2020 Subaru Outback Problems & Owner Complaints

Visibility/Wiper 313

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11659737, 2025

“Windshield cracked from a rock chip. Within 1 day, the crack had expanded to 12 inches across the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11627386, 2024

“Problem component: exterior mirror on driver side It was raining, I was driving, I heard what sounded like a loud explosion by my driver side window. After the initial shock, I thought a tire had blown out, but car drove ok and no tire warning light came on. It was a rural road with no shoulder, only deep stormwater ditch along the roadside, so there was no place to safely pull over in traffic to assess what may have happened. I drove about 2-3 miles before I could pull over at a safe spot.There I saw that the back side of my driver side mirror had completely disappeared. Wires were expose…”
NHTSA complaint #11624532, 2024

Electrical System 257 3 crash

“I HAVE HAD THE CAR FOR ONLY THREE MONTHS, AND THE ENGINE HAS FAILED TO START >5 TIMES, WHILE STATIONARY. I HAVE HAD TO GET SEVERAL JUMP STARTS, AND THE BATTERY WILL RUN AGAIN FOR A FEW DAYS OR WEEKS BEFORE SEEMING TO DIE AGAIN. I TOOK THE CAR TO AN AUTOSHOP AND THEY SAID THE BATTERY SEEMED FINE TO THEM, BUT THE CAR CONTINUES TO HAVE FAILURES WITH STARTING THE ENGINE. I HAVE HAD SAFETY FEATURES DYSFUNCTION WHILE I WAS DRIVING, AND ONE OF THEM LED TO AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. I HAVE BEEN STRANDED A FEW TIMES, AND LOST HOURS FROM MY JOB.”
NHTSA complaint #11352997, 2020 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON APPROACHING HIS DRIVEWAY, THE CONTACT HAD DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL AND COMPLETELY STOPPED HIS VEHICLE. THE STOP START FEATURE ACTIVATED AUTOMATICALLY AND THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE TO CHECK HIS MAILBOX. UPON RETRIEVING HIS MAIL, THE CONTACT TURNED AROUND TO ENTER HIS VEHICLE AND THE VEHICLE WAS GONE. UPON LOOKING FOR HIS VEHICLE, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD INDEPENDENTLY DRIVEN 280 FEET AND HAD COLLIDED INTO A TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED UPON IMPACT. THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT WAS NOTIFIED BUT NO POLIC…”
NHTSA complaint #11350893, 2020 · crash

“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 WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF BEND (2060 NE HWY 20, BEND, OR 97701, (541) 389-3031) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY BEGAN AN IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11277145, 2019 · crash

Unknown Or Other 150 1 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“I EXPERIENCED TWO INCIDENTS WITH THE LIFT GATE ON MY 2020 OUTBACK LIMITED XT WHICH I BELIEVE TO BE SERIOUS SAFETY CONCERNS. THEY BOTH HAPPENED ON 11/23/2019. FIRST INCIDENT: THE CAR WAS IN AN INDOOR PARKING GARAGE, BACKED UP TO THE WALL WITH ABOUT 4 FT OF CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE CLOSED LIFT GATE AND THE WALL. I HAD JUST PUT MY 2-YEAR-OLD GRANDSON INTO HIS STROLLER, AND WE WERE BETWEEN THE REAR OF THE CAR AND THE WALL. AS I WAS WHEELING THE STROLLER AWAY FROM THE CAR, THE LIFT GATE AUTOMATICALLY OPENED AND PINNED THE STROLLER AGAINST THE WALL! I WAS NOT TOUCHING THE KEY FOB IN ANY WAY. THE…”
NHTSA complaint #11282381, 2019 · 1 injury(ies)

“Vehicle stalled out, stopped and promptly caught fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11747515, 2026 · fire

“A fire started under the hood of my car while I was driving. There were no warning lights on in my car and the temperature gauge was in the middle where it usually is. Earlier in the day, I smelled gas, but I thought it was a different car as the smell of gas went away after a car that had a lot of exhaust coming out was no longer in sight.”
NHTSA complaint #11697021, 2025 · fire

