Throttlebook

2020 Subaru Outback

The 2020 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 61/100. Expect about $39,684 to own it for five years, or $661 a month. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 906 complaints.

Recalls
6
Complaints
906
5-yr cost
$40k
MPG (EPA)
29
0
Fair
Ownership Score

Looking at a specific Outback?

Paste its VIN for the exact trim, recalls that may apply, and a Fits / Stretch / Not yet verdict for your budget. Free.

6 recalls may apply

For the 2020 Subaru Outback. NHTSA matches recalls by model and year — confirm by VIN.

  • What's wrong: 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.

    Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

    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.

Check recalls for this exact VIN at NHTSA

Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

Check title, accident & odometer history
Get a history report

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5-year cost to own

Estimated $13,250 price, 20% down, 11.19% APR for 60 months (Experian avg.), 12,000 mi/yr.

$39,684
$661/month · $0.66/mile
Depreciation$3,835
Insurance (national avg.)$12,000
Fuel / charging$6,930
Maintenance$7,590
Repairs$3,890
Loan interest$3,644
Taxes & fees$1,795

Estimate, not financial advice. How we calculate.

Owner complaints & safety

What real owners reported to NHTSA for this model year.

906 complaints19 involved a crash7 involved a fire
  • Visibility/Wiper313
  • Electrical System259
  • Unknown Or Other153
  • Visibility70
  • Power Train51
  • Engine50

Complaint counts scale with how many were sold; compare against similar models.

NHTSA crash-test stars
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover

Rated as: 2020 Subaru Outback SUV AWD

What to check on a used 2020 Subaru Outback

Ordered by what owners of this model year reported most. Reports are not proof of a defect.

  • Electrical and lights
    • Test every window, lock, light and wiper.
    • Watch for warning lights that stay on after start-up.
  • Engine and transmission
    • Cold start: listen for knocking, ticking or rough running.
    • Shifts should be smooth with no slipping or jerking.
  • Paperwork
    • Ask for service records and the title. Compare the VIN on the car, the paper and our report.
    • Check the odometer against the wear on the pedals and seat.

If anything in a safety area feels wrong (brakes, steering, airbags, tires), stop driving and get it inspected before you buy or drive it further. Paste a VIN above for the full printable checklist.

Common 2020 Subaru Outback problems

Cheaper alternatives

FAQ

Is the 2020 Subaru Outback a good car to buy?
The 2020 Subaru Outback earns a fair Throttlebook Ownership Score of 61/100. Expect about $39,684 to own it for five years, or $661 a month. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns that may apply, so check the exact VIN at nhtsa.gov before you buy. Owners have filed 906 complaints.
Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have recalls?
NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Outback, including Fuel System, Gasoline › Delivery › Fuel Pump; Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger; Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Pedals And Linkages. Recalls are matched by model year, so check your exact VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Outback problems?
Owners filed 906 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (313), electrical system (259), visibility (70), power train (51).
How much does a 2020 Subaru Outback cost to own for 5 years?
About $39,684 over 5 years ($661/month) at an estimated $13,250 purchase price and 12,000 miles a year, including depreciation, insurance, fuel, maintenance, repairs, loan interest and taxes. Run a VIN report to personalize it.

Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and NCAP ratings; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data refreshed weekly. Complaint counts scale with sales volume.