Recalls · problems · safety

2020 Subaru Outback: recalls and problems

6 recalls and 898 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper.

6recalls
898complaints
19crashes reported
7fires reported
4injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Visibility/Wiper313 · 35%
  • Electrical System256 · 29%
  • Unknown Or Other152 · 17%
  • Visibility70 · 8%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance49 · 5%
  • Engine48 · 5%
  • Power Train46 · 5%
  • Structure21 · 2%
  • Lane Departure20 · 2%
  • Vehicle Speed Control18 · 2%

What owners report

Unknown Or Other

Unknown. best assessment between 2:09 and 2:15 pm on the xxx pass outside of [xxx] heading west. there were wind gusts up to 27 mph. i was traveling highway speeds 75-80mph. i had been driving highway speeds since 10:30 am coming from [xxx] no warning. as in: no flutter of the hood, hood not popped, no warning lights. the hood flew open and smashed my windshield during a gust at 80mph. i believe that even though th

Steering,Electrical System,Unknown Or Other

9/20/26 my 2020 subaru outback experienced repeated electrical failures followed by loss of power-steering assistance. the underlying failed component is unknown. the vehicle is parked and available for inspection. while driving, the vehicle intermittently lurched/jerked as the center display went completely black and restarted and eyesight repeatedly became unavailable and returned. after stopping for fuel, i attemp

Engine

The contact owns a 2020 subaru outback. the contact stated that on various occasions upon bringing the vehicle to a stop or upon acceleration the vehicle had experienced a total loss of automotive power, and all of the warning lights would remain illuminated. the vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it diagnosed and the contact was advised that the battery, and thermal valve were faulty and needed to be replaced

Electrical System

In the first 2 weeks after financing vehicle it started having passenger window issues when it rained it caused window to not wat to go up or would try coming down when trying to let it up when it rained next qas battary kept killing my battery i've replaced 4 batteries in 2.5 years and then my rear gate door would sometimes not want to open til it just stopped all together as if it had something stuck in it to keep

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. They are owner reports and have not been verified.

Crash-test ratings

VersionOverallFrontalSideRollover
2020 Subaru Outback SUV AWD★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★

Source: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP APIs, covering Outback. Last refreshed 2026-09-29.