Visibility 70 1 crash

“THE FIRST ISSUE I NOTICE WAS BACK IN MAY, MY SUBARU ALMOST CAME TO A FULL COMPLETE BEFORE IT LEAP FROGGED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME, CAUSING ME TO REARED END THE CAR. THEN TODAY OCTOBER 11. I GOT INTO MY CAR, REMOVED MY WINDSHIELD SUNSHADE FROM MY CAR AT AROUND NOON. I HEARD A LOUD GLASS LIKE CRACK. I THEN SAW A HUGE CRACK FROM WHERE THE REAR VIEW MIRROR IS AND A LINE FROM TO TOP OF THE WINDSHIELD TO THE BOTTOM. JUST LIKE THAT. ITS 8 MONTHS OLD SUBARU WITH 5000 MILES ON IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11363847, 2020 · 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11635838, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in the garage, the contact became aware that there was a 12-inch-long crack on the windshield starting from the driver’s side of the windshield. The contact stated that there was no impact to the windshield that could have caused the windshield to crack. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 62,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11630375, 2024

Forward Collision Avoidance 49 4 crash

“I was parking my car slowly until it suddenly accelerated. I hit a wall and car got totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11725434, 2026 · crash

“The Subaru front camera incorrectly detected a hazard. The automatic braking system engaged and locked the steering. I skidded off the pavement, causing damage to the car. At the time of the accident, the blind sight warning lights flashed on the dash signaling that they were disabled. I was going very slow in a driveway. No personal damage just property damage and damage to the car. I have let the insurance company know about the issue and the collision center. I have had periodic instances where the warning signals of blind sight disabled have come on the vehicle. I informed Subaru…”
NHTSA complaint #11634070, 2024 · crash

“I was driving and car accelerated without warning. Hit partially open garage door, only stopped after hitting and damaging back wall of garage. Significant damage to car, items in the garage and garage wall. There was no warning whatsoever. As of yet the car has not been assessed as to the cause of the malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11545058, 2023 · crash

Engine 47 3 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“On 12/6/2023, as I slowly turned right into a parking space, my car suddenly surged forward and accelerated without my input to the gas pedal. The brakes did not work, and there was no resistance from the brake pedal when I repeated to push it. The car continued to accelerate for about 80 ft as I focused on steering to avoid hitting other cars parked in the lot. The car ran over a curb, up a grassy area, and crashed into a row of trees. The airbag did not deploy. I sustained neck muscle strain/whiplash, and bruises to my chest and right knee. My safety was at risk, as well as anyone or…”
NHTSA complaint #11560354, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Car fire, originating under the hood. Unknown if vehicle is available for inspection. Last reported by Insurance company to be at IAA; [XXX]; PH#: [XXX]. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Car fire began while in the car after moving through an intersection with a stop light. Four of us in the car, ages raging from [XXX] old. Fire quickly spread; however, we were able to exit the car without injury. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independ…”
NHTSA complaint #11749535, 2026 · fire

“A fire started under the hood of my car while I was driving. There were no warning lights on in my car and the temperature gauge was in the middle where it usually is. Earlier in the day, I smelled gas, but I thought it was a different car as the smell of gas went away after a car that had a lot of exhaust coming out was no longer in sight.”
NHTSA complaint #11697021, 2025 · fire

Power Train 45 2 crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after parked in the driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated into their home. No air bags had deployed. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries and no medical attention was needed. The home had been damaged. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who was not able to identify the cause of the failure at that time, however, they were going to run more diagnostic tests and inspections. The vehicle had not been repaired as of yet. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,4…”
NHTSA complaint #11516325, 2023 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while the driver was driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle was maneuvering to the right lane however, the vehicle flipped over landing on the roof. The air bags did deploy. The contact mentioned that the wheel mechanism and driveshaft fell out onto the right side of the vehicle. A police report was not filed. The contact stated that the driver did not sustain any injuries that needed medical attention. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The vehicle was damaged. The dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was n…”
NHTSA complaint #11440980, 2021 · crash

“My transmission has started to fail. The check engine light came on the error code read p0867, transmission fluid pressure. Other lights came on as well because it tripped the rest of the sensors because of the CVT failure. This seems to be a common problem in Subarus”
NHTSA complaint #11736752, 2026

