2020 Subaru Outback Brakes Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 2%of 902 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,434miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the brakes of the 2020 Subaru Outback, 2% of the 902 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,434 miles. 4 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car windshield had ice obscuring part of the eyesight system on startup. Warning indicators lit up informing me that the eyesight system was disabled. Concurrent with this fault, the failure of the eyesight system would not allow me to release the electronic parking brake leaving me stranded in the snow.”
NHTSA complaint #11363815, filed 2020-10, 900 miles“While traveling at about 35 to 40mph approaching a stopped intersection (red light) I tried to slow the vehicle by braking and could not locate the brake petal. I put my foot on the accelerator and moved it to the left at the same level in an effort to find the brake petal. My foot did not hit the petal. I again moved my foot from right to left higher than lower and still did not find a brake petal. I could not stop the vehicle from moving forward. …”
NHTSA complaint #11350471, filed 2020-08, 1,869 miles“On tuesday 9 february, 2021 I was returning home from picking my two children up from school (age 4 and 6). As I approached the drive way the brakes functioned properly to allow me to turn into the driveway, but suddenly the brakes stopped functioning and the car accelerated driving straight through my closed garage door. I was able to control steering but regardless of my foot pressing firmly on the brake pedal, the car continued to accelerate. Thankfully, installed in the cement was a rogue r3 weight rack that was bolted into the cement at four locations. …”
NHTSA complaint #11396627, filed 2021-02, 1,000 miles“Was driving Subaru Outback, came to a red light and car stopped as it's designed to do. When light turned green, car stalled and never started again leaving me on a 3 lane highway called route 19 in hudson florida.”
NHTSA complaint #11352025, filed 2020-08, 6,000 miles“When going over small bumps there is a cracking sound in the front and rear suspension or brake area, it does not happen when going at high speeds just small bumps and braking.”
NHTSA complaint #11342057, filed 2020-07, 8,300 milesRelated recalls
- 19V664000Sep 18, 2019Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently…Covers: Subaru Outback 2020, Legacy 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11014871Feb 18, 2025This bulletin announces a design change made to the front brake pads developed to reduce any brake pulsation and/or vibration felt during brake operation.
- 11010916Nov 7, 2024This bulletin announces a design change made to the front brake pads developed to reduce any brake pulsation and/or vibration felt during brake operation.
Brakes: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 7 | 8% |
| 2024 | 4 | 4% |
| 2023 | 7 | 8% |
| 2022 | 11 | 2% |
| 2021 | 8 | 3% |
| 2020 | 15 | 2% |
| 2019 | 22 | 2% |
| 2018 | 18 | 2% |
| 2017 | 25 | 3% |
| 2016 | 19 | 3% |
| 2015 | 28 | 5% |
| 2014 | 22 | 11% |
| 2013 | 31 | 10% |
| 2012 | 40 | 14% |
| 2011 | 78 | 12% |
| 2010 | 40 | 11% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 31 | 14% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% |
| 2005 | 31 | 11% |
| 2004 | 3 | 3% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 31 | 22% |
| 2001 | 30 | 18% |
| 2000 | 12 | 6% |
| 1999 | 9 | 8% |
| 1998 | 15 | 12% |
| 1997 | 9 | 11% |
| 1996 | 7 | 15% |
Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Outback
383 complaintsElectrical system
259 complaintsOther or unknown
153 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsForward collision avoidance
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsBody and structure
22 complaintsLane departure
20 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsFuel system
15 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Subaru Outback
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology