2020 Subaru Outback: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Subaru Outback? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 888 complaints, with Visibility/Wiper as the top reported area.
2020 Subaru Outback Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2020 Subaru Outback trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2020 Subaru Outback Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
18.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
18.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Subaru Outback has 888 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Visibility/Wiper. NHTSA reliability signal: Notable Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Outback
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 888
- Crash-related complaints
- 19
- Safety recall campaigns
- 6
- Top reported component
- Visibility/Wiper
- Reliability signal
- Notable Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 29
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 26 / 33
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Subaru Outback Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Visibility/Wiper
Electrical Faults
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Visibility/Wiper, Electrical Faults, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Subaru Outback?
The 2020 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Subaru Outback
Inspection Focus
- Inspect wiper operation and visibility systems thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and wiper-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect wiper operation and visibility systems thoroughly.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and wiper-related repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Subaru Outback, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA data for the 2020 Subaru Outback, complaints are concentrated in the Visibility/Wiper and Electrical Faults categories. There are 888 total complaints and 6 recalls, with 19 crash-related complaints. The data suggests potential issues with wiper performance and electrical systems, though confidence is low due to the single model year analyzed.
- Visibility/Wiper complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Electrical Faults are the second most common complaint category.
- There are 6 recalls for the 2020 model year.
- Visibility/Wiper problems, including potential wiper failure or poor visibility.
- Electrical Faults, such as battery, wiring, or infotainment issues.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system concerns.
All 2020 Subaru Outback Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Outback. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility/Wiper | 313 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 257 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 149 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Visibility | 70 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 49 | 4 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 48 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 44 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 20 | 1 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 3 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 18 | 6 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | 2 | 2 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 12 | 2 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Firerelated | 1 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Subaru Outback. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
I was reversing out of a residential driveway onto a county highway when the I had a complete loss of movement. Shortly after the total loss of power, the CEL illuminated. If I had been on the highway, the driveway is near a blind curve, I would've been sitting in the road with n…
Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx/Limited/Touring XT (2.4L Turbo FA24) Component: Engine Lubrication / Oil Pan Sealant I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving the engine oil pan seal on the 2020 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbo. Upon inspection of fluid accumulation at the tran…
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 r…
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 fir…
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 estim…
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 includ…
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 …
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 ca…
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 deale…
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 …
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 bat…
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 manu…
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 ca…
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…
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 sl…
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 , s…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Subaru Outback.
2020 Subaru Outback Recalls
6 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Outback. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2020 Subaru Outback Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?▾
Notable Issues. NHTSA currently shows 888 owner complaints, 19 crash-related complaints, and 6 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Outback?▾
#1: Visibility/Wiper (313 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (257 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (149 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Subaru Outback?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Outback?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Subaru Outback, NHTSA complaints include 19 crash-related reports and 5 fire reports out of 888 total complaints. 4 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have any recalls?▾
Yes. 6 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Subaru Outback. A major recall area is BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION. 6 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Subaru Outback?▾
The 2020 Subaru Outback shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Visibility/Wiper during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Outback reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Subaru Outback based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.