the car brake, with the foot on the gas all the lights came on and it stopped on the street (traffic being stuck) it's a car safety problem it can cause a serious accident if I end up on I-95, if something happens to me they will be responsible for it I have everything the records and photos of everything that happened to the car Check . what happens to that car with the same failures over and…
2020 Subaru Outback electrical problems
moderate 245 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
245
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
When does it fail?
Of the 245 electrical complaints filed for the 2020 Subaru Outback, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 245 electrical complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Electrical accounts for 28% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2020 Subaru Outback has widespread electrical problems that owners report repeatedly: batteries drain for unknown reasons even with short driving intervals, infotainment screens fail without warning (sometimes disabling critical safety features), and the vehicle can lose all electrical power while driving. Multiple owners have had batteries replaced 3–5 times within the first year or two, dealers often cannot identify the root cause, and Subaru has settled class-action lawsuits over battery defects without issuing a formal recall.
The 2020 Subaru Outback electrical system is plagued by recurring battery drain, with owners reporting complete power loss after as little as one week of idle time—sometimes after just a few days. Batteries drain to critically low voltages (as low as 3.9V reported) even when all lights are confirmed off and doors locked. Dealers often fail to locate any parasitic draw during testing, then blame infrequent driving or claim a dome light was left on, despite owners denying this. Many vehicles have required three to five battery replacements within the first two years.
Infotainment displays go black for minutes to hours while driving, sometimes at highway speed, disabling climate control, navigation, and safety features tied to the screen. The center console freezes randomly, especially when Apple CarPlay is active, leaving owners without access to crucial controls for extended periods.
Dashboard warning lights—check engine, ABS, airbags, brake, Eyesight, RAB—illuminate or flash without corresponding faults. When they do appear, associated safety systems shut down unexpectedly: cruise control, lane detection, automatic high-beams, and Eyesight/RAB systems all disable during electrical glitches. At least one owner lost all power at highway speed (65–70 mph) and could not restart or engage hazard lights; another experienced uncontrolled braking on I-95.
Subaru has settled class-action litigation over battery defects and acknowledged the thermo control valve as a known failure point, but no recall has been issued. Dealers resend software patches, reprogram engine control modules, and replace batteries repeatedly without resolving the underlying defect. Owners report Subaru directed dealers to impose strict inspection protocols before authorizing battery replacement under warranty.
Same Subaru Outback electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Battery drain and repeated failure to start
Battery drains overnight or after short idle periods without explanation. Vehicle fails to start despite recent use or full charging. Dealers often find no electrical fault, suggest insufficient driving frequency, or blame accidentally-left lights, but problem recurs after battery replacement. Some owners report battery voltage dropping to dangerously low levels (3.9V) and dealers unable to locate parasitic draw despite testing.
When: Typically after 1–3 weeks without operation, or intermittently even with regular short trips. Some incidents within weeks of purchase (as few as 4,100 miles).
Symptoms owners cite: Complete battery drain overnight or after brief idle; Slow or no engine cranking despite lights remaining on; Battery fails to recharge even after long drives; Vehicle requires jump-start every few days; No warning lights before failure; Clicking sounds and flashing interior/exterior lights during drain
Codes mentioned: Battery voltage critically low (reported 3.9V by roadside technician), Parasitic draw detected in some cases, Low battery codes generated (reported by dealers)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced multiple times (some owners report 3–5 replacements). Trickle chargers and external jump-start units purchased by owners but provide only temporary relief. Dealers recommend 30+ minute drives per trip or disconnect battery during airport parking. Software reprogramming and ECM updates performed in some cases without resolving drain.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Class action lawsuit settlement (subarubatterysettlement.com referenced in narrative #13) covering battery warranty extension to 10 years. Subaru acknowledged defect and issue on back order parts (thermo control valve mentioned in narrative #12). NHTSA recall referenced in narrative #6. Dealers directed to strict inspection rules before battery replacement allowed.
Infotainment display and multimedia system failures
Center console/multimedia display goes black, becomes unresponsive to touch, or freezes while driving. System may lose power for minutes to hours, disabling climate control, navigation, radio, and—critically—access to safety features controlled through the screen. Apple CarPlay causes screen freezing in some cases. Display sometimes resets only after vehicle shutdown and restart, or requires hours of being parked to recover.
