Page 9 of 19 · complaints 401–450 of 904

2020 Subaru Outback complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2020 record →

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Oct 20, 2021FL

The Automatic Emergency Braking System engaged while driving at 20 MPH in my community's private roads. After it came to a screeching halt, I had to put the car in Park and then in Drive so I could proceed the half mile to my house. If this had happened while driving @ 70 MPH on I 95, I AM CONFIDENT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN AN ACCIDENT. I am now afraid to drive my car. I wonder if and when it is going to happen again unexpectedly. Very dangerous situation.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 19, 2021FL

Second spontaneous windshield crack

Power Train
Filed Oct 19, 2021FL

3 months ago the 2020 Subaru outback required a rebuild of the transmission at about 50K miles. I was told it was due to uneven wear on the tires. They would not fix it until I replaced all 4 tires costing $600 which I did. They fixed the transmission and now it is not working again, the same problem slipping of the transmission.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Oct 15, 2021CO

Random crack started on windshield from bottom middle lower area and quickly spread to drivers side. No rock chip or cause

Engine
Filed Oct 13, 202123,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while enter a freeway the speed suddenly reduced to approximately 15 MPH. The vehicle failed to exceed 15 MPH. Additionally, the vehicle lurched forward and would not immediately stop while depressing the brake pedal. During the failure several warning lights had illuminated including the check engine, brakes, and stability control. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who reprogrammed the computer however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 23,000.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2021CA

This is a new car and recently seemed to be having some mid software issues. However, when I went to start it this morning, it is completely dead with no battery power. It has been driven less than 12k miles and should not encounter this issues. I am aware there is a class action lawsuit related to faulty electrical systems in a range of years of this Subaru and I want to note this issue

Electrical System
Filed Oct 11, 2021AR

Issue started at 8,000 miles. Dealership blames my driving habits (about 15 miles a day for the most part, with more on the weekends) and states there are no issues with the battery. Walmart. Autozone, etc. tests indicate faulty battery. I've been stranded countelss times until I purchased a portable starter. Before a software update that allowed me to disable the auto start/off function, I got stranded a few times in the middle of the road, having to get out in moving traffic to jump the car.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 7, 2021LA

While driving down interstate, windshield must have made contact with rock or other foreign object at mid/low left side of glass. I say must have because object too small to create any noticeable sound at impact. Within minutes, large linear crack appeared extending slightly farther than midline. This is the 2nd incident of this type creating damage to the windshield of this vehicle. Another previous incident occurred with front passenger window. In all 3 incidents, damage far exceeds what would be expected given size of initial impact area.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 7, 2021LA

Noted to have large vertical crack in front passenger window while driving. Appears area of impact approximately size of #2 mechanical pencil lead point. No sound from impact noticeable. Resulting damage: large vertical crack extending the entire span of passenger window. Vehicle less than 1 year old at time. This vehicle has had 2 other grossly exaggerated glass incidents of this type (to the windshield). In all 3 incidents, damage far exceeds what would be expected given size of initial impact area.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 7, 2021WA

The battery on my outback keeps draining. I’ve had the car for about 2 years and we are on out third battery.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 4, 2021NY

Shortly after purchasing the car in 2019 the battery died and the car was unable to be jumpstarted. It was towed to the dealership and the battery was replaced. It happened again in 2021 and the battery was replaced again. Then, when driving the car in October 2021 the car completely died at a stop light and was unable to turn on, turn on hazard lights or even put in park for 5 minutes, where it then started again. The car is very dangerous.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 29, 2021IL

Windshield developed enlarging cracks; was worried the windshield would implode; independent service center examined and replaced; drove down ~1/4 mile winding dirt road to church meeting site in wooded area; after arrival I lowered driver front side window slightly to allow fresh air in car on warm day; did not notice any crack/breakage in windshield; upon starting the car when ready to return (~5 hours later) immediately noticed 2 cracks in windshield on driver side both about 6-8 inches above bottom; another smaller crack on far left side looked like impact; got out and could find nothing on car or ground around that would account for the breakage; both non-impact cracks grew an inch or two wider as I drove home

Electrical System
Filed Sep 27, 2021NY

About 10 months ago, right after purchasing the vehicle, after only 12hrs of using it, the battery went completely dead and I had to call Road Side assistance and I was late for work. I thought it was just a glitch. Two months ago the same thing happened, missing another time at work. Last week after being away for month for work, upon return, the battery was yet dead again. We jumped started it and let it charge completely. Two days later, my wife was stranded in the middle of the night because the battery was dead again.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 27, 2021TX

The Front windshield cracked for no reason, no visible dmg from small object but a large crack originating from the side of the front wind shield appeared.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 27, 2021WV

