2020 Subaru FORESTER
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Subaru FORESTER has 794 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.6x the segment average of 307. The most common issue is visibility problems (38% of all complaints), specifically: we very recently purchased this 2020 forester....less than 1000 miles. the vehicle was parked in my driveway and when we got in it the next morning the windshield had a small crack in it! i hope this isn't a sign of things to come, especially after reading the posts on here of 2019 foresters with wi. ⚠️ 7 fire reports filed.
794
Total Complaints
0
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
2.6x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
VISIBILITY
301 complaints- • WE VERY RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2020 FORESTER....LESS THAN 1000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WHEN WE GOT IN IT THE NEXT MORNING THE WINDSHIELD HAD A SMALL CRACK IN IT! I HOPE THIS ISN'T A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME, ESPECIALLY AFTER READING THE POSTS ON HERE OF 2019 FORESTERS WITH WI
- • WHEN THE FRONT WINDOWS ARE OPEN AND THEN CLOSED THEY ALWAYS COME UP FROM THE INSIDE OF THE DOOR WET. THIS HAPPENS WHETHER OR NOT THE CAR HAS RECENTLY BEEN TO THE CARWASH/ ITS BEEN RAINING OUTSIDE/ OR NOT. CONDITION HAS EXISTED SINCE I PURCHASED VEHICLE.
- • I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2019. AS I BEGAN MY DRIVE TO WORK THE FOLLOWING FRIDAY (DECEMBER 6), I NOTICED A SMALL CRACK AT THE BOTTOM OF THE WINDSHIELD. I REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP SINCE I PURCHASED WINDSHIELD REPAIR COVERAGE AND THE INSURANCE COMPANY STATED THAT I NEEDE
“WE VERY RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2020 FORESTER....LESS THAN 1000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WHEN WE GOT IN IT THE NEXT MORNING THE WINDSHIELD HAD A SMALL CRACK IN IT! I HOPE THIS ISN'T A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME, ESPECIALLY AFTER READING THE POSTS ON HERE OF 2019 FORESTERS WITH WI”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2020 Subaru FORESTER
Based on 329 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 6K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
VISIBILITY
OTHER
ELECTRICAL
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
SPEED CONTROL
BODY/STRUCTURE
Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.
Very low theft risk
Low theft rates typically correlate with lower comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.
Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Subaru FORESTER
Live EIA pricesBased on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.
5-Year Gas Price History
EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Subaru FORESTER
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Subaru FORESTER Service Intervals
Boxer engines have specific oil consumption patterns — check oil monthly. CVT service every 30K is critical; skipping shortens life dramatically. AWD requires matched tire wear.
"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.
Subaru New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage
These are the terms for a new Subaru. If you're buying a used 2020 FORESTER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Subaru dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.
Estimated Repair Costs
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 794 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐VISIBILITY: WE VERY RECENTLY PURCHASED THIS 2020 FORESTER....LESS THAN 1000 MILES. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN MY DRIVEWAY AND WHEN WE GOT IN IT THE NEXT MORNING THE WINDSHIELD HAD A SMALL CRACK IN IT! I HOPE THIS ISN'T A SIGN OF THINGS TO COME, ESPECIALLY AFTER READING THE POSTS ON HERE OF 2019 FORESTERS WITH WI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: I OWNED MY 2020 FORESTER FOR LESS THAN 2 WEEKS AND I GOT A CRACK IN MY WINDSHIELD WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET GOING LESS THAN 30 MILES PER HOUR. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING HIT MY WINDSHIELD, BUT HEARD A CRACK AND SAW THE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ELECTRICAL: WHEN DRIVING THE DRIVER HEATED SEAT PUTS OUT LOW HEAT EVEN IF THE SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION. AT 15 MINUTES SITTING, HEAT CAN BE FELT ON THE BUTTOCKS SKIN AND CAUSED MINOR SKIN BURN AT AROUND 30 MINUTES.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: purchased new vehicle 10/23/19, 1st battery failure 6/15/2 jumped and ok 2nd battery failure 12/4/20 jumped, Subaru replaced battery 3rd battery failure 2/16/21, Subaru said battery was "fine" 4th battery failure 3/31/21 Subaru replaced battery 5th battery failure 5/14/21, appt with Subaru on 5/21/2
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)
Subaru FORESTER — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 794
- Recalls
- 0
- Fire reports
- 7
- Crash reports
- 27
- Injury reports
- 18
- Segment avg
- 307
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Subaru FORESTER