where [XXX] has a few big turns in the road .... like at ... [XXX] .All of he sudden the car started to accelerate a little on the turn so I attempted to brake the vehicle and I could not feel the brake pedal. I slowly moved into the right lane and frantically trying to slow the car down. I still could not feel the brake pedal and I believe when I hit the speed control off is when it slowed down and I was able to finally brake the car. It all happened in a matter of 10-20 seconds I would guess and it was absolutely terrifying. I have on occasion used the speed control to slow down the vehicle and wonder if that might have some connection. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #19V664000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Electricalπ΅ Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact's husband owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start intermittently, but was able to be jump-started. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where the contact was informed that the battery and the alternator were in good condition. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 56,000.
Engine/Powertrainπ΅ Low
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while attempting to make a turn, the transmission was slipping while attempting to shift gears. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,700. The VIN was not available.
β¨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V955000Recall #22V485000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Otherπ΅ Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No warning, or dash lights. A/C stopped working. Itβs 98 degrees outside, to me that is dangerous! Wagner Subaru said it is the actuator doors ($900 in diagnosing) they said it would cost $3600. Itβs a 2020. There is no reason there should be a cost that high for that new of a car.
Engine/PowertrainπΆ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Car stalled in traffic. The engine was cranking but it would not start. Had AAA tow off the road and to my home. Car sat for 10 days waiting for a fuel pump (thought this was the problem). After sitting for 10 days the battery was totally dead! New fuel pump installed battery was jumped but could not start the car. After 2 hours on the charger the battery still did not have enough energy to turn over the engine. Car is in a certified service shop (Wilhelm). Battery replaced and same starting issues with the new battery and the new battery is discharging at a very high rate even though the car is not starting. Bought the car used in 2023 so I have no knowledge of the history of the car. Service provider running factory diagnostic testing but so far no determination as to cause of the high rate of discharge. Verified that the fuel pump is fully operational. What we know is that with a fresh fully charged battery and a working fuel pump the car will not start and remain running. The engine stops and the battery drain is excessive.
Safety Systemsπ΅ Low
AIR BAGS
I received letter from Subaru of America saying parts available for recall repair but when I went to the dealer they did not have the parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common issues reported with the 2020 Subaru Outback?
'Common issues reported with the 2020 Subaru Outback include problems with the fuel pump and transmission control unit. These defects can lead to stalling or improper shifting behavior, posing safety risks if not addressed.'
'How can I ensure my used 2020 Subaru Outback is reliable before purchasing?'
'To ensure reliability in a used 2020 Subaru Outback, prospective buyers should insist on comprehensive service records showing compliance with recall repairs and check for any history of related complaints from previous owners.'
π§What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
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If You Own This Vehicle
Safety Check: Cross-reference your VIN with official SUBARU records to ensure no 6 recalls remain open.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in SUBARU's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
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If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every SUBARU recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later Outback iterations (2021+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a SUBARU specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.