Recall 20V766 covers 7,741 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles with intermittent rearview display shutoff. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
Subaru is recalling 7,741 2020 Outback and Legacy vehicles with high or mid grade multimedia navigation because an incomplete over-the-air software update corrupted rearview camera data. The rearview display can shut off intermittently, reducing visibility and increasing crash risk, and Subaru dealers will complete the software repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The cockpit control module in the 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy runs the center information display, including the multimedia navigation screen and the rearview camera image. When the vehicle is shifted into Reverse, that display is supposed to show the area behind the vehicle so the driver has the required rear visibility.
On affected vehicles, an August 2020 firmware over-the-air software update timed out during installation. Subaru traced the problem to a delay in flash memory data writing, which interrupted the update and corrupted the data. Once corrupted, the center information display goes blank, and the module continuously reboots about every three minutes. If that reboot happens while the vehicle is backing up, the rearview image disappears for about six seconds.
There is no warning sign before failure. The first clear sign is the center screen going blank or the rearview camera image shutting off during a reboot.
Who's affected?
Covers the Outback and Legacy in the 2020 model year, both using the same cockpit control module display function.
| 2020 Subaru Outback | Display function |
|---|---|
| 2020 Subaru Legacy | Display function |
| Units affected | 7,741 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included in this recall.
What's the safety risk?
A rearview image that cuts out intermittently reduces visibility when backing up and increases the risk of a crash. Check mirrors and surroundings carefully, and schedule the recall repair soon if your VIN is included. Repair is free at any franchised Subaru dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2020 Subaru Outback or Legacy is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the free software reprogramming that fixes the intermittent rearview display shutoff.
- Ask the dealer whether your Cockpit Control Module needs replacement for the rearview display problem as part of the same repair.
- Bring the recall notice if Subaru mailed one. If not, reference recall number 20V766 when you call.
- Use extra care when backing up until the repair is complete. Check mirrors and surroundings before moving.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Subaru technician reprograms the multimedia navigation software. If the software repair does not restore the rearview display, the technician replaces the Cockpit Control Module. The recall repair is free at the dealer now, with parts and labor covered. Subaru has a general reimbursement plan on file for this recall. If you already paid out of pocket for a related rearview display or Cockpit Control Module repair before the recall notice, ask Subaru customer service or the dealer service desk how to submit documentation.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| December 10, 2020 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| December 11, 2020 | Dealer notification began |
| December 11, 2020 | Dealer notification ended |
| January 22, 2021 | Owner notification mailed |
| January 22, 2021 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| January 22, 2021 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 20V766?
Recall 20V766 covers 7,741 2020 Subaru Outback and Legacy vehicles with high-grade or mid-grade multimedia navigation. A failed August 2020 software update can corrupt data and shut off the rearview display intermittently. Subaru dealers will reprogram the software and replace the Cockpit Control Module if needed for free.
What should I do if my 2020 Subaru Outback or Legacy is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 20V766. If it is, contact a franchised Subaru dealer to schedule the software reprogramming. Reference recall number 20V766 or Subaru recall WRH-20 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Subaru's remedy says dealers will reprogram the software and replace the Cockpit Control Module if needed free of charge.
What is the safety risk in recall 20V766?
The safety risk is reduced rear visibility while backing up. In recall 20V766, the rearview image can shut off intermittently, which reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle and increases crash risk. Subaru's repair restores the software function and replaces the module if needed.
What if I bought my 2020 Subaru Outback or Legacy used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the original owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Subaru is included, then call a franchised Subaru dealer and reference recall 20V766 or Subaru recall WRH-20.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/20V766000 |
|---|---|
| Subaru customer service | 1-844-373-6614 |
| NHTSA recall # | 20V766 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 20V766000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 23, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →