2020 Subaru Outback VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2020 Subaru Outback has good reliability. There are 6 recalls and 884 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Outback. Severity signals include 18 crash-related complaints and 4 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (284), Electrical System (245), Unknown Or Other (124).
Outback reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Subaru Outback before checking the VIN
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Most-reported 2020 Subaru Outback issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Visibility Wiper284
- Electrical System245
- Unknown Or Other124
- Visibility70
- Power Train42
- Structure17
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Subaru Outback
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Inspect windshield for cracks or signs of stress
- Test battery and electrical system for consistent power
- Check for any transmission slipping or shuddering
- Verify airbag system warning lights are off
- Test power windows for smooth operation in cold conditions
- Ensure the Thermo Control Valve has been replaced with a metal version
- Confirm all ADAS features are functioning properly
2020 Outback recalls (6)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2020 Outback. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- AIR BAGSNHTSA 24V227000Mar 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: 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.
- POWER TRAINNHTSA 22V485000Jul 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: 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 TRAINNHTSA 21V955000Dec 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: 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.
- FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINENHTSA 21V587000Jul 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: 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.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 20V766000Dec 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: 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.
- SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICNHTSA 19V664000Sep 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: 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.
Used-market value
2020 Subaru Outback resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2020 Subaru Outback on the road
153,290 2020 Subaru Outback units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2020 Subaru Outback stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2020 Subaru Outback
With a 64/100 score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2020 Subaru Outback lands below the class norm for reliability. The data points to a mixed record rather than a clean one, with buyer risk higher than typical for this segment. As the first year of a new generation, it also carries the kind of early-cycle uncertainty reflected in its overall results.
Complaints are not evenly spread across the vehicle. They cluster heavily around visibility/wiper performance and the electrical system, with a smaller but notable share falling into unknown or other reports and additional visibility-related concerns. Powertrain appears less prominent by comparison. The recall count is elevated, reinforcing that this model year saw more corrective actions than a limited-recall vehicle.
Overall, reliability risk is moderate-to-elevated relative to the segment.
What you get in a 2020 Subaru Outback report
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2020 Subaru Outback — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?
With a 64/100 score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2020 Subaru Outback lands below the class norm for reliability. The data points to a mixed record rather than a clean one, with buyer risk higher than typical for this segment. As the first year of a new generation, it also carries the kind of early-cycle uncertainty reflected in its overall results.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?
6 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2020 Subaru Outback. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Outback problems?
The most-reported 2020 Subaru Outback problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (284), Electrical System (245), Unknown Or Other (124).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Subaru Outback?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Subaru Outback, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.