2020 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
A lot of owner complaints, 50% about visibility & wipers.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2020 Subaru Forester
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2020 Subaru Forester recalls
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Forester.
2020 Subaru Forester safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Glass: (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).
- Warranty extension: This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed.
- Battery: Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2020 Subaru Forester safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
600 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Subaru Forester years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator