2020 Subaru Outback electrical system problems

257 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2020 Subaru Outback — 29% of all complaints for this model year.

257

Electrical System complaints

29%

share of all complaints

5,750 mi

median reported incident mileage

3 / 0

crash / fire reports

What owners report

“The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH on the highway, the contact was alerted by the message “Eyesight Technology Failure”, before the battery shut down, causing the steering wheel to seize, forcing the contact to come to a complete stop in the middle…”
filed Jan 13, 2026
“The contact's husband owns a 2020 Subaru Outback. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to start intermittently, but was able to be jump-started. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to Advance Auto, where the contact was informed that the battery and the…”
filed Aug 25, 2025

Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.

This bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in conjunction with the applicable Service Manual.
16-159-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 23, 2026
This Service Information Bulletin outlines a new required procedure to follow when performing immobilizer-related repairs on the vehicles listed. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
15-246-19R · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 30, 2026
This bulletin provides new diagnostic steps for DTC P0851 and P0852 to be used in conjunction with the applicable Service Manual.
16-159-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 23, 2026