Drove vehicle over a small bump in the road while driving less than 5 mph and a crack appeared on right center edge of windshield of approximately 3 inches ... Within 15 minutes the crack extended to across almost half the windshield. Vehicle has 11500 miles. When we notified Subaru, they stated it would not be covered under warranty.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 26, 2021CT

I purchased the car new in the fall of 2020. In May, the vehicle did not start and the battery had to be jumped in order to get it running. I purchased a portable battery charger to keep in the car so that I would not be stranded again. Over the summer there were numerous times where the car would not start and I had to jump it………I became an expert. Recently, it got to the point where I was jump starting it on a daily basis! The Subaru dealership in a Norwalk, CT. replaced the battery under warranty last week. The car has about 5k miles on it. It is my understanding that multiple Subaru Outback owners have had similar battery issues that have required early replacement. Thank you!

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 25, 2021KS

We purchased a 2020 Subaru Outback on August 20, 2021. On September 20, 2021, the car was driven to work, there was no crack in the windshield, the car sat in a parking lot for approximately 8 hours; upon getting in the car after work a crack was noted on the lower portion of the windshield and was going across the middle of the windshield (approximately 3 inches up from the bottom and approximately 14 inches horizontal). There was no apparent reason for this crack.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 21, 2021TX

Got into the car on Thursday, September 16th and there was a spiderwebbing crack in the lower center of the windshield. The car was parked the previous night with no crack and no incident of anything striking the windshield the previous day

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 21, 2021TX

Windshield cracked for no apparent reason. Crack initiated at the top of the windshield and formed a curve to turn horizontal. Total length of crack approx. 18 inches.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 21, 2021TX

Lane Departure feature malfunction at higher speeds: will reactivate a few seconds after physically deactivating the control; spontaneously activates and inactivates or activates on one side only - pulls aggressively to one side or the other, even though vehicle is centered in highway. Will not stay inactivated but fluctuates on/off. It is dangerous and causes fatigue in wrestling with the steering.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 20, 2021WA

I heard a pebble tap the windshield and I immediately saw a crack from the passenger side to the middle of the windshield. I just had the windshield replaced on 6 Aug 2021. It costs $600 just to calibrate the cameras. Then the cost of replacing the windshield. This isn't right. I've had plenty of vehicles and this is the worst windshield I have seen. The windshield didn't last 1600 miles. And this is the first time I have been back on the interstate since getting the windshield replaced in August. I am not happy and I think this is a safety hazard.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 19, 2021WY

Windshield crack

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 14, 2021CA

Crack windshield The windshield just crack during driving on the freeway.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Sep 13, 202110,000 milesOH

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound on the front windshield. The contact continued to drive but within an hour a crack had formed in the middle of the windshield. The contact took the vehicle to a local dealer where a glass company replaced the windshield. The contact stated several months later a small stone struck the base of the front shield and a huge crack developed from the bass to the center of the windshield. The contact took the vehicle back to the same dealer where the windshield was previously replaced, and the windshield was replaced a second time. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 10, 2021NY

BATTERY WAS COMPLETED DEAD AFTER SITTING FOR 2 WEEKS IN MY GARAGE. THE SUBARU 24 HOUR ROAD SIDE ASSISTANCE CAME AND JUMPED THE CAR, AND TOLD ME TO DRIVE IT FOR 15 MINUTES. ONCE I TURNED OFF THE CAR, DID MY ERRANDS, AND RETURNED, THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO MY DEALERSHIP AND SUBARU REPLACED THE ENTIRE BATTERY. THIS CAR IS ONLY 15 MONTHS OLD WITH 3200 MILES ON IT. I WAS TOLD THAT I WASN'T "DRIVING IT ENOUGH" -- BUT WITH THE PANDEMIC, WHERE WOULD I BE DRIVING? SHOULD A CAR THAT IS SO NEW EXPERIENCE THESE KINDS OF PROBLEMS ALREADY?

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 10, 2021CO

The car has had 3 windshields already replaced and the current windshield is broken and will need to be replaced. The car only had 9,800 miles on it. Afraid the visibility is greatly impacted. Several dealers have indicated that there are problems with the strength of the windshield on this auto/model. And the manufacturer has also implied that there may be issues. I am getting the dealership to inspect the windshield tomorrow (9/11/2021). I have not received any prior notification of windshield issues prior to current breakage. I first discovered the defective nature of the windshield on 9/9/2021. I have contacted independent repair shops to verify that this is not a sole incident and has occurred many times same makes and model.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 9, 2021AZ

On Saturday 09/04/2021, when I got into my car to drive I noticed that my windshield had a huge crack in it. I could not see any visible rock cracks and my car was parked overnight. This windshield needs to be replaced soon because the crack is getting bigger every day even though I’m not even driving. I looked up what the problem could be and noticed there was a lawsuit against Subaru for their windshields that just cracks with no reason. I was then referred to report my car as well.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed Sep 9, 2021WI

Windshield cracked causing a problem with "Front Eyesight Collision" Right side does not see Large Vehicles in Right Lane. Left side works fine.

