The 2020 Subaru Outback is a suv from Japan. Below are the specifications, open safety recalls and NHTSA data available for this specific model year. Decode a 2020 Outback VIN to see the exact trim, engine and equipment for one particular vehicle.
Value calculator
Move the slider: the estimate applies the observed one-year depreciation rate for this model line (16.3%/year) to the value you enter. It updates instantly, right here.
Estimated value
$0
Buy window: across this model line, the yearly price drop visibly flattens around 9 years of age — the observed point where each extra year of ownership costs the least in depreciation.
Source: Craigslist U.S. used listings (2020-2021 snapshot) + Car Features & MSRP dataset. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and the snapshot was taken in 2020–2021 — pair the estimate with live listings for your area before pricing a car.
Overview
The Subaru Outback is a suv sold in the U.S. market. Enter its 17-character VIN below to pull the exact build from NHTSA vPIC: model year, trim, engine, drivetrain and assembly plant, plus any open safety recalls filed for that model year.
Specifications at a glance
Basic build info
Model year
2020
Make
Subaru
Model
Outback
Body
SUV
Country of origin
Japan
Model-year-exact trim, engine and equipment vary by VIN. Decode the specific VIN above to confirm.
NHTSA safety ratings
★★★★★
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal
★★★★★
Side
★★★★☆
Rollover
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Real-world pricing & specs — 2020 Subaru Outback
Used-market medians (U.S. listings)
U.S. used-market listings for the 2020 Outback (Craigslist, 2020–2021 snapshot) cluster around a median asking price of $31,200 at roughly 6,610 miles, based on 32 listings. Asking prices run above negotiated sale prices, and values have moved since the snapshot — pair with live listings for your area.
Used median price
$31,200
Median mileage
6,610
Sample: 32 listings
Median of real U.S. Craigslist asking prices for this model year; asking prices skew above negotiated sale prices. Snapshot taken 2020-2021.
Median used price by state — 2020 Outback
States with the most listings for this model year (Craigslist 2020–2021 snapshot; only states with enough listings to quote):
Source: Craigslist used listings (2020–2021 snapshot). Regional variation reflects local supply and demand, not vehicle condition.
NHTSA safety recalls — 2020 Subaru Outback
6
open recall campaigns on file with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Repairs are free at any authorized Subaru dealer (within 10 years of first sale). See all recalls →
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION
Campaign: 20V766000 · Filed: 10/12/2020
Defect description: 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 Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
Corrective action: 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)
Campaign: 21V955000 · Filed: 09/12/2021
Defect description: 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.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective action: 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 recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
Campaign: 21V587000 · Filed: 29/07/2021
Defect description: 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.
Consequence: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective action: 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
Campaign: 19V664000 · Filed: 18/09/2019
Defect description: 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.
Consequence: A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash.
Corrective action: 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 recall is WUL-97.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Campaign: 22V485000 · Filed: 08/07/2022
Defect description: 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.
Consequence: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Corrective action: 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, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
Source: NHTSA Recalls API. Snapshot last checked: October 19, 2026. Recall status changes — verify by VIN for any vehicle you own or plan to buy.
Common problems to check on this generation
Wear items (brakes, suspension bushings, tires) at a rate set by mileage and prior care
Electronics and infotainment faults reported on some model years
Any open recall: verify by VIN, since repairs are free at the dealer
Applies to the model line as a whole; the 2020 model year may have specific TSBs, always verify by VIN.
Owner-reported problems — 2020 Outback
899
owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this year/make/model. Complaints are self-reported by owners and are separate from formal recalls.
Most-reported problem areas:
VISIBILITY/WIPER — 272 reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — 191 reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 100 reports
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — 12/30/2021
The TomTom navigation system quits unexpectedly while driving and if the Adaptive Cruise Control is on it will stop working and the car will begin to slow down. The computer screen will go black and then a message will come on saying the Navigation System is starting. The system will then reboot. This has been reported to Subaru and Subaru tried to replicate the problem at the dealership, but they were unsuccessful. Subaru Corporate has acknowledged the problem, but offers no solution. Safety wa
UNKNOWN OR OTHER — 12/30/2020
WINDSHIELD SPONTANEOUSLY CRACKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. NO IMPACT, JUST CRACKED AS I WAS DRIVING OUT OF MY NEIGHBORHOOD (ABOUT 10MPH).
VISIBILITY/WIPER — 12/30/2020
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A ~12" CRACK VERTICAL CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND STATIONARY WHEN THE WINDSHIELD CRACKED. NO KNOWN PEBBLE, ROCK, OR DEBRIS WAS KNOWN TO HAVE STUCK THE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS A RELATIVELY LOUD "POP" SOUND AND THE CRACK APPEARED IN THE WINDSHIELD. THE CRACK EXTENDS FROM ABOUT HALFWAY UP THE WINDSHIELD DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE BLACK SECTION OF GLASS THAT SUPPORTS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS (VISIBLE BUT LESS OBVIOUS IN THE PHOTO THAN THE CRACK THROUGH THE T
Ask a specific question about this year and model. Our editors review every submission and publish answers with sources on this page — typical response time is 2-5 business days.
Related guides for 2020 Subaru Outback owners & buyers
The 2020 Outback is a SUV. Decode a specific VIN above for the exact trim, engine, transmission and factory options for one particular vehicle.
Are there recalls on the 2020 Outback?
Yes — 6 recalls on record. Repairs are free at any authorized dealer.
Is the 2020 Subaru Outback reliable?
How long a used Subaru Outback lasts depends mostly on its maintenance history, not the badge. Pull the recall list for the model year, read the service records and pay for an independent inspection before you commit.
Values vary by trim, mileage, condition and region. Check Kelley Blue Book, Edmunds and NADA/J.D. Power for a range, see our guide comparing them — and pair with 5–10 local listings for your exact year and mileage.
What common problems should I watch for on a 2020 Outback?
Segment-wide issues like brake and suspension wear are the norm at this age; model-specific issues vary by generation. Review the "common problems" section above, check NHTSA complaints and TSBs for the specific year, and get an independent inspection focused on those areas.
Sources on this page:NHTSA vPIC (specifications),
NHTSA Recalls,
NHTSA NCAP (safety),
EPA FuelEconomy.gov (MPG),
NHTSA Complaints, SAE J2012 (OBD-II standard). VinSpecs is an independent service, not affiliated with Subaru or any government agency.
