2020 Subaru Forester Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2020 Subaru Forester recalls

No safety recalls on file for the 2020 Subaru Forester.

Most common 2020 Subaru Forester problems

Problem areas named in the 604 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Visibility/Wiper	252
Unknown Or Other	107
Electrical System	103
Engine	82
Forward Collision Avoidance	58
Visibility	49
Power Train	32
Lane Departure	25
Vehicle Speed Control	24
Structure	15

What owners report

2026-10-26, Fuel/Propulsion System
On XXX, while driving my 2020 Subaru Forester Sport (VIN [XXX]) at approximately 35 mph on [XXX], the check engine light came on and EyeSight, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking were disabled / other warning lights appeared / engine temperature issues. A diagnostic scan showed code [P2682 / P26A3 / P26A5], and the Thermo Control Valve (TCV) was found to be defective. Mileage at failure: 33,297. Subaru has acknowledged this defect in Technical Service Bulletin 09-119-24, which extends warranty coverage for the TCV on 2019–2021 Foresters to 15 years/150,000 miles. However, Subaru of America denied coverage and goodwill (case XXX) because the vehicle was originally sold in [XX

2026-10-14, Engine
Experience a total engine stall while stopped/accelerating at an intersection. The stall triggered immediate 'EyeSight Disabled' and 'Engine Oil' dashboard warnings, requiring a manual button restart in traffic. Had concerns of permanently being stalled in intersection. Taking to dealer for inspection.

2026-10-08, Electrical System
Experienced parasitic battery drain which disabled the vehicle. The drain is tied to a 30 amp fuse labeled "BACKUP" under the hood of the vehicle. This fuse controls the touchscreen, backup camera, interior lights, key fob and radio. There were no warning lights or trouble codes associated with this issue. The problem was replicated by both a Subaru dealer and an independent shop. Neither could find the immediate problem without further investigation, which would have cost more than $1000. I have not contacted the manufacturer, police or insurance rep. The car will operate with the fuse pulled but the safety features listed above will be disabled.

2026-09-19, Engine
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.

2026-09-13, Engine
Three times within 30 minutes on short drive, the engine stalled at stop sign or stop light. The car had a half tank of gas, and at the same time as the engine stalled, the miles remaining until empty display showed an anomalous 0.3miles to empty reading. Put the car in park allowed the engine to restart and the range remaining display to return to normal.

2020 Subaru Forester questions

Does the 2020 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

No. NHTSA has no safety recalls on file for the 2020 Subaru Forester at this time.

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

Based on 604 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Visibility/Wiper (252), Unknown Or Other (107), Electrical System (103).

How do I check if a recall on my 2020 Subaru Forester has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.