When: Intermittent, occurring while driving at highway speeds or during idle. Some narratives indicate progression from initial software glitches (April 2020) to persistent failures across multiple service visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Center console screen goes completely black; Touchscreen unresponsive to input; Climate control loses power; Radio shuts off unexpectedly; Navigation system becomes unreliable; Eyesight and RAB safety systems disabled when screen fails; Screen freezes for 15+ minutes while driving; System requires restart (ignition off/on) to recover; Apple CarPlay triggers freezing
Codes mentioned: Eyesight disabled warning, RAB (Reverse Automatic Braking) disabled warning
Repairs/costs cited: Software/CPI reprogramming performed multiple times (up to 4 times in some cases) by dealers without permanent resolution. Radio replacement required in at least one case after failed software update. Dealers unable to duplicate issue and report that video evidence is 'hypothetical.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Subaru issued software updates/patches at service centers. NHTSA recall mentioned in narrative #6 related to electronic control programming. No mention of TSBs or permanent fix offered.
Dashboard warning light failures and system disablement
Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate spontaneously or remain stuck on: check engine light, ABS light, airbag light, brake warning, Eyesight warning, RAB warning, and road-keep-attention warning. Lights may flash erratically or come on without actual fault. When warning lights trigger, associated safety systems (cruise control, lane detection, Eyesight, RAB, auto high-beam) deactivate unexpectedly. Some incidents occur while driving at highway speeds with no operator input.
When: Intermittent, triggered by low battery states, screen failures, or apparent spontaneous electrical glitches. Occurs from early in ownership (April 2020) through later model years.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light comes on and goes off randomly; ABS warning light on/off intermittently; Airbag warning lights illuminate without cause; Brake warning light activates; All dash lights spike simultaneously; Cruise control disabled when warning lights appear; Eyesight/RAB systems disabled without user action; Lane detection ceases functioning; Auto high-beam and adaptive lighting disabled; 'Keep your eyes on the road' warning that won't turn off
Codes mentioned: Multiple lost communication codes (reported by dealer), Engine control module codes requiring reprogramming
Repairs/costs cited: Engine control module reprogrammed, multiple diagnostic checks performed, blown fuses found and replaced (3 blown fuses in one case). Dealers swap batteries and update software, but warning lights and disablement often recur. Some owners report 3+ blown fuses.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates and ECM reprogramming provided. No permanent resolution reported in narratives.
Complete power loss while driving
Vehicle loses all electrical power while operating at highway speed, with engine continuing briefly before dying or vehicle becoming unable to restart. All dashboard lights, power steering assist, hazard lights, and brake assist remain unavailable. Some incidents occur during auto-stop/start feature activation. Dealership confirmed 'sudden massive failure of battery cell' in at least one case; another attributed to thermo control valve failure.
When: Occurs without warning while driving at 55–70 mph. One incident during heavy rain and traffic when auto-stop/start activated. Another on I-95 at highway speed during cruise control engagement.
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously; Vehicle slows uncontrollably despite driver input; Power steering ceases functioning; Hazard lights do not illuminate; Vehicle unable to shift into park (electronic parking brake inoperative); Steering wheel locks; Vehicle must be towed; will not restart after jump; Eyesight and RAB disabled before power loss
Codes mentioned: Eyesight disabled warning, RAB disabled warning, Battery cell failure (reported by dealer)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced. In one case, thermo control valve and all related parts replaced at dealer (cost $2K+ if not under warranty). Vehicle remained in dealer possession; one owner stranded 40+ minutes on interstate in gore zone between lanes.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership replaced battery and advised of 'sudden massive failure of a battery cell.' Thermo control valve part on back order due to supply chain issues. Reference to Subaru class action lawsuit settlement to avoid recall of defective batteries.
Power window failures
Driver's side or passenger-side windows fail to retract fully, become stuck, or crack without clear cause. In cold climates (Northern Minnesota, Alaska at –40°F), windows particularly problematic and difficult to repair.
When: Occurs intermittently. Cold weather exacerbates issues. One owner reported passenger windows cracking during December cold snap in Alaska.
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's window fails to fully retract; Windows cracked or shattered during cold weather; Window mechanism unresponsive or sluggish; Both front and rear passenger-side windows cracked (one horizontal, one vertical)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple service visits requested for window repair; all efforts unsuccessful according to owner report. Cracks in windows may be related to electrical system stress or cold exposure, but no root cause identified by dealers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No resolution provided despite multiple service requests.
Auto-stop/start system malfunction
Engine stops during auto-stop/start activation but fails to restart immediately, or system activates unintentionally. Vehicle may stall at traffic lights and take several seconds to restart, leaving driver stranded in traffic lane. System cannot be reliably disabled.