Structure 21 1 injury

“2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO DEFECTIVE REAR LIFTGATE. *LD THE CONSUMER INADVERTENTLY ACTIVATED THE REAR LIFTGATE BECOMING TRAPPED BETWEEN THE LIFTGATE AND GARAGE DOOR UNTIL IT REACHED IT'S MAXIMUM OPEN CAPABILITY. THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED TWO CUTS BEHIND THE RIGHT EAR, SEVERE BRUISING AND SCRAPING ON THE ARM, NECK AND HEAD. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11349431, 2020 · 1 injury(ies)

“Defective windshields. The vehicle has been in my possession for 4 years. During these 4 years i've had 5 windshield replacements. 2 of which have been from rocks. 3 of which I have no idea what caused the damage, it seemingly happened out of nowhere while driving. This is well known (but not well dealt with) issue with Subaru vehicles with eyesight. People on multiple forums have the same issue, as do many people I know personally. Its a shame nothing has been done about this despite countless reports and complaints. This is a safety hazard.”
NHTSA complaint #11628153, 2024

“Rear trunk door won’t lock when closed and open up while driving. It’s unsafe as I have to constantly keep an eye in rear view mirror to see if door popped open by itself. Took to service station and they said it’s tied to battery and it is preventing door to close because trunk door takes power to open. I do not understand how trunk door locking close cannot be independent of battery. It is quite unsafe for vehicle occupants and poses danger to other vehicles driving behind.”
NHTSA complaint #11598286, 2024

Lane Departure 20 1 crash

“The Subaru front camera incorrectly detected a hazard. The automatic braking system engaged and locked the steering. I skidded off the pavement, causing damage to the car. At the time of the accident, the blind sight warning lights flashed on the dash signaling that they were disabled. I was going very slow in a driveway. No personal damage just property damage and damage to the car. I have let the insurance company know about the issue and the collision center. I have had periodic instances where the warning signals of blind sight disabled have come on the vehicle. I informed Subaru…”
NHTSA complaint #11634070, 2024 · crash

“After completing an OTA software update the screen would not load and entered continuous buffering disabling all environmental and safety functions.”
NHTSA complaint #11627582, 2024

“Electrical problems cause frequent battery replacement and for the battery to drain at an alarming rate. The car has to be jump-started to be used, and the car battery will drain immediately as soon as the drive is over( even if it's hours). There is/was a class action lawsuit against Subaru of America, as the action says that Subaru failed to recall the vehicles and fix the problem. I'm paying a note on a 28k car that I can't get out of the driveway without jump-starting the car, and if I stop to run in a store when I return, the vehicle will not start. It's completely unsafe and ridiculous.…”
NHTSA complaint #11496859, 2022

Air Bags 18 3 crash

“The contact owned a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 50 mph, a truck pulled into the roadway and struck the contact's vehicle however none of the airbags deploying. In addition, the lane keep assist system did not chime. No one was injured and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic where it was diagnosed as destroyed. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 12,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11426197, 2021 · crash

“ON DECEMBER 18,2020 I WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION. I WAS TRAVELING MAYBE 5-10 MILES AN HOUR THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT. AN AUTOMOBILE STRUCK ME PERPENDICULAR AT 30-40 MPH. THE IMPACT WAS ALMOST ENTIRELY TAKEN BY THE DRIVERS DOOR. THE SPEED WAS ACCORDING TO THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE AND WITNESSES. THE CAR WAS STRUCK SO VIOLENTLY THAT THE TIRES ON THE PASSENGER SIDE WERE SCUFFED ON THE SIDEWALL FROM THEM ROLLING UNDER THE CAR. I HIT MY HEAD ON THE DRIVERS WINDOW FROM THE IMPACT. I WAS WEARING MY SEATBELT. NO AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, NO SIDECURTAINS DEPLOYED. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYE…”
NHTSA complaint #11415079, 2020 · crash

“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 WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF BEND (2060 NE HWY 20, BEND, OR 97701, (541) 389-3031) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY BEGAN AN IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11277145, 2019 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 18 6 crash

“I was driving and car accelerated without warning. Hit partially open garage door, only stopped after hitting and damaging back wall of garage. Significant damage to car, items in the garage and garage wall. There was no warning whatsoever. As of yet the car has not been assessed as to the cause of the malfunction.”
NHTSA complaint #11545058, 2023 · crash

