Before you buy
Use this beside the car or give it to a mechanic. These checks come from problems in the records we reviewed. They do not replace a full used-car inspection.
Mark each check as you go. Your notes stay on this device.
Saved on this device. The shared link never includes a VIN.
Use these notes with a full inspection. A serious warning sign can be enough to walk away.
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Electrical System owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Engine owner reports: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and note any warning lights, noises, leaks, or stored codes.
Power Train owner reports: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Pedals and Linkages recall: Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Back Over Prevention:Display Function recall: Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Fuel System, Gasoline:Delivery:Fuel Pump recall: Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) recall: Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Power Train:Automatic Transmission:Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) recall: Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Check the VIN for this recall and ask for the repair receipt if it was completed.
Airbags:Sensor:Occupant Classification:Front Passenger recall: Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: CVT Assembly (WRK-21) Warranty Extension.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Ask the inspector to test the named system and record the result.
Manufacturer warranty extension: This announcement is in regard to the warranty extension initiated for windshields for the models listed.
Passes when: No matching symptom during inspection
Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.
Warning signs: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention electrical system.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.
Warning signs: 3 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention engine.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Owner reports are bound to model year 2020.
Warning signs: 5 reviewed owner reports for this model year mention power train.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2020.
Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2020.
Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2020.
Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2020.
Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2021.
Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2022.
Warning signs: Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2020.
Warning signs: This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2020.
Warning signs: CVT Assembly (WRK-21) Warranty Extension.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2022.
Warning signs: This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record for model year 2020.
Warning signs: Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2022.
Warning signs: This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2022.
Warning signs: As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2022.
Warning signs: In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
Official record covers model years 2020 through 2022.
Warning signs: This announcement is in regard to the warranty extension initiated for windshields for the models listed.
Good signs: No matching symptom during inspection · Service history addresses the named condition
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“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 of the highway. The check engine, air bags, and oil warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that several other unknown warning lights and alerts were displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was jump-started, and the contact was escorted by a tow truck operator to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,168. The VIN was invalid.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“On 12/6/2023, as I slowly turned right into a parking space, my car suddenly surged forward and accelerated without my input to the gas pedal. The brakes did not work, and there was no resistance from the brake pedal when I repeated to push it. The car continued to accelerate for about 80 ft as I focused on steering to avoid hitting other cars parked in the lot. The car ran over a curb, up a grassy area, and crashed into a row of trees. The airbag did not deploy. I sustained neck muscle strain/whiplash, and bruises to my chest and right knee. My safety was at risk, as well as anyone or anything that was in the car's path since I had no control over the acceleration or the brakes. The car is a 2020 Subaru Outback with about 44000 miles. It is in a body shop and they have not yet determined if it is safe to work on. So far, they have observed the engine race when the car was turned on. There were no warning signs prior to the acceleration. When I called the Subaru dealer service department, I was told that they never heard of this before and it had to have been my fault. They said I could bring it in after the body damage is repaired, and that I can pay for a diagnotic report. However, they expect that the report will not show anything.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“My transmission has started to fail. The check engine light came on the error code read p0867, transmission fluid pressure. Other lights came on as well because it tripped the rest of the sensors because of the CVT failure. This seems to be a common problem in Subarus”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles. The brake pedal mounting bracket may have a missing or insufficiently tightened bolt. A missing or loose bolt may cause the brake pedal mounting area to deform over time, which can reduce braking performance and increase the risk of a crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the brake pedal mounting bracket hardware and replace the hardware or brake pedal assembly, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2019. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUL-97.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles equipped with "high" grade and "mid" grade multimedia navigation. The August 2020 over-the-air software update may have timed out without completing the installation, corrupting the data, and causing the rearview display to shutoff intermittently. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility." The intermittent loss of the rearview image reduces the driver's visibility and increases the risk of crash. Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the software and, if necessary, replace the Cockpit Control Module, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRH-20.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2018 Forester, 2018-2020 Impreza, Legacy, Outback, 2018-2019 BRZ, WRX, and Toyota 86 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail. Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will replace the low-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 24, 2021. Subaru and Toyota owners may call customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRG-21.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Ascent, 2020 Legacy and Outback vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 19, 2022. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855. Vehicles previously recalled under 19V-855 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall once available. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-21.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A programming error in the Transmission Control Unit (TCU) may allow the clutch to engage before the drive chain is completely clamped. An improperly secured drive chain may slip and break, causing a loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will reprogram the TCU, inspect TCU data for chain slip, and visually inspect the chain guide. If evidence of chain slippage or damage is found, the transmission will be replaced. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 24, 2022. Owners may contact Subaru's customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRK-22. This recall is an expansion of previous recall number 21V-955.”
The records describe a possible crash, fire, injury, or loss of control.
“Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Outback and Legacy vehicles. A capacitor in the sensors for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may crack and short circuit, which can prevent the front passenger air bag from deploying in a crash. An air bag that does not deploy during a crash can increase the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the ODS sensors on the front passenger seat, free of charge. Owner notifications were mailed February 3, 2025. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WRA-24.”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This bulletin announces a warranty extension information regarding 12 Volt vehicle batteries. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“CVT Assembly (WRK-21) Warranty Extension. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“Denso low pressure fuel pump warranty extension. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This announcement is in regard to settlement in a class action lawsuit for vehicles that will receive a limited warranty extension for original equipment Subaru windshields experiencing a qualifying crack. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“As part of Subaru's dedication to customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is announcing a Warranty Extension of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty coverage for the CP1 & Gen 3.1 Infotainment head units for the models listed. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Front Windshield used in the above listed models and model years from three (3) years / 36,000 miles to eight (8) years / 100,000 miles (whichever comes first). If a customer experiences windshield damage, inspect the damage as per the guidelines supplied in this bulletin to confirm if the damage is covered under the Warranty Extension. ”
The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.
“This announcement is in regard to the warranty extension initiated for windshields for the models listed. ”
The checklist cannot see the car’s full history or condition.
Check this year at your mileage