When: Occurs at traffic lights, during idle at stop signs, and when approaching intersection stops. Timing coincides with low battery states or screen failures.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off as intended but fails to restart for several seconds; Vehicle stalls in traffic lane; Auto-stop/start activates even when driver attempts to disengage; Unable to turn off auto-stop/start feature due to inoperative screen
Repairs/costs cited: Owners disable feature manually through settings when screen is operational. No manufacturer fix documented in narratives.
Rear hatch and door lock failures
Rear hatch/tailgate fails to open or close reliably, or becomes stuck. Door locks malfunction, sometimes failing to lock or unlock. Interior dome light switch malfunction blamed for battery drain in some cases, though owners dispute this explanation.
When: Intermittent, occurring throughout ownership period. Some incidents shortly after purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Rear hatch will not open despite battery charge; Tailgate motor stuck in attempting-to-open mode until battery dies; Rear hatch signal light remains on/off continuously regardless of actual state; Door locks fail to respond; All doors except hatchback unlock unexpectedly after extended idle
Repairs/costs cited: Hatch issues persist despite battery replacement and software updates. No repair documented as successful.
Autonomous braking system (RAB/Eyesight) malfunction
Reverse automatic braking or forward collision avoidance system activates without cause or fails to recognize actual obstacles. System may misidentify shadows as objects, causing unwanted hard braking. Eyesight system disables randomly due to electrical faults. Owners report near-miss rear-end collisions and inability to disable false activations.
When: Occurs intermittently; dealers unable to replicate issue. Shadow-triggered braking happens regularly during freeway driving.
Symptoms owners cite: RAB activates without obstacle (mailbox not detected in narrative #1, shadows mistaken for objects); Hard braking with no cause; RAB/Eyesight disabled during electrical failures; Dealership unable to replicate or fix issue
Codes mentioned: RAB disabled warning, Eyesight disabled warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers suggest sensor cleaning or report sunlight hitting sensors; no effective repair performed. Owners carry video evidence but dealers dismiss complaints as 'hypothetical.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to address issue or provide solution.
Thermo control valve failure
Electronic thermostat control valve fails, causing sudden loss of power and automated systems during driving. Engine loses power, all automation disabled, transmission rough shifting, idle elevated, coolant temperature gauge malfunction.
When: Occurs without warning while driving. One incident on long trip, another during highway cruise control use.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; Cruise control disabled; Eyesight disabled; Lane detection disabled; Auto high-beam disabled; Adaptive lighting disabled; Rough transmission shifting; Elevated idle (2000 RPM vs normal 700–800 RPM); Water temperature gauge inaccurate
Repairs/costs cited: Thermo control valve and all related parts replaced at dealership (cost $2K+ if not under warranty). Replacement part on back order due to supply chain issues. Vehicle remains at dealership pending parts availability.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged as 'somewhat of a known fault on Outbacks of this year' but did not proactively notify owners. Updated part available from Subaru, but original OEM part installed initially. Warranty does not cover if repair occurs after 60k miles.
Unexpected vehicle movement after engine stop
Vehicle moved on its own after engine shutdown and operator exit. Auto-stop/start feature activated, then vehicle rolled 280 feet downhill and collided with tree with airbag deployment.
When: Occurred at driveway, vehicle had auto-stop feature engaged when operator depressed brake.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle exited driveway and rolled 280 feet independently; Airbags deployed on collision; Vehicle cannot be controlled after engine stops due to locked steering/non-functional brake
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic; dealer and manufacturer not yet notified.
Synthesized from 245 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Poor rear camera visibility, leading me to nearly hit gas pumps
I went out this morning 12/26/2020 and the car won't start again. Because of the previous problem on 12/22/20 which I have reported. I made sure everything was closed and locked securely and all lights were off. Prior to the 12/22/20 incident, I had 2 previous incidents since purchasing the car. One previous incident involved a battery drain (I do not remember the date) because the cabin light…
On approx. 8/22/20 I received an email or text from Subaru or starlink, I don't remember, about a software update. I tried to update the software but the process wouldn't complete for some reason. Within a few hours I received another email saying to disregard the previous one and that there was an issue with the update. The issue left me without any display. I took the vehicle in and had to have…
Had electrical trouble with your 2020 Subaru Outback?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2020 Subaru Outback?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 245 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 94 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 3,466 and 9,427 miles, with the median around 6,300. A quarter of owners report trouble before 3,466; a quarter make it past 9,427. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Subaru/Outback.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.