High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2020-subaru-forester

2020 Subaru Forester Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

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Defect Risk Score
100 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
603
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
0
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
35
26 Crashes • 9 Fires
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2020 Subaru Forester Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Visibility & Wipers 39.5%
238 reported failures
Electrical System 16.3%
98 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 14.1%
85 reported failures
Visibility 8.1%
49 reported failures
Engine & Cooling 6%
36 reported failures
Powertrain & Transmission 5%
30 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2020 Subaru Forester (0)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
No official safety recall campaigns on record for this specific model year.
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🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11773646 • Engine & Cooling 10/26/2026

"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 Val..."

ODI #11771077 • Engine & Cooling 10/14/2026

"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."

ODI #11769881 • Electrical System 10/08/2026

"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 Subar..."

ODI #11765530 • Electrical System 09/19/2026

"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."

ODI #11763869 • Engine & Cooling 09/13/2026

"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..."