“I pulled into my driveway, came to a stop and planned to back up a short distance to be nearer the front walkway. Before I could shift into reverse the car started to accelerate forward. I slammed my foot onto the brakes which had no effect on the acceleration. The car stopped when the lower bumper hit and ran up onto a large boulder on the edge of the driveway. The car was partially wedged on the top of the boulder but I was able to back it off the boulder, park and turn off the car. I have scheduled an appointment with the service department on February 1st, at the dealership where I purchas…”
NHTSA complaint #11503961, 2023 · crash

“On April 13th 2022, me and my wife were returning home. We were at a complete stop on a left only turn intersection red light (Spring-Cypress Rd & Telge Rd in Cypress, TX. Coordinates: 29.985660988461188, -95.65465736615674). There was a vehicle ahead of us and also behind us at the light. It was raining lightly and the roads were wet. When the light turned green we started slowly accelerating making our left turn and as we were doing so, the vehicle skid causing uncontrolled acceleration, non-responsive braking and non responsive steering. I tried my very best to save us from running over the…”
NHTSA complaint #11462966, 2022 · crash

Exterior Lighting 16

“Automatic Braking system has almost caused a rear-end collision 5 times, because it thinks a shadow is an object. We’ve brought the car to the dealership but they told us twice that they can’t replicate the problem. That doesn’t change the issue. I don’t want to wait until we have a collision and have to go through physical therapy and repairs to address this. Front headlights are blinding other drivers causing them to flash their brights at us regularly on the freeway and local roads which then blinds us and causing us to slow down and break. The dealership say that the lights can be adjuste…”
NHTSA complaint #11556311, 2023

“On Dec. 20, 2022, my Outback totally stopped working while sitting at a red light, causing traffic to be forced to maneuver around my car. A kind policeman put out flares until the tow truck arrived. I could not shift into park, nothing electric would work, except the radio continued to play and the flashers worked until it all died. I could not turn the radio off and the seat would not adjust. The electronic screen flashed on and off until it went totally black, after about an hour. This vehicle only has about 21,000 miles on it and was under warranty until 3 weeks prior to the incident. Ever…”
NHTSA complaint #11502235, 2022

“my subaru has 12,ooo miles on it and in the past week has died on me. When you try to start the car and depress the brake, the brake locks and you cannot push it anymore, in addition, the battery does not turn over. On the first occasion, we tried to jump start the car but the battery read as normal activity and the car would not start after that. The car just started up for no apparent reason the following day. thankfully we were at home when this happened and we have a 2nd car. The second time, same thing with the brake when we tried to start car and no turnover with the battery but and t…”
NHTSA complaint #11449451, 2022

Service Brakes 15 4 crash 1 fire

“I had a fault/issue with the Electronic Parking Brake on my 2020 Subaru Outback that resulted in a vehicle fire. I had set the electronic parking brake, and received a warning light. I retracted the electronic parking brake and the warning light disappeared. I did this twice. The warning light stayed off. I drove the car and the passenger rear brakes caught on fire, damaging the brakes, the electronic parking brake motor, the brake caliper, the wheel bearing, the ABS sensor and all wiring to that wheel. I had the vehicle towed to the dealer. The dealer had the vehicle for over 2 months. In t…”
NHTSA complaint #11530400, 2023 · fire

“While in a Dairy Queen drive-up lane, I stepped on the brake pedal and it went right to the floor. The car did not stop, causing me to hit the car in front of me. When backing away from the car in front, the brakes again failed and I hit the car in back. I moved forward again , swiping the car in front again. The cars were merely feet apart and my car was thankfully moving very slowly. Had I been traveling at a higher rate of speed there could have been serious injuries. Car was taken to an Auto repair shop where the mechanic experienced the same problem with the brake pedal. He says the ped…”
NHTSA complaint #11666216, 2025 · crash

