2020 Subaru Outback parts and specs

What changed for the 2020 Subaru Outback

• 2020Generation launch on the Subaru Global Platform; direct-injected FB25D replaces the port-injected FB25; 3.6R/EZ36 discontinued; EyeSight standard

Known problems with the 2020 Subaru Outback

6 of the 6 issues we track for the 2020–2025 generation are documented against the 2020 model year, and 5 carry a recall or service bulletin.

• Brake pedal mounting bracket bolt (recall)

  majorNHTSA 19V-664 (Subaru campaign WUL-97)

  On certain early-production 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles, the brake pedal mounting bracket has a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt, which can let the pedal mounting area deform and reduce braking performance. Subaru recalled the affected VINs; dealers inspect and tighten or replace the hardware free of charge.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Front passenger airbag sensor short circuit (recall)

  majorNHTSA 24V-227

  A capacitor in the front passenger occupant-detection sensor can short-circuit, which can prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying in a crash. Subaru recalled about 118,723 2020–2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles; dealers replace the sensor free of charge.

  Typical cost: Free under recall

• Spontaneous windshield cracking (class action settlement)

  moderatePowell v. Subaru of America, Inc.

  As with the prior generation, owners of 2020–2022 Legacy and Outback (and 2019–2022 Ascent/Forester) reported windshields cracking or chipping with no apparent impact. A class action (Powell v. Subaru of America, Inc.) settled with an extended warranty for qualifying windshield claims experienced on or after the settlement's notice date, plus reimbursement options for prior repairs.

  Typical cost: Covered under the settlement's extended warranty for qualifying cracks; $400–$1,200+ out of pocket including ADAS/EyeSight camera recalibration

• Parasitic battery drain (ongoing litigation)

  moderateTaylor, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., No. 2:26-cv-4935 (D.N.J.), pending as of 2026

  Owners report the 12V battery draining dead after the car sits for a day or two, often traced to a control module failing to enter its low-power sleep state. The earlier 2015–2020 settlement (see BS generation) covers 2020 model-year Outbacks; a newer proposed class action (Taylor, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., filed May 2026) alleges the same defect persists across 2019–2025 Subaru vehicles and is still working through the courts as of this writing. It is not yet a settled claim.

  Typical cost: $0–$300 for a battery swap that often doesn't fix the underlying drain; monitor for a resolved recall/settlement

• CVT chain slip / shudder carried into early production

  moderateSubaru CVT customer support program (10-yr/100k extension)

  Some 2019–2020 model-year vehicles (built on the tail end of the outgoing platform's CVT hardware) exhibit the same shudder/hesitation symptoms as the prior generation. Subaru's 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty extension applies to many of these VINs. Check eligibility with Subaru before paying for a CVT repair out of pocket.

  Typical cost: Free if within the CVT warranty extension; $3,500–$6,000 for a CVT replacement otherwise

• Starlink infotainment glitches and backup camera delay

  minor

  The 11.6-in (or 6.5/8-in on base trims) touchscreen occasionally freezes, reboots, or shows a delayed backup camera feed. Software updates resolve most cases; persistent issues need a head unit reflash or replacement at the dealer.

  Typical cost: $0 (software update) to $1,500+ (head unit replacement)

Full detail, costs and sources on the Subaru Outback problems and years to avoid guide.