Recalls · problems · safety

2020 Subaru Outback: recalls and problems

6 recalls and 907 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper.

6recalls
907complaints
19crashes reported
7fires reported
4injuries reported

Recalls

Check recalls for your exact VIN

Most common problems

  • Visibility/Wiper313 · 35%
  • Electrical System256 · 28%
  • Unknown Or Other153 · 17%
  • Visibility70 · 8%
  • Power Train52 · 6%
  • Engine50 · 6%
  • Forward Collision Avoidance49 · 5%
  • Structure22 · 2%
  • Lane Departure20 · 2%
  • Vehicle Speed Control18 · 2%

What owners report

Power Train

This vehicle was serviced in 2022 for the wrk-21 timing chain slip recall. the tcu was reprogrammed, however, the exact issue described in wrk-21 is now occurring (timing chain slip). i believe the damage had already started and the reprogramming only delayed/slowed the damage.

Power Train,Unknown Or Other

Hendrick honda cars of mckinney sold me a 2020 subaru outback with severely mismatched tires, completely failing to identify the issue despite passing the vehicle through three separate pre-sale and/or safety inspections. subaru strictly requires identical tire tread depths across all four wheels on its symmetrical all-wheel drive (awd) system to maintain stable power distribution and vehicle control. selling and ope

Engine

Subaru dealer service tech reporting upper oil pan leak. the repair requires engine removal to gain access to the upper oil pan, which is a very costly repair. my concern, does the leaking oil get onto the hot exhaust system create a fire risk.

Power Train

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 sa

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 2026-11-15.