“On April 13th 2022, me and my wife were returning home. We were at a complete stop on a left only turn intersection red light (Spring-Cypress Rd & Telge Rd in Cypress, TX. Coordinates: 29.985660988461188, -95.65465736615674). There was a vehicle ahead of us and also behind us at the light. It was raining lightly and the roads were wet. When the light turned green we started slowly accelerating making our left turn and as we were doing so, the vehicle skid causing uncontrolled acceleration, non-responsive braking and non responsive steering. I tried my very best to save us from running over the…”
NHTSA complaint #11462966, 2022 · crash

Fuel/Propulsion System 14 2 crash 3 fire 1 injury

“On 12/6/2023, as I slowly turned right into a parking space, my car suddenly surged forward and accelerated without my input to the gas pedal. The brakes did not work, and there was no resistance from the brake pedal when I repeated to push it. The car continued to accelerate for about 80 ft as I focused on steering to avoid hitting other cars parked in the lot. The car ran over a curb, up a grassy area, and crashed into a row of trees. The airbag did not deploy. I sustained neck muscle strain/whiplash, and bruises to my chest and right knee. My safety was at risk, as well as anyone or…”
NHTSA complaint #11560354, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Car fire, originating under the hood. Unknown if vehicle is available for inspection. Last reported by Insurance company to be at IAA; [XXX]; PH#: [XXX]. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Car fire began while in the car after moving through an intersection with a stop light. Four of us in the car, ages raging from [XXX] old. Fire quickly spread; however, we were able to exit the car without injury. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independ…”
NHTSA complaint #11749535, 2026 · fire

“No warning lamps or messages. A driver in a pickup truck behind me came up close and signaled me to pull over. He got out of his truck, ran up to my window and yelled to me "get out of your car, it is on fire". I was completely unaware of any problem. I got out and could see fire coming from under the front of the car. We moved away and he called 911.”
NHTSA complaint #11718035, 2026 · fire

Steering 12 2 crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that their daughter was driving approximately 35 mph when the dashboard displayed that an electronic power steering failure had occurred. The driver then lost control of the vehicle and ended up going over a curb hitting some rocks on the landscaping. The air bags did not deploy due to only the undercarriage being the only part that hit the curb and rocks on the landscaping. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. A police report was filed. As a result, the transmission as well as other parts of the vehicle to be damaged. There were no…”
NHTSA complaint #11508669, 2023 · crash

“On April 13th 2022, me and my wife were returning home. We were at a complete stop on a left only turn intersection red light (Spring-Cypress Rd & Telge Rd in Cypress, TX. Coordinates: 29.985660988461188, -95.65465736615674). There was a vehicle ahead of us and also behind us at the light. It was raining lightly and the roads were wet. When the light turned green we started slowly accelerating making our left turn and as we were doing so, the vehicle skid causing uncontrolled acceleration, non-responsive braking and non responsive steering. I tried my very best to save us from running over the…”
NHTSA complaint #11462966, 2022 · crash

“Car lurches when put into gear, Transmission make loud chirping noise when place into gear from park, vehicle shudders when turning. Car has had all recalls updated. Symptoms have been reported to two different dealers. Dealer in Traverse City MI indicates this is "normal". Issue has continued since first noticed.”
NHTSA complaint #11557465, 2022

Back Over Prevention 10 2 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving in reverse the vehicle crashed into a metal dumpster causing severe damage to the rear end of the vehicle. During the incident, the audible backover prevention alert indicating that the vehicle was nearing an object did not activate causing the vehicle to be driven into the dumpster. During the incident, the front passenger sustained neck and back injuries that later required medical treatment. No police report was taken and the vehicle was driven from the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manuf…”
NHTSA complaint #11497048, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was parking my car slowly until it suddenly accelerated. I hit a wall and car got totaled.”
NHTSA complaint #11725434, 2026 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V227000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact stated that on a separate occasion, while reversing, the rearview camera displayed a distorted image, compromising the back-over prevention system. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, no cause for the failure was found…”
NHTSA complaint #11662773, 2024

Wheels 5

“The warning lights on our 2020 Subaru Outback have lit intermittently for the past 2 years. When bringing the vehicle into the dealer for service and oil changes, this was reported. Recently the TPMS light began to light intermittently. Tire pressure was checked and adjusted but the problem persisted. When we brought the vehicle in for service, it turned out that all tire pressure sensors needed to be replaced BUT the service techs identified other problems that surfaced JUST AS THE CAR WAS NOT COVERED BY WARRANTY - the most serious being an oil leak caused by FAILURE OF CAM CARRIER SEALS. Thi…”
NHTSA complaint #11751812, 2026

