Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026
High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper — runs 7.0× the fleet median for that category across the 326 model-years tracked on this site.
891Complaints
6Recalls
19Crashes
7Fires
4Injured
0Deaths
Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.
Is this problem acknowledged?
The most-reported problem — Visibility/wiper (35.1% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.
Visibility/wiper complaints here are 7.0× the median for that category across the 326 model-years tracked on this site.
1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.
Complaint category
Reports
Official status
Reference
Visibility/wiper
313 · 35.1%
No official action
—
Electrical System
251 · 28.2%
No official action
—
Visibility:windshield
64 · 7.2%
No official action
—
Engine
46 · 5.2%
No official action
—
Power Train
43 · 4.8%
Recalled
Recall 21V955000 · Recall 22V485000
Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings
28 · 3.1%
No official action
—
Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Percentages are the share of the 891 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.
The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm)
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
PARK-IT: NO · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO · OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO
Park itPark outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What owners report
“THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED FOR NO REASON I NEVER SAW ANYTHING HIT IT OR NEVER HEARD ANYTHING HIT IT. IT LOOKS LIKE IT STARTED AT THE…”NHTSA complaint 11340271 — filed 07/19/2020 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. CRACKER WINDSHIELD FROM A PEBBLE NICK. NOT A ROCK.”NHTSA complaint 11340229 — filed 07/19/2020 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
“I WENT INTO A STORE. WHEN I CAME OUT, THERE WAS A S SHAPED CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD, STARTING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. NO CARS…”NHTSA complaint 11339051 — filed 07/13/2020 · VISIBILITY/WIPER
Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.
Complaint trend by year filed
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Outback?
Visibility/wiper issues are the most-reported category, cited in 313 of 891 NHTSA complaints (35.1%), followed by electrical system (251), unspecified/other issues (150), visibility:windshield (64). Complaints are unverified owner reports.
How many complaints does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?
891 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 19 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, and 4 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.
Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have any recalls?
Yes — 6 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 20V766000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Has NHTSA acted on the 2020 Subaru Outback's reported problems?
1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.
Is a complaint proof of a defect?
No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.
About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.
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