NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru Outback
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Subaru Outback occupies a unique corner of the market as a raised wagon - often categorized alongside midsize SUVs despite its sedan-based roots. Aimed at active families, outdoor enthusiasts, and all-weather commuters across its 2019 to 2025 model years, the Outback blends all-wheel-drive capability with a car-like driving character. Its safety reputation is a core part of its identity, making the federal data especially worth examining closely.
The 2020 Subaru Outback earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 84 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. Both frontal and side crash protection reached the full 5 stars. It has 6 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Outback as one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment, praising its all-weather capability, practical cargo space, and composed road manners. Safety technology content tends to draw positive attention across coverage. Criticism, when it appears, typically centers on the infotainment system and engine refinement rather than anything structural to the vehicle's safety character.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14808
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V227000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.
Reported 2024-03-22
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)22V485000
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 W
Reported 2022-07-08
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)21V955000
Risk: An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 wi
Reported 2021-12-09
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V587000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-07-29
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION20V766000
Risk: The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2020-12-10
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES19V664000
Risk: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2019-09-18
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
889 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.