2020 Subaru Forester problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 807 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.2 times the median Forester year — the 2020 model ranks #3 of 29 Forester years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 35 injuries in total across these filings.
Visibility & Wipers leads the complaint categories with 301 reports (37% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
807
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
46
Crash-involved
13
Fires reported
35
Injuries
0
Deaths
5
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2020 compare to other Forester years?
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Forester problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility & Wipers | 301 | 37% | ▼ down |
| Other | 108 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 102 | 13% | ▼ down |
| Driver Assistance | 83 | 10% | — flat |
| Engine | 79 | 10% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 31 | 4% | — flat |
| Speed Control | 24 | 3% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 15 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 14 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 12 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 11 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 11 | 1% | — flat |
| Seats | 4 | 0% | — flat |
| Lighting | 3 | 0% | ▲ up |
| Seat Belts | 3 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 0% | ▼ down |
| Latches & Locks | 3 | 0% | ▲ up |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I drove my car at lunchtime to get lunch and returned to work. There was no issue. Then less than 5 hours later when I left work around 5:30 pm and went to my car there was a large crack from the base of my windshield almost in the center. It doesnât go all the way to the top but curves in a sort…”
“We hit a deer, front-end impact, then our Forester started on fire and completely burned up. The airbags did not deploy, we were not injured but the car is a complete loss.”
“Daughter was driving vehicle on the morning of September 15, 2023, when smoke came from under hood. Immediately pulled over and engine was engulfed in flames. Got out of vehicle and moved a safe distance away as glass started to break and fire department arrived on scene. Picked up vehicle on…”
“I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 MPH instead of 50 mph i set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [XXX] daughter died. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT…”
“Daughter was driving vehicle on the morning of September 15, 2023, when smoke came from under hood. Immediately pulled over and engine was engulfed in flames. Got out of vehicle and moved a safe distance away as glass started to break and fire department arrived on scene. Picked up vehicle on…”
2020 Subaru Forester — common questions
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 807 complaints put the 2020 model at #3 of 29 Forester years. It is one of the Forester years to avoid.
What are the most common 2020 Forester problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (301 complaints), other (108 complaints), electrical system (102 complaints).
Does the 2020 Subaru Forester have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Subaru Forester.
Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.
How safe is the 2020 Subaru Forester?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Subaru Forester earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
Related
Based on NHTSA ODI data through August 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated August 28, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.