2020 Subaru OUTBACK
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Subaru OUTBACK has 1125 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.1x the segment average of 539. The most common issue is visibility problems (34% of all complaints), specifically: windshield cracked spontaneously while in garage overnight.. There are 6 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 5 fire reports filed.
1125
Total Complaints
6
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.1x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
VISIBILITY
384 complaints- • WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT.
- • 2 SEPARATE INCIDENT WINDSHIELD CRACKS WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF NEW PURCHASE
- • TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD FORMED AN 8'' CRACK ON THE OUTSIDE STARTING FROM THE EDGE OF THE PASSENGER SIDE. DIABLO SUBARU OF WALNUT CREEK (2646 N MAIN ST, WALNUT CREEK, CA 94597) INFORMED THE CONTACT TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN TO BE SERVICED. THE
“WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2020 Subaru OUTBACK
Based on 523 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 6K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
VISIBILITY
ELECTRICAL
OTHER
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
ENGINE
BODY/STRUCTURE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Recalls (6)
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."
Risk: 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. 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.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Subaru OUTBACK
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Subaru OUTBACK
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Subaru OUTBACK Service Intervals
Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2020 OUTBACK, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 1125 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐VISIBILITY: WINDSHIELD CRACKED SPONTANEOUSLY WHILE IN GARAGE OVERNIGHT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL; HOWEVER, THE ELECTRONIC EMERGENCY BRAKE ENGAGED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: CRACKED WINDSHIELD WHICH WE HAD REPAIRED ON 10/1/2020 FOR $821.71. CRACK APPEARED SEEMINGLY FROM NOWHERE ON THE MORNING OF 9/22/20.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐RECALLS: Verify all 6 recalls have been completed — free at any Subaru dealer
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Subaru OUTBACK — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 1125
- Recalls
- 6
- Fire reports
- 5
- Crash reports
- 26
- Injury reports
- 4
- Segment avg
- 539
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Subaru OUTBACK