“Transmission is failing. Wheel bearing bad. This is a 5 year old car with regular maintenance. No warning lights.”
NHTSA complaint #11692235, 2025

“Vehicle had 45,000 miles on it when right rear wheel bearing failed. It was covered under 5 year/60,000 mile warranty and was repaired today by a certified Subaru dealer and I no longer have the bad part for inspection. Safety risks would be anything that occurs from a bad wheel bearing like wobble, seizing, overheating, and more damage to other drivetrain components. You could hear the wheel bearing noise at 20 mph constant while driving, only getting louder with increased speed. No warning lights were present on the dash. I feel like at 45,000 miles, a wheel bearing should not be failing.”
NHTSA complaint #11637528, 2025

Seats 4

“The driver’s power-seat lift motor failed intermittently, leaving the seat stuck in its lowest position. The component remains installed in the vehicle and is available for inspection. The seat could not be raised high enough for my wife to obtain adequate forward visibility, making the vehicle unsafe for her to drive. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Quantrell Subaru confirmed the lift motor failure. The technician tapped the motor, it worked briefly, and then failed again. It was inspected by an authorized Subaru dealer. It has n…”
NHTSA complaint #11752019, 2026

“I have a occupancy sensor error which has turned off the airbags on the passenger seat. I looked up the issue and found an open recall with Subaru regarding this issue. I spoke with multiple case managers to resolve the issue. They said they have reported the issue to NHTSA but it is not an active recall because they have yet to find a solution. So they have no responsibility to fix the issue at this time. They are unwilling to provide me with an alternate option than driving my car with the exact issue they issued the recall for.”
NHTSA complaint #11598077, 2024

“The driver’s side (front left) power seat adjust motor has lost the inside end cap of the worm drive control assembly. Only the outside left rail will move. Subaru will not sell the part to repair, they only will supply the entire lower seat assembly for $1000. .”
NHTSA complaint #11588218, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the thermo-control valve. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11609935, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to jerk and then stalled. The check engine warning light and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was unable to veer to the side of the road. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and continued driving; however, the failure reoccurred that same day. The contact veered to the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The contact was able to drive to her residence; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the Eng…”
NHTSA complaint #11482558, 2022

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the coolant needed to be replenished frequently. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer where a pressure test was performed however, the mechanic did not discover failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #11470855, 2020

Suspension 3

“This was December2023Clicking noise when turning. "Rear swaybar bushing replaced (have gap in them when loaded)" also replaced 2 front Axle/CV Boots. Said they were worn. Additionally today, 5/3/2024 got in my car and there is a crack in my windshield that occurred overnight. Crack comes from bottom corning on drivers side up about 12 inches.”
NHTSA complaint #11586755, 2024

“WHEN GOING OVER SMALL BUMPS THERE IS A CRACKING SOUND IN THE FRONT AND REAR SUSPENSION OR BRAKE AREA, IT DOES NOT HAPPEN WHEN GOING AT HIGH SPEEDS JUST SMALL BUMPS AND BRAKING.”
NHTSA complaint #11342057, 2020

“VEHICLE WAS BOUGHT IN NOV. 2019. IT HAS SINCE HAD IT'S WINDSHIELD REPLACED THREE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS ON THE FREEWAY EACH TIME AND THE WINDSHIELD WAS HIT BY A ROCK. NOW I KNOW ROCKS BREAK GLASS, BUT I HAVE NEVER OWNED A VEHICLE WITH SUCH A FRAGILE WINDSHIELD. I'VE OWNED MANY MANY CARS AND NONE HAVE EVER NEEDED THEIR WINDSHIELD REPLACED EVEN AFTER BEING HIT BY A ROCK. CHIPPED YES, BUT NEVER CRACKED ALL THE WAY ACROSS LIKE THIS VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A POPPING NOISE THAT COMES FROM THE LEFT FRONT, WHEN TURNING LEFT. THE DEALER CAN'T FIGURE OUT WHAT THE NOISE IS.”
NHTSA complaint #11324916, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2

