2020 Subaru Outback Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 48about this part
- Share
- 5%of 901 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 23,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 48 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2020 Subaru Outback, 5% of the 901 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 23,000 miles. 2 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers. 2 recall campaigns on record are filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2020 Subaru Outback is equipped with the auto-start-stop feature. From the beginning this feature would routinely not function, displaying the icon indicating auto start stop was disengaged. When attempting to utilize this feature I learn two more deliberately hold down firmly on the brake pedal and I could engage this feature at times. Nine times out of 10 the auto start stop feature does not engage when I stop in drive with my foot on the break at a traffic light or at a stop sign. …”
NHTSA complaint #11416683, filed 2021-05, 7,000 miles“3 months ago the 2020 Subaru outback required a rebuild of the transmission at about 50K miles. I was told it was due to uneven wear on the tires. They would not fix it until I replaced all 4 tires costing $600 which I did. They fixed the transmission and now it is not working again, the same problem slipping of the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11437332, filed 2021-10“I received notice of this recall in February 2022 and nothing has been done. Meanwhile I fear that my car is experiencing the problem that it addresses. What good is a safety recall as serious as this one may be if the manufacturer is not going to promptly address the problem?”
NHTSA complaint #11480804, filed 2022-08“From when we purchased this car new until the day we traded it. There were many times on the freeway at 60-65 MPH that you would need to move over a couple of lanes and went to wide open throttle and the car would simply do nothing for 1 to 2 seconds. I recently learned that in 22' Subaru had a software update to rectify this issue. Meaning there are plenty of Subaru owners who are driving around in cars that put their safety at risk. When you step on the gas you need and expect the car to accelerate .”
NHTSA complaint #11754978, filed 2026-08“I was reversing out of a residential driveway onto a county highway when the I had a complete loss of movement. Shortly after the total loss of power, the CEL illuminated. If I had been on the highway, the driveway is near a blind curve, I would've been sitting in the road with no way to move putting me in a dangerous situation. The transmission failed at right at the end of the driveway so I was able to put it in neutral and move the vehicle by hand. There were no symptoms or warning lights prior to the failure. …”
NHTSA complaint #11732229, filed 2026-04Related recalls
- 22V485000Jul 8, 2022Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may…Covers: Subaru Outback 2020–2021, Legacy 2020–2021
- 21V955000Dec 9, 2021Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit…Covers: Subaru Outback 2020, Ascent 2019–2020, Legacy 2020
Related service bulletins
- 11037942Sep 28, 2026This announcement provides information on an enhancement of the TechShare CVT diagnostic assitance application.
- 11036804Aug 21, 2026This Announcement provides diagnostic assistance for CVT issues.
- 11036814Aug 20, 2026This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR580 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed.
- 11036809Aug 20, 2026This Service Information Bulletin announces the release of a new diagnostic assistance application for TR690 and TR580 CVT-equipped vehicles. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036808Aug 20, 2026This bulletin announces availability of new reprogramming files developed to address SYMPTOM 1: A jerk or judder sensation felt from the powertrain during braking with the air…
- 11036806Aug 20, 2026This Bulletin provides updated diagnostic procedures to follow and a brief questionnaire to complete when diagnosing an alleged Chain Slip condition on the TR580 and TR690 model…
- 11034271Jun 5, 2026This bulletin provides guidance when diagnosing chain slip, judder, shudder, and hesitation concerns on the TR690 model CVT transmissions used in the models listed. (This is an…
- 11033077May 28, 2026This Bulletin announces a correction to the diagnostic procedures for certain CVT related DTCs, including P0730, P0746, P0747, P0841, P0846, P0867, P1867, P1894, and P2723.
- 11033061May 12, 2026This bulletin announces a design change to the TR690 CVT control valve body which features an enhanced line pressure sensor O-ring, designed to prevent abnormal sensor readings…
- 11033056May 4, 2026This announcement provides information on the remanufactured CVT transmission program.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 5% |
| 2025 | 5 | 6% |
| 2024 | 6 | 6% |
| 2023 | 5 | 6% |
| 2022 | 18 | 4% |
| 2021 | 12 | 4% |
| 2020 | 48 | 5% |
| 2019 | 16 | 2% |
| 2018 | 14 | 2% |
| 2017 | 47 | 5% |
| 2016 | 45 | 7% |
| 2015 | 37 | 7% |
| 2014 | 25 | 12% |
| 2013 | 60 | 20% |
| 2012 | 108 | 37% |
| 2011 | 216 | 33% |
| 2010 | 94 | 26% |
| 2009 | 8 | 8% |
| 2008 | 12 | 5% |
| 2007 | 9 | 7% |
| 2006 | 17 | 6% |
| 2005 | 17 | 6% |
| 2004 | 10 | 11% |
| 2003 | 13 | 14% |
| 2002 | 20 | 14% |
| 2001 | 23 | 13% |
| 2000 | 42 | 20% |
| 1999 | 29 | 26% |
| 1998 | 19 | 15% |
| 1997 | 8 | 10% |
| 1996 | 5 | 11% |
Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Outback
383 complaintsElectrical system
259 complaintsOther or unknown
153 complaintsEngine
49 complaintsForward collision avoidance
49 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