2020 Subaru Outback Safety Report
2020 SUBARU OUTBACK Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Subaru Outback
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 Subaru Outback. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (886) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 24 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Visibility/Wiper | Compare visibility/wiper issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Subaru Outback with 83 complaints and 2 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2019 | Check the 2019 Subaru Outback before buying across this generation. |
Subaru Outback Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Subaru Outback years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Subaru Outback | 283 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Subaru Outback | 1023 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Subaru Outback | 438 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Subaru Outback | 784 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Subaru Outback | 83 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Subaru Outback | 909 | 4 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Subaru Outback Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 Subaru Outback, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Visibility/Wiper
272 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyElectrical System
190 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other
98 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Subaru onlyVisibility
67 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Visibility issues Subaru onlyPower Train
31 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Subaru onlyUnknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper
18 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other,Visibility/Wiper issues Subaru onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Subaru Outback
Reliability Score
The 2020 Subaru Outback receives a reliability score of 88 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 Subaru Outback
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2020 Subaru Outback
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Subaru Outback:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Bags Recall due to potential malfunction in front passenger air bag sensor. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Automatic Transmission Control Module Recall due to programming issues affecting transmission control. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Service Brakes Recall due to pedal and linkages issues affecting brake performance. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Fuel Pump Recall due to potential issues with fuel delivery system. |
Low | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Subaru Outback:
Recall due to front passenger air bag sensor issues.
Recall due to programming issues affecting transmission control.
Recall due to pedal and linkages issues affecting brake performance.
Recall due to potential issues with fuel delivery system.
Recall Details for the 2020 Subaru Outback
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2020 Subaru Outback by NHTSA:
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.
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 ...
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-8...
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.
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.
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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Subaru Outback
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Subaru Outback with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 3 complaints involved crashes. 2 involved fires.
I was parking my car slowly until it suddenly accelerated. I hit a wall and car got totaled.
I'm writing to request assistance with my recall. This recall was first reported to the local dealership over one year ago. They have had me take the car back 4 times for inspection. Since that time as the problem has proceeded to get worse, which will now cost even more to repair, and increase the likelihood of the transmission damaging other parts of the drivetrain. Now I just received not...
No warning lamps or messages. A driver in a pickup truck behind me came up close and signaled me to pull over. He got out of his truck, ran up to my window and yelled to me "get out of your car, it is on fire". I was completely unaware of any problem. I got out and could see fire coming from under the front of the car. We moved away and he called 911.
On December 28, 2025, my 2020 Subaru Outback lost the ability to engage any gear (Drive, Reverse, or otherwise) while maneuvering at low speed to make a U-turn. The vehicle became inoperable immediately and was towed to the dealer. The dealer confirmed via text and written estimate that there was no external damage, the failure was internal to the CVT transmission, and the transmission requires r...
I am reporting a safety-related defect involving the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) on my 2020 Subaru Outback with approximately 20,480 miles. Multiple SRS and occupant detection system warning lights illuminated. Dealer diagnostics showed multiple SRS-related faults including airbag ECU malfunction, occupant detection sensor communication failures (lost communication/mismatch), and SRS powe...
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the highway, the contact was alerted by the message “Eyesight Technology Failure”, before the battery shut down, causing the steering wheel to seize, forcing the contact to come to a complete stop in the middle of the highway. The check engine, air bags, and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stat...
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.
Transmission is failing. Wheel bearing bad. This is a 5 year old car with regular maintenance. No warning lights.
Immediately stop every single traffic light
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. D...
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 ...
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 ...
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.
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.
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 t...
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.
[XXX] and I were driving to Sean’s for dinner on Friday night [XXX] when the sunroof glass exploded at approximately [XXX]. [XXX] was driving on the [XXX] . We heard a loud bang and thought we were in an accident. We noticed sounds from the sunroof so I slide the cover open slightly and saw a massive hole so immediately closed it again. We pulled off and used the emergency ramp to examine the d...
While in a Dairy Queen drive-up lane, I stepped on the brake pedal and it went right to the floor. The car did not stop, causing me to hit the car in front of me. When backing away from the car in front, the brakes again failed and I hit the car in back. I moved forward again , swiping the car in front again. The cars were merely feet apart and my car was thankfully moving very slowly. Had I been...
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi...
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experi...
Showing 20 of 886 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Subaru Outback
Has the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
The 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK has 886 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 19 involved crashes. 4 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK involve visibility/wiper (272 complaints), electrical system (190 complaints), unknown or other (98 complaints). Other affected components include visibility, power train, unknown or other,visibility/wiper.
How many crash reports does the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 19 crash reports associated with the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 886 total complaints (2.1% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK have?
There are 5 fire reports for the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK out of 886 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
4 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK is proceed with caution. It has 886 complaints, 6 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK are: 1. VISIBILITY/WIPER (272 complaints), 2. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (190 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (98 complaints), 4. VISIBILITY (67 complaints), 5. POWER TRAIN (31 complaints). VISIBILITY/WIPER is the single most-reported problem area with 272 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Be aware of recalls related to air bags, automatic transmission control modules, service brakes, and fuel pump issues. Regularly check for recalls and address them promptly. The 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK has 886 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
The 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK receives a reliability score of 88/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 886 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 24 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Air bags and Automatic transmission control module.
What are the known issues with the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK?
Known issues with the 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK include: Air bags, Automatic transmission control module, Service brakes, Fuel pump. These are based on patterns found across 886 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2020 Subaru Outback?
Common issues include visibility and wiper problems, electrical system malfunctions, and power train issues, particularly with the automatic transmission control module.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback?
Yes, recalls have been issued for air bags, automatic transmission control modules, service brakes, and fuel pump issues.
What should I do if I experience issues with my 2020 Subaru Outback?
Check for recalls and contact your local dealership for repairs or updates.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of recalls related to air bags, automatic transmission control modules, service brakes, and fuel pump issues. Regularly check for recalls and address them promptly.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Subaru Outback
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Subaru Outback. The data includes 886 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 19 reported crashes, 5 fire incidents, 4 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Subaru Outback an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16