“FRONT WINDSHIELD CRACKED HALFWAY ACROSS THE GLASS AFTER A PEBBLE KICKED UP WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. THE CRACK SPIDERED OUT ON ITS OWN ACROSS THE ENTIRE FRONT WINDSHIELD WITHIN FIVE HOURS. CAMERA ON WINDSHIELD NOW HAS TO BE RECALIBRATED OTHERWISE WILL NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY.”
NHTSA complaint #11320099, 2020

“THE CAR HAS A FAULTY ELECTRONIC SYSTEM THAT CONTROLS THE STABILITY AND THE ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL. TRANSMISSION ALSO NEEDS REPLACEMENT. PROBLEMS HAPPEN AT HIGH SPEED ON FREEWAYS. DOCUMENTED THE PROBLEM WITH VARIOUS YOUTUBE FOOTAGE AS FOLLOWS: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=OXOJDP_T9LI HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=77WURJDTVZK HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=LGQL63LDQVI&T=10S HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=0ACRLYXYHQI&T=11S”
NHTSA complaint #11319969, 2020

Latches/Locks/Linkages 2

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the battery would drain with the engine off. The contact had to jump start the vehicle to resume normal operation. The contact also stated that the tailgate would independently open while driving due to a defective latch. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where they could not determine the cause of the battery failure; however, the tailgate latch was replaced. Despite the visit to the dealer, the failures persisted. The manufacturer had been notified of the failure and offered to provide a cash incentive towards anothe…”
NHTSA complaint #11456781, 2021

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU OUTBACK. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED OUT OF PARK INTO GEAR, THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR DOORS LOCKED WHILE THE REAR HATCH UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WITH THE REAR HATCH UNLOCKED THE DOME LIGHT MADE IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE WHILE DRIVING AT NIGHT. W&L SUBARU (535 POINT TOWNSHIP DR, NORTHUMBERLAND, PA 17857 (570) 473-3432) WAS UNABLE TO FIX THE VEHICLE. THE REAR HATCH MECHANISM WAS REPLACED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,900. Consumer stated…”
NHTSA complaint #11360268, 2020

Equipment 1

“The touch screen control panel randomly crashes and reboots, disables safety features while being rebooted. Happening every other day.”
NHTSA complaint #11443704, 2021

Firerelated 1 1 fire

“The contact owned a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while coming to a complete stop at a red light, an abnormally loud noise was heard coming from the vehicle, and then black smoke came from underneath the driver's side hood. Additionally, a fuel odor was detected while driving. No warning light was illuminated. The contact parked and exited the vehicle with two minor passengers while flames erupted from the engine compartment. No injuries were sustained, and no medical attention was received. The fire department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire. A fire department re…”
NHTSA complaint #11532050, 2023 · fire

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving approximately 25 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stopped in the middle of the road. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact engaged the hazard lights; the police arrived on the scene and helped to move the vehicle safely to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty fuel pump. The fuel pump was replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11472503, 2022

Parking Brake 1 1 crash

“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 WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SUBARU OF BEND (2060 NE HWY 20, BEND, OR 97701, (541) 389-3031) WHERE IT WAS CURRENTLY BEING DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY BEGAN AN IN…”
NHTSA complaint #11277145, 2019 · crash

Seat Belts 1

“THIS IS NOT AGAINST SUBARU IT IS AGAINST DOHCLO COMPANY. I PURCHASED AN AFTER MARKET SEATBELT EXTENDER. IT IS DEFECTIVE AND WILL NOT SECURE THE SEATBELT TO RESTRAINT YOU IN AN ACCIDENT THAT COULD RESULT IN EJECTION FROM THE VEHICLE DURING AN ACCIDENT. I CONTACTED THE COMPANY AND THEY ARE REFUSING TO ASSIST. I WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF OTHER PEOPLE THAT MAY USE THE ITEM WITHOUT CHECKING THAT IT IS SECURED PROPERLY. I FEEL THAT A RECALL SHOULD BE STARTED. I HAVE PHOTOS, THE PRODUCT AND COPIES OF ALL MY EMAILS REGARDING THIS.*DT*DT*AS*DT *TR*DT”
NHTSA complaint #11361456, 2020