IllustrationWE WERE DRIVING DOWN HIWAY 50 NEAR GUNNISON CO WHEN WE HEARD A SHARP SOUND FOLLOWED BY THE WINDSHIELD CRACKING. WITHIN A FEW SECONDS, THIS WAS REPEATED BUT THE CRACKING OCCURRED IN A DIFFERENT PLACE ON THE WINDSHIELD.
2020 Subaru Outback
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
More warning signs than most Outback years
Owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Outback are substantially higher than the model-year median of 207.5.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Outback years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
3960–25K
3025–50K
1250–75K
275–100K
1100–150K
2150K+
443 reports with mileage · 453 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Visibility/wiper. Review the 313 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 258 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Visibility. Review the 70 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
19 crash reports7 fire reports4 injury reports
What owners actually said
896 reportsELECTRICAL ISSUES, FLICKERING INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS, UNABLE TO UNLOCK/ LOCK DOORS. CAR WON'T START, DEAD BATTERY
BATTERY DIED AND DID NOT RESPOND TO A JUMP. HAD BEEN DRIVEN MAYBE 2 OR 3 DAYS A WEEK FOR SHORT DISTANCES (20 MILES RT) DUE TO QUARANTINE. DEALERSHIP HAS NOT BEEN HELPFUL IN RESOLVING THE ISSUE, DESPITE THE WARRANTY ON THE BATTERY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A SMALL PEBBLE STRUCK THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A ONE FOOT LONG CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, WITHIN 24 HRS THE CRACK HAD GROWN TO APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET IN LENGTH. THE LOCAL DEALER BRANDON TOMES SUBARU LOCATED AT 1100 S CENTRAL EX…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH, A SMALL PEBBLE STRUCK THE FRONT WINDSHIELD AND CAUSED A ONE FOOT LONG CRACK. ADDITIONALLY, WITHIN 24 HRS THE CRACK HAD GROWN TO APPROXIMATELY 2 FEET IN LENGTH. THE LOCAL DEALER BRANDON TOMES SUBARU LOCATED AT 1100 S CENTRAL EXPY, MCKINNEY, TX 75072 WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT YET NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,800. INVALID VIN.
SINGLE ROCK CHIP TO WINDSHIELD OF 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK LIMITED XT WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY RESULTED NOT JUST IN CHIP BUT IMMEDIATE MULTIPLE EXTENDING CRACKS SPANNING MOST OF LENGTH OF THE WINDSHIELD. HAVE NOTED ONGOING CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT OVER THIS ISSUE.
THERE WAS A TINY ROCK CHIP THAT WAS ABOUT 7 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD IN THE CENTER. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND IT CRACKED. ABOUT 14 INCHES FROM THAT CHIP ACROSS THEN DOWN. IT ALSO SPIDERED UP ABOUT 7 INCHES. SO NOW MY WHOLE WINDSHIELD WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS NO WAY THAT LITTLE OF A CRACK COULD SPIDER…
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THERE WAS A TINY ROCK CHIP THAT WAS ABOUT 7 INCHES FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD IN THE CENTER. I WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP AND IT CRACKED. ABOUT 14 INCHES FROM THAT CHIP ACROSS THEN DOWN. IT ALSO SPIDERED UP ABOUT 7 INCHES. SO NOW MY WHOLE WINDSHIELD WILL NEED TO BE REPLACED. THERE IS NO WAY THAT LITTLE OF A CRACK COULD SPIDER CRACK LIKE THAT. MIND YOU, I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT TOMORROW MORNING TO GET THE CHIP FILLED. I WAS PLANNING ON TAKING CARE OF IT BUT NOW I WILL NEED A WHOLE NEW ONE.
WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS THERE IS A CRACKING SOUND IN THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION OR BRAKE AREA, IT DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN GOING AT HIGH SPEEDS JUST SMALL BUMPS AND BRAKING.
TINY CHIP IN CORNER OF WINDSHIELD, PROGRESSED WITHIN 2 HRS. TO A CRACK 1/3 SIZE 24 IN +/-) AROUND ON PASSENGER SIDE OF WINDOW. NOTICED ON A STOP, BUT WAS ON HIGHWAY, NO NOISE WAS HEARD PRECEDING THE CHIP.