Electrical System
Filed Sep 8, 2021WA

VIN [XXX] there is a problem with the electrical system. The auto will not keep the battery charged sufficiently to start the car reliably. The battery has enough power to illuminate the control panel of the vehicle, but it will not start the engine. Overnight, he battery drains to a point that it will not turn the engine over. The dealer had the car for about five hours to diagnose the cause of the discharge. They found no trouble with the electrical system and said the battery and alternator functioned normally. The dealer found no adverse electrical leaks causing the battery to discharge overnight. The dealer suggested that we weren't driving the vehicle enough. They sold and installed a trickle charge device to alleviate the problem. The trickle charger has not helped. Safety concerns: we have to jump start the car EVERY day. We have to remember to disable the auto stop/start option to prevent the car from shutting the engine off during idle while waiting for a stop light to change. On numerous occasions we must exit the vehicle, attach a jump start battery pack to the car's battery and start it as traffic is whizzing by. We have been in remote areas where mobile/cell service is unavailable to call for help and only because we have the jump start battery pack are we able to start the the car. The dealer was unable to reproduce or verify the trouble. They were only able to state there was no problem found. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else. No warning of an

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 7, 2021NJ

Before driving I noticed a thin crack in the driver side lower part of windshield without hitting anything. - This is presumed to occur spontaneously. Consumer stated it is not a crack but a hard to remove substance and would like to remove the report.*JB

Air Bags
Filed Sep 6, 2021MO

The airbag light came on in my 2020 Subaru Outback in May 2021. I’ve had the vehicle to Reliable Subaru service department four times for repair and each time they were unable to repair the airbag system. The front passenger seat reacts like someone is in the seat even when it is empty. The problem is if a child is in the seat, the airbag will deploy most likely in an impact. The car is available for inspection at anytime.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Sep 6, 2021NC

Without warning or repeatable cause the "infotainment" system will reboot causing the Bluetooth, LKAS, forward watching camera, emergency braking, and RAB to also stop working and reboot. This problem has occurred numerous times over the past several months. It happens without any predictability and I have not been able to find a common factor that triggers it. In May it happened once on a 4 hour drive west, but on the return trip it happened 4 times in a 2 hour window. The problem did not occur again until the first week of June and happened multiple times over a 3 day period. The software for the car has been recalled and reinstalled twice and the problem still occurs without warning or explanation. I have reported the issue in mid-August to Subaru's customer service and was told "a software update" was 2 weeks away. I do not believe this report from their customer service because no other documentation was provided other than a call back. I followed-up with a call back and an email to Subaru asking for more details for which I have not gotten an answer. The incidence of it happening on Aug 20, 2021 occurred as I was entering into traffic from Baggage Road to Hwy 220 South in Rockingham County, NC. The system rebooted as I was entering traffic and created a distraction at a crucial moment I was crossing 4 lanes to turn left to proceed south on Hwy 220. Presently the system's issues seem to be limited to a reboot of Bluetooth, radio and all safety related systems. If the sys

Electrical System
Filed Sep 3, 2021PA

The battery has drained 6 times: there are no lights on or doors open, etc. I have been stranded, alone. The car has under 8000 miles. It doesn't matter what distance I drive. The first time was the day after a 200 mike trip, daytime. Next morning, dead battery. Other times, it was a trip to the store, 15 Mike's, when I came out after an hour, battery was dead. There is no pattern, I cannot rely on this car.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Sep 2, 2021GA

Windshield developed crack from lower edge 10 inches long with no indication of any damage.

Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection
Filed Sep 1, 2021TX

When passing semi’s on highway they are not detected by the blind spot detection (the light on the mirror does not turn on). It does not pick up the semi even when I am only halfway passed the semi. The blind spot detection does work when passing cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles on the highway. I reported this issue to the dealer (CleoBay Subaru, Killeen,TX). They tested the vehicle and told me they did not experience any issues. I immediately left the dealership and went out on the highway and still experienced the same issue. I believe this is a significant safety issue. Thank you for you time

Electrical System
Filed Aug 31, 2021NY

Auto is mainly garaged since purchase 1-1/2 years ago. Battery went totally dead and car became inoperable in 2020 after non-use for approx. 4 weeks, requiring lengthy re-charge. Subaru checkup showed no malfunction, according to company. This month (Aug, 2021) battery again went totally dead, this time after non-use for approx. just 2-3 weeks, again requiring lengthy re-charge. This renders auto unusable for any form of travel when car must sit unused, perhaps in a garage or parking area, without possibility to periodically run car to maintain battery charge.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 31, 2021FL

Rearview mirror broke off of the windshield during normal use. At no time did I pull on the rearview mirror with excessive force.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 31, 2021PA

Windshield has a Crack line from the center bottom edge of the Windshield going up towards the center to the right then left as it expands. It was parked and appeared the next morning with no sign of impact.

