Problems · NHTSA complaints
2020 Subaru Outback problems
Owners filed 905 complaints about the 2020 Subaru Outback with NHTSA between Oct 2019 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is visibility/wiper (313).
Complaints
905
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
19
Reported by owners
Fires
7
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Visibility/wiper313
- Electrical system259
- Visibility70
- Engine50
- Power train50
- Forward collision avoidance49
- Structure22
- Lane departure20
- Air bags18
- Vehicle speed control18
- Exterior lighting16
- Service brakes15
- Steering14
- Fuel/propulsion system14
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
16
244
284
176
74
59
27
25
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 244 |
| 2021 | 284 |
| 2022 | 176 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 27 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Visibility/wiper
313 reports
“I am on my third windshield in les than a year. The tiniest pebble will crack the windshield, or sudden changes to weather has now caused a stress crack. Seems to be poor weight distribution on the design. There is extensive customer complaints on line with the same issue. Insurance will only cover two a year. There were no warnings of this issue when the car was purchased. This is an expensive hazard to keep having issues with. They need to do a recall on a fix.”
Electrical system
259 reports3 crashes
“9/20/26 my 2020 Subaru Outback experienced repeated electrical failures followed by loss of power-steering assistance. The underlying failed component is unknown. The vehicle is parked and available for inspection. While driving, the vehicle intermittently lurched/jerked as the center display went completely black and restarted and EyeSight repeatedly became unavailable and returned. After stopping for fuel, I attempted to restart the vehicle. It initially started and then became completely electrically unresponsive: no response from the push-button start and no accessory power. Electrical power unexpectedly returned after I opened the driver's door, and I was able to restart the vehicle. Later, while the engine was continuously running in a parking lot, the display repeatedly blacked out and restarted while EyeSight repeatedly became unavailable and returned. When I shifted into reverse, the vehicle began jerking and power-steering assistance failed. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and jerked in my hands, preventing me from properly completing the reverse maneuver. I shut the vehicle off and restarted it, which temporarily restored…”
Visibility
70 reports1 crash
“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the front passenger’s side mirror had started to detach from the vehicle without an impact to the vehicle, and the mirror had become inoperable. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 68,000.”
Engine
50 reports3 crashes3 fires
“Subaru dealer service tech reporting upper oil pan leak. The repair requires engine removal to gain access to the upper oil pan, which is a very costly repair. My concern, does the leaking oil get onto the hot exhaust system create a fire risk.”
Power train
50 reports2 crashes2 related recalls
“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] child, and all surrounding drivers at immediate risk of a catastrophic crash on a hazardous road with no warnings. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The complete failure of the rear differential was officially diagnosed, confirmed, and replaced by the service department at Shingle Springs Subaru. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The…”
Forward collision avoidance
49 reports4 crashes
“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 dealer where they cleared the error for free. Poor design that a loose gas cap could cause a collision due to lack of ADAS. Dealer said it is a known condition with all Subaru models.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.