2020 Subaru Outback body & structure problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Mar 17, 2025NYBody & Structure

   I have owned the 2020 Subaru Outback since December 2020. Staring in 2021 there have been problems with the lift gate not opening to where it now closes immediately after opening it. This occurs randomly and causes a dangerous situation where one never knows when it will happen. The car has been brought in for service four times over the last four years. Now, that it is out of warranty, and Royal Subaru, Cortland NY, charged us, two weeks ago, $170 to repair the…

   NHTSA complaint #11648691 · source
2. Filed Dec 1, 2024MNBody & StructureOther / Unknown

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11628153 · source
3. Filed Jul 2, 2024CABody & StructureElectrical System

   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 · source
4. Filed Feb 23, 202314,000 miFLBody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed, the trim on the front driver’s side door started to detach from vehicle. Several days later, the front passenger’s side door also experienced the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the trim on both doors were reattached; however, the failure returned on the front driver’s side door. The contact reached out to the manufacturer online and completed a survey. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11508783 · source
5. Filed May 8, 2022PABody & Structure

   I noticed a crack in my front windshield for no reason, it looked like it had come up from under the hood on the drivers side and bent over to the passenger side. I had not hit any construction debris etc. within 4 days of a full replacement my front windshield was shattered again! When the car was just sitting in the driveway. This crack spread out into three “legs” and got large and I had barely driven the car. I’ve owned lots of cars and I’ve never ever had a cracked…

   NHTSA complaint #11463787 · source
6. Filed Mar 15, 2022NHBody & StructureElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11456781 · source
7. Filed Jan 31, 2022WABody & Structure

   When opening the sun roof cover I heard a "PING" noise like a mouth harp or piece of metal being flicked. Took it into dealer and they found the roof reinforcements (Most likely Part Number: 53700AN03A9P) had come loose and detached from roof structure. They are waiting on Suburu to agree to re-attached it (been two weeks)

   NHTSA complaint #11449607 · source
8. Filed Dec 29, 202128,000 miCABody & StructureVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated on multiple occasions both the front passenger’s and driver’s side window had become stuck and would not close or open. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who diagnosed that the window regulators and window tracks were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 28,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11445481 · source
9. Filed Aug 16, 2021WABody & StructureElectrical System

   The Outback had a complete loss of power, cause still not identified. In the process of attempting to get to my portable power unit I discovered a significant safety concern that could result in the death of any rear seat passengers.If there is no electrical power there is NO MEANS OF UNLOCKING THE REAR PASSENGER DOORS. The mechanical door handles do NOT work. I checked the child safety locks and they were not engaged. In the event of an accident/ front end collision that…

   NHTSA complaint #11429369 · source
10. Filed Jun 21, 20217,500 miORTowedBody & StructureEngine

    The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 mph when multiple warning lights were illuminated and a "Stop Driving the Vehicle" message was displayed. The contact stated he was able to drive to a nearby gas station. The contact stated while inspecting under the hood, he noticed the drive belt was shredded. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed with needing the drive belt to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11421698 · source
11. Filed May 10, 202116,000 miVABody & Structure

    Sunroof glass exploded out while driving on highway at 70 mph. Happened at 7 a.m. 5/10/2021 in mechanicsville va. Nothing hit the vehicle and it was about 63 degrees outside. I haven't used the sunroof in weeks. It made no since. I googled and saw where this has been reported to have happened to them on their outback and some other vehicles too. I thankfully had the inside cover panel slid forward so none of the glass came down on me. I took the car back home but as i drove…

    NHTSA complaint #11415829 · source
12. Filed Apr 26, 20219,650 miTNBody & StructureOther / UnknownVisibility & Wipers

    A 12 inch crack in the windshield appeared after i heard a loud sharp sound. The vehicle was in motion traveling 55 mph on a four lane highway (briley parkway) in nashville, tennessee.

    NHTSA complaint #11414011 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology