2020 Subaru Forester
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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
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 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 611 |
| 2016 | 405 |
| 2017 | 579 |
| 2018 | 487 |
| 2019 | 831 |
| 2020 | 592 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 93 |
| 2023 | 69 |
| 2024 | 28 |
| 2025 | 78 |
| 2026 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
43% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 252 distinct reports on file.
16% of complaints: electrical system — 96 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURY12% of complaints: engine — 72 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20231009
8% of complaints: visibility — 46 distinct reports on file.
5% of complaints: power train — 30 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
No recalls on file for this model year.
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2020 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (252 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (96 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (72 reports on file for this year).
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?
No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.