The 2020 Outback represents the sixth-generation platform with either the naturally-aspirated FB25 2.5L or turbocharged FA24 2.4L boxer engine. While the CVT and infotainment improved over prior generations, we're seeing catastrophic engine failures on the turbo model and transmission cooling issues across both powertrains at surprisingly low mileage.
FA24 Turbo Engine Failure (Piston Ring Land Collapse)
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 30,000-70,000 mi
Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption (1 qt per 1,000 mi or worse), White/blue exhaust smoke on cold start, Loss of power under boost, Check engine light with misfire codes, Catastrophic knock and bearing failure if driven low on oil
Fix: Complete short block replacement or engine rebuild required. Piston ring lands crack, oil control fails, cylinder scoring follows. Subaru has extended warranty coverage on some VINs but not all qualify. 18-25 labor hours for short block swap at indie shop.
Estimated cost: $8,000-12,000
CVT Transmission Oil Cooler Line Leaks
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Red fluid spots under vehicle near front wheels, Low transmission fluid warning on dash, Burning smell from engine bay, CVT slipping or shuddering if fluid level drops significantly
Fix: Cooler lines corrode at crimp points where they connect to hard lines. Both lines plus transmission mount replacement recommended while trans is dropped slightly for access. 4-6 hours labor, requires CVT fluid refill and relearn procedure.
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall 20V-490)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Engine stalling while driving, Hard starting or no-start condition, Rough idle and hesitation, Vehicle dies without warning at any speed
Fix: Low-pressure fuel pump impeller defect causes sudden failure. NHTSA recall covers replacement but many owners experienced failure before recall issued. Pump is in-tank assembly. 3-4 hours labor to drop tank and replace.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200
TCM/ECM Software Glitches and Transmission Shudder
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 10,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Harsh downshifts or delayed upshifts, Hesitation from stop, Transmission shudder at 35-45 mph under light throttle, Check engine light with transmission-related codes
Fix: Multiple TSBs issued for CVT calibration updates. Reflash usually resolves software issues but persistent shudder may require CVT fluid drain/refill with Subaru High Torque fluid and additional updates. 1-2 hours for reflash, 2-3 hours if fluid service included.
Estimated cost: $200-600
Front Passenger Occupant Sensor False Airbag Warnings
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Airbag warning light illuminated, Passenger airbag off light stays on with adult passenger, Intermittent airbag system warnings
Fix: Occupant classification sensor mat in passenger seat fails or loses calibration. Recall 20V-666 addresses some units but intermittent failures still occur outside recall scope. Seat cushion and sensor mat replacement required. 2-3 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $600-1,000
Eyesight Camera Condensation and Blind Spot Monitor Failures
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 20,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Eyesight disabled warning on dash, Pre-collision braking unavailable, Moisture visible inside windshield camera housing, Blind spot monitoring inoperative
Fix: Stereo camera assembly develops internal condensation, especially in humid climates. Windshield replacement or camera recalibration also triggers issues. Camera replacement requires windshield removal and system recalibration. 3-4 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Owner tips
Change CVT fluid every 30k miles regardless of what manual says — this trans runs hot
If you have the 2.4T, check oil every 500 miles religiously; catch ring failure early and you might get warranty coverage
Use only Subaru High Torque CVT fluid — aftermarket equivalents cause shudder
Keep fuel tank above 1/4 to minimize pump stress given recall history
Skip the 2.4T entirely unless you verify short block replacement under warranty — the 2.5L is more reliable but the CVT cooling issues affect both, making this a risky used buy without full service records.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
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AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER · 24V227000
2024-03-22
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash.
Consequence: 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.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 22V485000
2022-07-08
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.
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 WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM) · 21V955000
2021-12-09
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:DISPLAY FUNCTION · 20V766000
2020-12-10
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.
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.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · 19V664000
2019-09-18
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.
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.
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