Electrical System › 12v/24v/48v Battery
Filed Aug 23, 202115,700 milesME

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the battery failed. The contact stated that after the vehicle was driven for over one hour, the contact parked the vehicle turned the engine off. When the contact attempted to restart the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start-up due to the battery failure. The contact stated that the battery failure was experienced several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 15,700.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 23, 2021CA

I went to drive on August 20, 2021 and I haven’t driven since August 15, 2021. When I went to drive my car on the 20th I noticed a huge crack in my windshield with no place of impact that something hit the windshield. There was no crack on the windshield on the 15th. Every time I drive it, it keeps growing.

Visibility › Windshield
Filed Aug 23, 202142,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, she noticed a crack on the front windshield from the driver's side to the center of the windshield. The contact stated that nothing had struck the windshield to cause the crack to form on the windshield. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacture was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 18, 2021WI

On 04/09/2020 the windshield spontaneously cracked across the lower right side while sitting in our garage. There was a very small etch that could have been caused by a small rock however we were never aware of a rock hitting the windshield. The first indication was the large crack after sitting in the garage over night. This windshield was replaced with new. On 07/26/2021 the windshield spontaneously cracked again, while driving, starting at the lower center and then immediately spreading across to the left side. There was no indication of a rock hitting the windshield though there is a small etch at the crack start point. I have had several windshields hit by rock which always only left at most a small crack at the hit point and never broke across the whole windshield like these two incidents. Both incidents resulted in distorted vision making driving dangerous.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 16, 2021WA

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 damaged the battery the occupants of the rear seats are trapped. If they needed to vacate the car for any reason they could not. Parents can not get to their children. Please investigate and make Subaru modify the back doos so the mechanical handle will operate when there is nor electrical power.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 14, 2021NV

Was driving on freeway and heard a pop and windshield developed a hairline crack from bottom and extended up as we continue driving. Not even a chip but immediately a crack. Windshield is too brittle.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 14, 2021LA

A Small rock hit my windshield and the windshield instantly cracked. Subaru said the windshield was not covered under standard warranty and recommended a local glass company. The windshield was replaced with another Subaru windshield that cracked 3 days later while the car was parked inside my closed garage. The second windshield never got hit by anything - it just cracked for no reason. The glass company said it was a stress fracture. The initial fracture was right across my line of sight, making it difficult to see. The fracture continued to spread and new cracks were developing. I now have a third windshield on a car that is one year old.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 13, 2021OR

Car has twice stalled out when driving slowly in hot weather. When trying to restart vehicle the engine turned over just fine, but wouldn’t restart until much later after the car had a chance to cool down completely. Possible vapor lock or faulty fuel pump.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 11, 2021AL

My 2020 Outback has suddenly stalled three times. Two of the three times was at about 55 mph. The check engine light came on each time and eventually cleared itself, before I could take the car to a Subaru service Department. I did take the car to a Subaru service Department and each time they said there was no current problem and didn't make a repair. I called Subaru of America several times.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Aug 10, 2021VA

While driving the car the car's computer/radio/navigation system will randomly shut down. This has been occurring since approx 6500 miles. When this occurs all of the safety systems/HVAC/Rear Camera/Radio/Navigation systems all will fail with the associated warning lights. The car now has approx 9000 miles, this appears to be random occurrences about every 200-250 miles. Dealer states that they are aware of the problem and was told to contact back late June/early July that SOA was going to release a software fix. Well time has passed and nothing has occurred. When driving this car and the failure occurs all of the safety systems are totally inoperable thus the computerized safety systems are not functional. So, far I have been able to maintain full control of the car. The time for the systems to comeback online is highly variable and sometimes I have to stop, and turn the car off for approximately 10 minutes to have the systems return to being functional. For example, the automated cruise control if in operation will fail to operate, the backup camera will be inoperable, the side space warning will fail, lane assist will fail, and so on for all of the safety systems that this particular car has will all fail. Fortunately, I have been able to safely find a safe place to stop, but what happens when this failure occurs and there is not a place to stop/pull over to rest the car/computer. I can't be the only owner/driver that is having this problem(s) they are all interrelated whe

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Aug 7, 2021WI

My vehicle is about 15 months old. It has lots of tiny chips in the windshield. No cracks yet, but I've read about many other Subaru Outback owners with this problem.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 6, 2021CA

The car only has 7500 miles on it, the battery has gone dead 3x, with the third time not possible to jump start. I had to have it towed to Subaru dealer, they replaced battery with another Subaru battery. From what I have read this one will likely go dead also.there has to be a better solution.

Reading these

NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

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