Compare two vehicles

Spot recall, complaint, investigation, and fuel-cost differences before you trust the listing. No VIN required to start.

Vehicle A

Gasoline · 29 combined MPG · All-Wheel Drive

Vehicle B

Gasoline · 29 combined MPG · All-Wheel Drive

No VIN required to compare

More recall homework

2020 Subaru Outback

has more recalls listed.

More complaint activity

2020 Subaru Outback

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

Similar activity

Open investigation counts are similar.

Lower estimated fuel cost

Similar estimates

fuel-cost estimates are similar.

Short answer: Outback needs more recall homework, Outback has more complaint activity and Outback has more severity reports. Confirm the exact VIN before buying.

Public-record comparison

Rows show model-year records, not exact VIN status.

Record 2021 Subaru Outback 2020 Subaru Outback Difference
Total recalls 4 6 Outback has 2 more recalls
Total complaints 289 889 Outback has 600 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 7 / 1 / 2 / 0 19 / 5 / 4 / 0 Outback has 18 more severity reports
Defect investigations 0 0 Similar
Open investigations 0 0 Similar
Manufacturer communications 438 570 Outback has 132 more communications
Recall completion reports 29 43 Outback has 14 more reports
Warranty programs 0 0 Similar
Service campaigns 1 1 Similar
Software notices 0 0 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall Mar 22, 2024 Mar 22, 2024 Similar
Latest complaint May 23, 2026 May 9, 2026 Outback has newer activity
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Visibility Wiper
  • Electrical System
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Visibility Wiper
  • Electrical System
  • Unknown Or Other
 Similar focus
Fuel type Gasoline Gasoline Same
Efficiency 29 combined MPG 29 combined MPG Same
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $2,050 $2,050 Similar
Safety-rating records 1 1 Similar

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2021 Subaru Outback

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had visibility wiper and electrical system repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

2020 Subaru Outback

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had visibility wiper and electrical system repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

What to inspect first

2021 Subaru Outback

  • Visibility Wiper: cameras, glass, wipers, defrost, mirrors
  • Electrical System: warning lights, screens, battery drain, accessories
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

2020 Subaru Outback

  • Visibility Wiper: cameras, glass, wipers, defrost, mirrors
  • Electrical System: warning lights, screens, battery drain, accessories
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

Always get an independent mechanic inspection.

Do not buy on model-year data alone.

Confirm the exact VIN before purchase and check for new updates.

Learn what a VIN check can and cannot show