Model year record
2020 Subaru Forester recalls & problems
The 2020 Subaru Forester has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 604 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is visibility/wiper (252 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2020 Subaru Forester.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2020 Subaru Forester SUV AWD
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Forester AWD
| City / highway | 26 / 33 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (AV-S7) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Visibility/wiper | 252 | 5,000 mi |
| Unknown or other | 107 | 6,000 mi |
| Electrical system12v/24v/48v battery; Adas | 103 | 2,000 mi |
| Engine | 82 | 29,300 mi |
| Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings | 58 | 5,100 mi |
| VisibilityWindshield | 49 | 13,250 mi |
| Power train | 32 | 500 mi |
| Lane departureWarning; Assist | 25 | 6,000 mi |
| Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal | 24 | 26,000 mi |
| StructureBody; Body › Hood | 15 | 6,642 mi |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 14 | — |
| Service brakes | 13 | 7,500 mi |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Fuel/propulsion system
On XXX, while driving my 2020 Subaru Forester Sport (VIN [XXX]) at approximately 35 mph on [XXX], the check engine light came on and EyeSight, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking were disabled / other warning lights appeared / engine temperature issues. A diagnostic scan showed code [P2682 / P26A3 / P26A5], and the Thermo Control Valve (TCV) was found to be defective. Mileage at failure: 33,297. Subaru has acknowledged this defect in Technical Service Bulletin 09-119-24, which extends warranty coverage for the TCV on 2019â2021 Foresters to 15 years/150,000 miles. However, Subaru of America denied coverage and goodwill (case XXX) because the vehicle was originally sold in…
- Engine
Experience a total engine stall while stopped/accelerating at an intersection. The stall triggered immediate 'EyeSight Disabled' and 'Engine Oil' dashboard warnings, requiring a manual button restart in traffic. Had concerns of permanently being stalled in intersection. Taking to dealer for inspection.
- Electrical system
Experienced parasitic battery drain which disabled the vehicle. The drain is tied to a 30 amp fuse labeled "BACKUP" under the hood of the vehicle. This fuse controls the touchscreen, backup camera, interior lights, key fob and radio. There were no warning lights or trouble codes associated with this issue. The problem was replicated by both a Subaru dealer and an independent shop. Neither could find the immediate problem without further investigation, which would have cost more than $1000. I have not contacted the manufacturer, police or insurance rep. The car will operate with the fuse pulled but the safety features listed above will be disabled.
- EngineFire
Smoke and fire occurred in the engine and spread into the car while the car was being driven. The car has not been inspected yet.
- Engine
Three times within 30 minutes on short drive, the engine stalled at stop sign or stop light. The car had a half tank of gas, and at the same time as the engine stalled, the miles remaining until empty display showed an anomalous 0.3miles to empty reading. Put the car in park allowed the engine to restart and the range remaining display to return to normal.
- Power train
Component/System Defect: Failed Thermo Control Valve (TCV) leading to sudden vehicle power loss / limp mode. Description of Safety Incident: While operating my vehicle at highway speeds late at night, the Thermo Control Valve (TCV) failed catastrophically without warning. The vehicle instantly experienced a massive loss of engine power and entered an aggressive "limp mode," causing a drastic, uncommanded deceleration in active traffic lanes.Due to the sudden reduction in speed and the low-visibility night conditions, a commercial semi-truck traveling directly behind my vehicle was nearly unable to brake in time and narrowly avoided rear-ending us. My familyâincluding an elderly senior and…
- Engine
Car stalls when it shouldn't i.e. when stopped at traffic light Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Issue
- Electrical system
24th February 2020 - Bought the car from Subaru dealer. Couple of service records prior to May 24, 2022. - May 24, 2022 (9,037 miles) | RO# 806326: The lower oil pan leaked prematurely and had to be completely replaced under warranty. During the same visit, explained LONG BRAKE PEDAL issue, and was given an estimate. - - June 1, 2022 (9,039 miles) | RO# 806767: Just 2 miles after that repair, the oil pan had to be torn apart again because the internal oil level sensor failed and got stuck. - January 19, 2024 (18,854 miles) | RO# 838995: The vehicle suffered a dangerous engine shutdown in the middle of traffic due to the factory Thermo Control Valve defect (TSB 09-80-21). While resolving…
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.