2020 Subaru Outback engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Aug 19, 202619,000 miMAEngine

   The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that on various occasions upon bringing the vehicle to a stop or upon acceleration the vehicle had experienced a total loss of automotive power, and all of the warning lights would remain illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it diagnosed and the contact was advised that the battery, and thermal valve were faulty and needed to be replaced. The battery had been replaced five times however the…

   NHTSA complaint #11757956 · source
2. Filed Jul 21, 2026NYEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionWheels & Tires

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11751812 · source
3. Filed Jul 10, 2026VAFireEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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;…

   NHTSA complaint #11749535 · source
4. Filed Mar 30, 2026NJEngine

   Vehicle: 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx/Limited/Touring XT (2.4L Turbo FA24) Component: Engine Lubrication / Oil Pan Sealant I am reporting a manufacturing defect involving the engine oil pan seal on the 2020 Subaru Outback 2.4L Turbo. Upon inspection of fluid accumulation at the transmission joint, a Subaru dealership diagnostic confirmed that the engine oil pan seal has failed. The dealership noted that engine oil is leaking and being forced rearward by airflow while the vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11728037 · source
5. Filed Nov 2, 2025CAFireEngineOther / Unknown

   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 · source
6. Filed Jul 13, 2025AZElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Car stalled in traffic. The engine was cranking but it would not start. Had AAA tow off the road and to my home. Car sat for 10 days waiting for a fuel pump (thought this was the problem). After sitting for 10 days the battery was totally dead! New fuel pump installed battery was jumped but could not start the car. After 2 hours on the charger the battery still did not have enough energy to turn over the engine. Car is in a certified service shop (Wilhelm). Battery replaced…

   NHTSA complaint #11673168 · source
7. Filed Aug 21, 202490,000 miMAEngine

   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 · source
8. Filed Jul 5, 2024NJBrakesEngine

   Hi: When I was driving yesterday, the engine warning light and brake warning light both turned on. The car was like frozen on the road cannot be moved no matter how to press the gas pedal. The police helped to call tow and move my car out of the road. The tow driver left my car at a flat parking lot. On the lot, when I tried to restart my car, the car started to shake side to side and up and down. I can feel some part is dislocated and one piece of heavy thing was swaying in…

   NHTSA complaint #11599179 · source
9. Filed Dec 15, 2023ILCrash1 injuredTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11560354 · source
10. Filed Dec 14, 2023OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    Thermo Control Valve assembly has failed resulting in loss of use for the following: Rear Automatic Brake, Eye Sight lane keeping, loss of heat in cabin and failure of coolant to circulate within engine possibly leading to engine failure, loss of cruise control and check engine light coming on. Reference TSB [XXX] . Without cabin heat vehicle is not useable in current cold temperatures (Currently 22 degrees Fahrenheit in Ohio on December 14, 2023). Dealer has confirmed part…

    NHTSA complaint #11560096 · source
11. Filed Dec 14, 2023PADriver Assistance & Safety TechEngine

    A well-known failure of the Thermal Control Valve (TCV) occurred, which disabled many or most of the safety features on the car in addition to crippling the heat output in the cabin. Additionally, depending on which way the valve sticks, it could overheat the car and ruin the engine, or worse. Car is under 4 years old and repair estimate is nearly $1900. There is a technical safety bulletin [XXX] that outlines a redesigned TCV. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF…

    NHTSA complaint #11560041 · source
12. Filed Oct 11, 2023VAEngine

    The factory 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon is built with a Thermo Control Valve that is, essentially, made out of a composite plastic. As this part is part of the engine cooling system, it is placed under both heat and pressure. While it controls the anti-freeze to the heater core in the passenger compartment, it is also attached under cover to metal fittings. While the car now has about 90,000 miles, this control valve cracked and began to leak anti-freeze on top of the engine.…

    NHTSA complaint #11549421 · 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