The 2020–2025 Subaru Outback is the sixth generation; the redesigned 2026 model begins the seventh. These generations share the Outback name, but recalls, service bulletins and warranty extensions apply to specific model years, engines and vehicle identification numbers (VINs). An issue listed here does not affect every 2020–2026 Outback.
Both generations offer horizontally opposed four-cylinder boxer engines and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive.
This guide uses National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) records, Subaru service bulletins and official settlement information. It covers selected documented issues rather than every recall or complaint. Most programs below concern sixth-generation vehicles and should not be applied to the redesigned 2026 Outback without specific evidence.
Outback Engine & Transmission Problems
The drivetrain recalls below cover certain vehicles only. Check your VIN with Subaru or NHTSA to establish whether a campaign applies and whether repairs have been completed.
Driveshaft center-support bolts (23V-647): Certain 2023 Outbacks built March 21–31, 2023, may have improperly painted mounting surfaces that allow the center-support brace bolts to loosen. This can allow the driveshaft’s front end to disconnect. See Subaru’s campaign notice.
Engine wiring-harness terminal (22V-473): This narrowly scoped campaign covers 15 U.S. 2022 Outback 2.4-liter turbo vehicles built May 3–5, 2022. A terminal damaged during production testing could cause loss of engine power. See Subaru’s bulletin.
CVT chain slip and damage (21V-955 and 22V-485): Recall 21V-955 covers certain 2020 Outback 2.4-liter turbo vehicles built July 15, 2019–August 13, 2020. Incorrect transmission-control programming can allow chain slip and subsequent damage, potentially causing loss of motive power. The separate 22V-485 campaign covers additional certain 2020–2021 turbo Outbacks. These recalls do not apply to every Outback with a CVT. See the Subaru bulletin and separate applicability tables.
CVT select-lever cable nut (21V-024): Certain 2021 Outback 2.5-liter vehicles, 314 units built December 11–18, 2020, may have an insufficiently tightened cable nut. The selector may not engage the intended transmission position. See Subaru’s bulletin.
Extended CVT warranty: Subaru bulletin 16-155-25R lists 2019 Outback 2.5-liter and 2020 Outback 2.4-liter models for CVT coverage of 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first, subject to its terms and individual eligibility. Within this guide’s 2020–2026 range, the listed Outback is the 2020 2.4-liter; the bulletin does not list the 2020 2.5-liter. Its special unlimited-mileage grace period ended June 30, 2026. Ask a Subaru retailer to verify your VIN and warranty start date.
A recall repair and a warranty extension are different programs. A warranty extension is not evidence that every covered transmission will fail, and a service bulletin alone does not automatically provide free repairs.
Major Recalls for the Outback
Another important campaign concerns the front-passenger occupant-detection system. The drivetrain campaigns above are not repeated here. This is a selected list, so use the VIN tools below for a vehicle-specific check.
Front-passenger occupant-detection sensors (24V-227): Certain 2020–2022 Outbacks built June 16, 2020–July 13, 2021, are included. A cracked capacitor in a sensor can short-circuit, potentially preventing appropriate passenger-airbag deployment. The filing lists 103,114 Outbacks. See the NHTSA recall report.
Technical Service Bulletins for the Subaru Outback
A technical service bulletin (TSB) gives dealerships diagnostic or repair instructions. Some bulletins announce warranty extensions; others do not. Coverage depends on the listed model, equipment, VIN, time, mileage and program terms.
Infotainment head-unit warranty: Bulletin 15-322-25 provides eight-year/150,000-mile coverage for qualifying head-unit repairs on eligible vehicles, including 2020–2022 Outbacks with CP1 infotainment. It does not extend coverage to unrelated amplifiers, speakers or wiring. Ask the retailer to confirm the symptom and eligibility.
Thermo control valve warranty: Bulletin 09-119-24 extends coverage for qualifying thermo control valve failures to 15 years/150,000 miles on eligible 2020–2022 Outbacks. The Outback application is the 2.5-liter engine, as described in Subaru’s technical guidance. This is not blanket coverage for turbo engines or all 2020–2026 models; have Subaru verify your VIN.
Battery settlement: The official battery settlement includes 2015–2020 Outbacks; only model year 2020 overlaps this guide’s range. The case involved allegations of premature battery failure, which Subaru denies. Do not assume a 2021–2026 Outback is covered or that an old reimbursement deadline is still open; consult the settlement terms and Subaru for applicable coverage.
Subaru Outback Known Problems
Owner reports can help describe symptoms, but they do not establish how frequently a problem occurs or prove that all vehicles share a defect. The programs below have specific eligibility limits.
EyeSight settlement: An official settlement covers certain VIN-specific Outbacks within model years 2013–2022, including some 2020–2022 vehicles in this guide. The litigation alleged deficiencies involving pre-collision braking, rear automatic braking and lane-keep assist. Subaru denies the allegations, and the court did not determine their merits. The reimbursement claim deadline was September 27, 2025; consult the settlement terms for any remaining vehicle-specific benefits.
Windshield warranty extension: Bulletin 12-257-25R provides eight-year/100,000-mile coverage for one qualifying windshield replacement on eligible 2020–2022 Outbacks, following inspection and subject to its terms. It concerns genuine Subaru glass and does not cover every crack or establish that the redesigned 2026 model has the same issue.
How To Check For Recalls On Your Subaru
The easiest way to check for current recalls that may affect your Outback is to visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recalls page and enter your license plate or 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) to run a search. You can also do this at the Subaru recalls page.
