Model year guide

2020 Subaru Outback

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2020 Subaru Outback is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 26 on record.

2020 Subaru Outback — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2020 Subaru Outback at a glance

Safety recalls6
Owner complaints889
Combined28 mpg
Typical price$30,614

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2020 Subaru Outback recalls 6

Back Over Prevention:display Function NHTSA Campaign #20V766000 · 10/12/2020

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 Vehi…

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.

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm) NHTSA Campaign #21V955000 · 09/12/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This reca…

Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump NHTSA Campaign #21V587000 · 29/07/2021

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Fix: Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:pedals And Linkages NHTSA Campaign #19V664000 · 18/09/2019

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt.

Fix: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this r…

Power Train:automatic Transmission:control Module (tcm/pcm/tecm) NHTSA Campaign #22V485000 · 08/07/2022

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped.

Fix: Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 202…

Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification:front Passenger NHTSA Campaign #24V227000 · 22/03/2024

Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.

Fix: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2020 Subaru Outback common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 889 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Forward Collision Avoidance
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Back Over Prevention
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Fuel/propulsion System
Check for fuel or battery warnings, hard starts and stalling. On a hybrid/EV, confirm charging and range behave normally.

2020 Subaru Outback MPG & running costs

Combined28 mpg
City25 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,225

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2020 Subaru Outback worth?

Low
$28,000
Typical price
$30,614
High
$34,795

From 23 comparable 2020 Subaru Outback listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Subaru Outback costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,125
Depreciation (5 yrs)$12,700
Total$23,825
Per mile$0.32

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($30,614) with the same model 5 model-years older ($17,894), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2020 Subaru Outback trims & engines on record

Trims
Limited+M/R+NAVI(HK) · Premium · Limited · Premium+M/R+NAVI · Touring+M/R+NAVI(HK)
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 182 hp · 2.4L 4-cyl 260 hp

2020 Subaru Outback vehicles on record

Other Subaru Outback model years

2020 Subaru Outback — frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 safety recalls for the 2020 Subaru Outback. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Outback?

Based on 889 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, forward collision avoidance, electrical system.

What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru Outback get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2020 Subaru Outback at about 28 mpg combined (25 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 2020 Subaru Outback worth?

Comparable 2020 Subaru Outback listings run roughly $28,000–$34,795, typically around $30,614 (from 23 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.