2020 Subaru Outback Seats Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 0%of 901 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the seats of the 2020 Subaru Outback, 0% of the 901 complaints for this model year.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a occupancy sensor error which has turned off the airbags on the passenger seat. I looked up the issue and found an open recall with Subaru regarding this issue. I spoke with multiple case managers to resolve the issue. They said they have reported the issue to NHTSA but it is not an active recall because they have yet to find a solution. So they have no responsibility to fix the issue at this time. They are unwilling to provide me with an alternate option than driving my car with the exact issue they issued the recall for.”
NHTSA complaint #11598077, filed 2024-07“The drivers seat is loose, rocking back and forth significantly to the point it very noticeable while driving. The dealer states that this is due to the bottom seat frame being worn out. There are only 41,000 miles on the car, about 37,000 when I first noticed the information. This should not fail so early the car’s life. The dealer is replacing the bottom seat frame at a cost of $1310.”
NHTSA complaint #11608654, filed 2024-08“The driver’s side (front left) power seat adjust motor has lost the inside end cap of the worm drive control assembly. Only the outside left rail will move. Subaru will not sell the part to repair, they only will supply the entire lower seat assembly for $1000. .”
NHTSA complaint #11588218, filed 2024-05Related service bulletins
- 11032041Apr 27, 2026This announcement is an update to safety recall WRA-24 ODS sensor replacement for 2020-2022 MY Subaru Legacy and Outback vehicles.
- 11030569Mar 16, 2026Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System…
- 11029325Feb 5, 2026This announcement provides updates for WRA-24 ODS Sensor Replacement.
- 11025788Nov 18, 2025This bulletin announces a design change to the driver front lower seat cushion cover, addressing cases of tearing at the bottom corner of the cushion in vehicles equipped with a…
- 11024856Oct 23, 2025This bulletin announces the availability of new seat ventilation blower units which have been redesigned to address some cases of a vibration-type sound emitting from the blower…
- 11023508Sep 30, 2025This bulletin announces the availability of new seat ventilation blower units. This update is set to address some cases of a vibration-type sound emitting from the blower unit…
- 11021265Jul 29, 2025This bulletin announces the availability of new seat ventilation blower units.
- 11021249Jul 14, 2025This announcement is to inform subscribed customers of a software update for in-vehicle multimedia system.
- 11019930Jun 23, 2025Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) has initiated a safety recall for certain 2020-2022 model year Legacy and Outback vehicles to replace all (four) of the Occupant Detection System…
- 11018907May 19, 2025This announcement provide information on WRA-24 ODS sensor replacement FAQs for used and CPO vehicle inventory.
Seats: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 10% |
| 2025 | 1 | 1% |
| 2024 | 2 | 2% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 1 | 0% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 4 | 0% |
| 2019 | 5 | 0% |
| 2018 | 8 | 1% |
| 2017 | 2 | 0% |
| 2016 | 1 | 0% |
| 2015 | 4 | 1% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 9 | 3% |
| 2012 | 4 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 1% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 0% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 3 | 1% |
| 2004 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
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
21 complaintsLane departure
20 complaintsAir bags
18 complaintsVehicle speed control
18 complaintsExterior lighting
16 complaintsBrakes
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