First year of the redesign brought new glitches
The 2020 Outback kept the battery and windshield problems and added first-year bugs, including a backup camera recall and transmission control recalls. Complaints run at close to the 2019 level. If you like the new body style, look for a 2021 or later instead.
Updated November 2026 · based on 906 owner complaints and 6 recalls
591 1.6x the Outback average
6 free to fix at a dealer
Every Outback year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2020 Outback
Top problems and what they cost
Cracked windshield
The most common complaint, again often with no impact.
Fix: Windshield plus calibration $800 to $1,500.
Visibility
Dead battery
Battery drains when parked, especially on short-trip cars.
Fix: Battery $180 to $280 and software update.
Electrical
Backup camera and screen faults
The rear camera image can fail to show, which led to a recall.
Fix: Recall software update, free.
Backup camera
Recalls
The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2020 Subaru Outback
- Confirm recalls 20V766, 21V955, 22V485 and 21V587 show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2020 Outback has 6 recalls on record, listed below.
- Shift into reverse several times and make sure the camera comes on each time.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.51 of the 906 owner complaints about the 2020 Outback involve the transmission and drivetrain (6%).
- Check the windshield for cracks and chips.Windshields on some of these cars crack easily. On cars with camera safety systems, a new windshield also needs the cameras recalibrated, which can cost $800 to $1,500.Owners filed 302 complaints about windshield cracking on the 2020 Outback, one of the worst years for it.
- Ask about battery replacements.Many electrical glitches on these cars trace back to a weak 12-volt battery or a failing alternator. A battery older than about four years is worth replacing.Owners filed 138 complaints about battery keeps dying on the 2020 Outback.
Questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?
First year of the redesign brought new glitches. The 2020 Outback kept the battery and windshield problems and added first-year bugs, including a backup camera recall and transmission control recalls. Complaints run at close to the 2019 level. If you like the new body style, look for a 2021 or later instead.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Outback have?
6 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Outback problems?
Cracked windshield; Dead battery; Backup camera and screen faults.
Crash rating shown for the 2020 Subaru Outback SUV AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.