2020 Subaru Outback recalls

6 safety recalls, 904 owner complaints. Official NHTSA data.

2026202520242023202220212020
6Recalls
904Complaints
26Crashes & fires reported
N/ANHTSA overall rating

Not every 2020 Subaru Outback is affected by every recall. Check your VIN to see open recalls on your exact vehicle.

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2020 Subaru Outback recall list

Air Bags recall

24V-227
March 22, 2024 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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 Train recall

22V-485
July 8, 2022 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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 recall

21V-955
December 9, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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, Gasoline recall

21V-587
July 29, 2021 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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 Prevention recall

20V-766
December 10, 2020 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Problem
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."
Safety risk
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, Hydraulic recall

19V-664
September 18, 2019 · Subaru of America, Inc.
Problem
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.
Safety risk
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.

2020 Subaru Outback owner complaints

904 complaints filed with NHTSA, including 19 crashes, 7 fires, 4 injuries and 0 deaths.

Problems by component

Visibility/Wiper313
Electrical System259
Unknown or Other152
Visibility70
Power Train50
Engine49
Forward Collision Avoidance49
Structure22
Lane Departure20
Air Bags18

Recent complaints

October 29, 2026Power Train

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The rear differential assembly completely failed, disabling the vehicle's all-wheel-drive capability. The component was replaced by Shingle Springs Subaru, so the original failed part is no longer available for physical inspection, but all diagnostic and repair receipts are available upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Around 73,000 miles, during a major winter snowstorm, I was starting to drive up a hill when the vehicle lost traction and the car would not move forward and began sliding. This sudden loss of control in severe weather put me, my [XXX] chi

October 29, 2026Power Train

I was driving my 2020 Outback and all of a sudden, I heard a thump, like something dropped and it shut down. I was on a major highway and it totally scared me. Thankfully, the car right behind me swerved, preventing a collision. I have around 160,000 miles on it. It was then towed. Adventure Subaru in Fayetteville, AR looked it over. The transmission is bad, and it needs to be replaced. I am not sure if there have been any recalls on my vehicle that pertain to the Transmission. I have also contacted Subaru of America and waiting to hear back. No, there were no warning signs.

October 27, 2026Structure

On 25 Oct 26 at 1030, the hood latch on my 2020 Subaru Outback failed while driving on I 75 at Exit 220, causing the hood to fly up and smash into the windshiled causing other damage to the car. There was no warning, the safety latch, did not function, the hood just flew up.

October 19, 2026Steering

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that upon starting the engine, the power steering assist failed to operate, and the power steering, EyeSight, and various other warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact applied excessive force to steer the vehicle until normal operation resumed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on multiple occasions; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

October 14, 2026Power TrainEngine

I have a 2020 Subaru Outback with just over 70,000 miles on it. Well before hitting 70,000 miles, there were two occasions where a loud, unusual noise occurred while reversing out of my garage. Additionally, I occasionally hear a strange noise when shifting into Reverse from Park. I also sometimes notice a whining or humming sound when accelerating from a complete stop, such as at a traffic light. Regarding the two loud noises I experienced, I have saved an audio file recorded by another consumer who posted it online describing the exact same issue — the sound is identical to what my car produced on those two occasions. The audio file is available upon request and may assist in diagnosing th

2020 Subaru Outback recall FAQ

Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback. The most recent, filed March 22, 2024, concerns the air bags.

What are the most common 2020 Subaru Outback problems?

Owners have filed 904 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported area is visibility/wiper (313 reports), followed by electrical system.

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback safe?

NHTSA has not published an overall crash test rating for the 2020 Subaru Outback.

How do I get a recall fixed on my 2020 Subaru Outback?

Contact any authorized Subaru dealer. Recall repairs are free, even if you are not the original owner or the warranty has expired.