This 2020 model shows concerning reliability, primarily driven by 6 recalls—above the SUBARU average—centered on the power train.
Key Factor:elevated power train issues
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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)
📋Why This Matters
Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.
Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.
Given this model year's elevated concern level, budget for a thorough pre-purchase inspection.
Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis
The 2020 Outback analysis highlights key safety metrics.
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 →
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
⚠️
Most Reported Issue
24 complaints (24% of total)
➡️
Complaint Trend
Stable
No trend data
✅
Safety Incidents
No critical incidents
Complaint Severity Distribution
Breakdown of 100 consumer complaints by severity level.
🟠High
4(4%)
🟡Medium
16(16%)
🟢Low
80(80%)
Mileage Failure Analysis
⚙️Engineering Insight
Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 40k-60k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 53,751 miles.
📊 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.
🛠️ 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
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-2020-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Outback performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 16,064
INV-2020-1001🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Outback performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 19,304
Consumer Complaints
100 total complaints
Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Outback.
Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis
Warning24%
Crack23%
Battery14%
Accident6%
Engine/Powertrain⚠️ 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/Suspension🔵 Low
WHEELS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission is failing. Wheel bearing bad. This is a 5 year old car with regular maintenance. No warning lights.
Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Immediately stop every single traffic light
Safety Systems🔶 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.
Brakes🔵 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)
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #19V664000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Electrical🔵 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/Powertrain🔵 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.
✨ AI Insight
This complaint matches keywords from official recalls:
Recall #21V955000Recall #22V485000
*correlation estimated by AI, not an official NHTSA link.
Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No warning, or dash lights. A/C stopped working. It’s 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. It’s a 2020. There is no reason there should be a cost that high for that new of a car.
Engine/Powertrain🔶 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 Systems🔵 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
Are there any recalls for the 2020 SUBARU Outback?
Yes, the 2020 SUBARU Outback has 6 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION, POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM), FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP.
Is the 2020 SUBARU Outback safe to drive?
The 2020 SUBARU Outback has 6 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.
Where can I check if my 2020 SUBARU Outback has open recalls?
You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local SUBARU dealer.
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power train
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
✅
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm power train recalls are complete. Recall repairs are always free.
🔍
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all power train recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaigns:21V95500022V485000
2
Back over prevention
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
✅
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm back over prevention recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
🔍
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all back over prevention recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:20V766000
3
Fuel system, gasoline
Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk
✅
If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm fuel system, gasoline recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.
🔍
If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all fuel system, gasoline recalls are completed before purchase.
Campaign:21V587000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your SUBARU dealer to verify recall completion status.
🧭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.
🔑
If You Own This Vehicle
Verify all 6 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your SUBARU dealer.
If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
🛒
If You're Buying Used
Request full service history and documentation of all recall completions.
Consider whether adjacent model years (2019 or 2021) show better safety metrics.
Budget for thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on known problem areas.