2020 Subaru Outback Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 07/12/2026

46Engine complaints

5.2%Of all 891 complaints

#5Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

VISIBILITY/WIPER313 · 35.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM251 · 28.2%

Unspecified / other150 · 16.8%

VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD64 · 7.2%

ENGINE46 · 5.2%

Share of the 891 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2020 Subaru Outback overview page.

What owners report

“BATTERY IS INADEQUATE FOR THE ELECTRONICS IN THIS CAR AND WILL BE DEAD IF NOT DRIVEN OFTEN. AFTER BEING A UNABLE TO START MY CAR…”NHTSA complaint 11323869 — filed 05/08/2020

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Subaru Outback have engine problems?

Engine is the #5 most-reported problem area on the 2020 Subaru Outback: 46 of 891 complaints on file (5.2%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2020 Subaru Outback have in total?

891 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Across all categories, 19 involved a crash, 7 involved a fire, 4 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.