2020 Subaru Outback Problems
What owners have reported about the 2020 Subaru Outback, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback a good year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 900 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and engine.
900 complaints 6 recalls, 1 crash risk 3rd worst of 18 Outback years
Top 2020 Subaru Outback problems
Wiper and visibility problems
383 complaints (43%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and rearview mirrors / devices.
Electrical problems
259 complaints (29%) name the electrical system, most often the 12v / 24v / 48v battery and instrument cluster / panel.
Engine problems
51 complaints (6%) name the engine, most often the engine control module (ECU / ECM).
Emergency braking problems
49 complaints (5%) name the emergency braking system, most often the warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (430 of 900). The amber line is the middle value, about 6,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2020 Subaru Outback recalls
Passenger air bag may fail to deploy
Injury riskA capacitor in the occupant detection sensors can crack and short circuit, which may stop the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash. A passenger without a working air bag faces a higher risk of injury.
Fix: The dealer will replace the occupant detection sensors on the front passenger seat free of charge.
Recall 24V227000 · Mar 2024Chain / belt, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
Can stallA programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 22V485000 · Jul 2022Chain / belt, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM)
Can stallA programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 21V955000 · Dec 2021Fuel pump
Can stallThe low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge.
Recall 21V587000 · Jul 2021Display function
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." The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge.
Recall 20V766000 · Dec 2020Brake pedal bolt may be loose or missing
Crash riskA brake pedal mounting bolt may be missing or not tightened enough. Over time this can let the pedal mounting area deform, which can reduce braking performance and raise the risk of a crash.
Fix: The dealer will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or the brake pedal assembly if needed, free of charge.
Recall 19V664000 · Sep 2019Get an email when your 2020 Subaru Outback gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2020 Subaru Outback, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Outback years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
2020 Subaru Outback problems by system
Common questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback a reliable year?
It's one of the worst years for the Outback. Owners have filed 900 complaints with NHTSA, the 3rd most of 18 Outback model years. The most reported problems involve the wipers and visibility, electrical system and engine.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners most often report problems with the wipers and visibility, electrical system, engine and emergency braking system. 383 complaints (43%) name the wipers and visibility, most often the windshield and rearview mirrors / devices.
At what mileage do 2020 Subaru Outback wipers and visibility problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 3,000–13,000 miles, with a middle value near 6,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?
6. Passenger air bag may fail to deploy (24V227000); Chain / belt, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (22V485000); Chain / belt, Control module (TCM / PCM / TECM) (21V955000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2020 Subaru Outback?
Ask for service records covering the wipers and visibility, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2025, 2023 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.