OUR 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK, WITH FEWER THAN 800 MILES, FAILED TO START FOUR TIMES (6/1, 7/1, 7/10, & 7/13). DURING THESE INCIDENTS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHED, THE DASHBOARD PRODUCED A CLICKING SOUND, THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK, AND THE TAILGATE BECAME INOPERATIVE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SUCCESSFULLY JUMP-STARTED THE CAR EACH…
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OUR 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK, WITH FEWER THAN 800 MILES, FAILED TO START FOUR TIMES (6/1, 7/1, 7/10, & 7/13). DURING THESE INCIDENTS, INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIGHTS FLASHED, THE DASHBOARD PRODUCED A CLICKING SOUND, THE DOORS WOULD NOT LOCK, AND THE TAILGATE BECAME INOPERATIVE. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SUCCESSFULLY JUMP-STARTED THE CAR EACH TIME AND TOOK IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERS FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING -- ONE IN SEATTLE AND ONE IN TACOMA. TWO ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE SERVICE PROVIDERS SAID THEIR MOST FREQUENT SERVICE CALLS REQUIRING A JUMP-START WERE FOR "LATE MODEL SUBARUS. ONE SERVICE TECHNICIAN SAID HE RECEIVED MORE THAN 100 SUCH REQUESTS DURING THE PAST THREE MONTHS. THE TACOMA DEALER FILED AM URFCA REPORT WITH SUBARU HEADQUARTERS AFTER THE THIRD INCIDENT. DURING THE FOURTH INCIDENT, THE BATTERY FAILED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT THE TACOMA DEALER, WHO REPLACED THE BATTERY ON JULY 13, 2020. AFTER RECHARGING THE BATTERY, IT TOOK A FEW DAYS OF BEING PARKED BEFORE THE BATTERY FAILED. DURING THIS LAST INCIDENT, I INTENTIONALLY LEFT THE VEHICLE WITH THE DEALER OVER A WEEKEND, WHICH WAS LONG ENOUGH FOR THE RECENTLY CHARGED BATTERY TO DRAIN ENOUGH TO FAIL TO START THE CAR. WHEN I PICKED UP THE CAR, THE SERVICE ADVISOR TOLD ME THESE CARS NEED TO BE DRIVEN AT LEAST 30 MINUTES PER TRIP TO SUFFICIENTLY RECHARGE THE BATTERY. WE'VE OWNED FIVE SUBARU OUTBACKS, AND HAVE NOT RECEIVED THIS ADVICE BEFORE, NOR DID THE DEALER'S SALES REPRESENTATIVE CALL THIS TO OUR ATTENTION WHEN WE PURCHASED THE 2020 OUTBACK. OUR LIFESTYLE, COUPLED WITH THE COVID-19 VIRUS, ONLY REQUIRES ONE OR TWO TRIPS PER MONTH LASTING MORE THAN 30 MINUTES. THE CAR SITS IN THE GARAGE FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS WITHOUT BEING STARTED. WE ALWAYS LOCK THE VEHICLE, TURN OFF ALL LIGHTS, CLOSE THE TAILGATE, AND KEEP THE KEY FOB IN THE HOUSE, WHICH IS MORE THAN 500 FEET FROM THE DETACHED GARAGE.
PURCHASE 2020 SUBARU ON 12/30/19 AND AS 7/15/20 THE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES DO TO CRACKING. FIRST TIME IT CHIPS AND CRACK APPEARED AND SPREAD THE WINDSHIELD. SECOND TIME, CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE AND CAME OUT AND FOUND A CRACKED ACROSS THE LOWER PART OF IT. THIRD TIME ON JULY 15 DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD DRIVE O…
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PURCHASE 2020 SUBARU ON 12/30/19 AND AS 7/15/20 THE WINDSHIELD HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES DO TO CRACKING. FIRST TIME IT CHIPS AND CRACK APPEARED AND SPREAD THE WINDSHIELD. SECOND TIME, CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE AND CAME OUT AND FOUND A CRACKED ACROSS THE LOWER PART OF IT. THIRD TIME ON JULY 15 DRIVING ON A SECONDARY ROAD DRIVE OVER A SPEED BUMP AND A CRACK APPEARED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE GARAGE IS ALWAYS PARKED IN THE GARAGE. YESTERDAY, JULY 22, WALKED OUT TO THE CAR AND NOW THERE ARE NEW CRACKS ON THE DRIVER SIDE. HAVE NOT GOTTEN THE WINDSHIELD FIXED YET. CAN YOU HELP?
Official recalls
624V227000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
Mar 22, 2024
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 & remedy
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.
22V485000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:driveline:chain/belt
Jul 8, 2022
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 & remedy
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 source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:chain/belt
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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
21V955000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm); Power Train:driveline:chain/belt
Dec 9, 2021
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 & remedy
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 source detail variants (2)
Power Train:driveline:chain/belt
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.
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
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.
21V587000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump
Jul 29, 2021
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 & remedy
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.
20V766000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function
Dec 10, 2020
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 & remedy
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.
19V664000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages
Sep 18, 2019
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 & remedy
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.