Is the 2020 Subaru Forester reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Forester?

The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?

No recalls are on file for this model year.

2020 Subaru Forester

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2020 Subaru Forester
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 601
Recalls: 0
Investigations: 0
Top problem: Visibility/wiper

Complaints per year

2020: 601 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
1998	101
1999	131
2000	75
2001	139
2002	88
2003	189
2004	219
2005	93
2006	88
2007	74
2008	50
2009	178
2010	262
2011	147
2012	105
2013	77
2014	403
2015	615
2016	413
2017	587
2018	497
2019	832
2020	601
2021	209
2022	98
2023	74
2024	29
2025	96
2026	25

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Visibility/wiper

42% · 252 reports

Electrical system

17% · 102 reports

Most commonly citing adas and 12v/24v/48v battery.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-19

Also filed under Engine and fuel/propulsion system

My car is violently shaking and completely stalling out in intersections when attempting to restart from an Auto-Stop.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-13

Also filed under Engine

Engine

13% · 80 reports

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

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.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-10-09

This 2020 Subaru Forester has experienced repeated failures involving the Auto Start/Stop system.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-19

My 2020 Subaru Forester Sport suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/19/2026 at 156,322 miles, 15 days and 1,031 miles after a thermo control valve (TCV) repair performed at an authorized Subaru dealer on 6/4/2026.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-17

Forward collision avoidance

9% · 57 reports

Most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Visibility

8% · 49 reports

Most commonly citing windshield.

Safety timeline

No recalls on file for this model year.

0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2020Complaint volume 601 complaints filed for this model year.

Buy-smart checklist

2020 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Visibility/wiper: 252 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 102 reports on file for this year.
Engine: 80 reports on file for this year.

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2020 Subaru Forester reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Subaru Forester?: The most-reported component is visibility/wiper, accounting for 42% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?: No recalls are on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.