2020 Subaru Outback Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 259about this part
- Share
- 29%of 901 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 4,746miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 259 complaints about the electrical system of the 2020 Subaru Outback, 29% of the 901 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 4,746 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I attempted to start the car in the morning and the battery was too weak. I charged the battery and let the car run 15 minutes. Four days later, when I attempted to start the car, the battery was too weak again. I found reference to this as an issue possibly known to Subaru of america with recommendation to report to NHTSA.”
NHTSA complaint #11403304, filed 2021-03, 8,021 miles“Continual battery problems. Had to jump at least 4 times in less than a year after buying the car new. Finally wouldn't take a jump and dropped off the car at the dealer where I bought the 2020 Subaru. They said there were known battery problems but I needed to drive the car at least every 2 days to keep the battery operational. The solution was a new battery and an ECM update.”
NHTSA complaint #11416239, filed 2021-05, 9,427 miles“On the 21st of december the battery in my Outback went dead. I took it into the local dealership and they recharged the battery. When I tried to start the car two days later, the battery was dead again. I have an appointment to take it back to the dealership on the 29th of december. Both times, the car was started 10-12 hours before.”
NHTSA complaint #11384884, filed 2020-12, 2,722 miles“After the car sits for 1 to 2 days without being driven the battery is completely drained. After recharging the battery and getting the car started there has been nothing left on (I.e. Dome lights) or opened (I.e door ajar) which would have created a slow drain on the battery. This has happened 3 times since jan 2021”
NHTSA complaint #11407352, filed 2021-04, 22,000 miles“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 milesRelated service bulletins
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- 11036807Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is…
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Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 6 | 29% |
| 2025 | 13 | 16% |
| 2024 | 16 | 15% |
| 2023 | 17 | 19% |
| 2022 | 52 | 11% |
| 2021 | 76 | 26% |
| 2020 | 259 | 29% |
| 2019 | 364 | 35% |
| 2018 | 267 | 33% |
| 2017 | 392 | 43% |
| 2016 | 309 | 48% |
| 2015 | 127 | 25% |
| 2014 | 32 | 15% |
| 2013 | 23 | 8% |
| 2012 | 37 | 13% |
| 2011 | 67 | 10% |
| 2010 | 33 | 9% |
| 2009 | 23 | 22% |
| 2008 | 34 | 15% |
| 2007 | 20 | 15% |
| 2006 | 42 | 15% |
| 2005 | 28 | 10% |
| 2004 | 8 | 9% |
| 2003 | 7 | 8% |
| 2002 | 4 | 3% |
| 2001 | 3 | 2% |
| 2000 | 8 | 4% |
| 1999 | 8 | 7% |
| 1998 | 6 | 5% |
| 1997 | 4 | 5% |
| 1996 | 1 | 2% |
Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Outback
383 complaintsOther or unknown
153 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsForward collision avoidance
49 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
48 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsLane departure
20 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsBrakes
15 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 27, 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