2020 Subaru Forester Reliability Score & Common Problems

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the thermo control valve, which often fails and results in a range of problems. Common symptoms include the check engine light activating, disabling of safety features such as EyeSight and lane assist, and loss of heat in the vehicle. These issues typically occur around 50,000 to 70,000 miles, although some report failures as early as 17,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, with complaints mentioning loss of acceleration and control, and in one case, a crash is reported. Buyers should be aware that these repairs can be costly, often exceeding $1,500, and that Subaru has issued a service bulletin acknowledging the issue.

Owners report frequent issues with the thermo control valve in the 2020 Subaru Forester, often leading to engine stalling and loss of vehicle propulsion. Typical symptoms include the sudden illumination of multiple warning lights, disabling of safety features such as EyeSight, and the engine failing to restart after shutting off at stops. These problems commonly emerge around 46,000 to 76,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with one complaint involving a fire after a collision and others describing dangerous stalls in traffic. Prospective buyers should be aware of these recurring issues, particularly as they may incur costly repairs if not covered under warranty.

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with steering, particularly in relation to the vehicle's advanced driver assistance systems. Common symptoms include unexpected self-acceleration, loss of steering control, and malfunctioning lane-keeping features, with some incidents resulting in crashes and injuries. Several complaints detail instances where the steering wheel locks or fails to respond, often accompanied by the vehicle's failure to decelerate or brake effectively. These issues are sometimes reported in conjunction with the auto start-stop feature causing the engine to shut off at low speeds, leading to a temporary loss of steering. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of crashes and injuries, suggesting that potential buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering this model.

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with unintended acceleration, often occurring when the vehicle is in motion or when attempting to stop. Common symptoms include the vehicle accelerating despite braking efforts, sometimes leading to crashes. In several cases, this unintended acceleration is described alongside a failure of the brake system to effectively stop the vehicle. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, with some occurring as early as 3,000 miles. The complaints highlight significant safety implications, with multiple incidents resulting in crashes and injuries. This pattern of reports may be relevant for potential buyers considering the safety and reliability of this model.

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Forester frequently report issues with the airbag system, particularly involving the passenger seat airbag sensor not activating consistently. Complaints often describe the airbag failing to deploy during crashes, with some instances resulting in injuries. The reports indicate that the passenger airbag sensor may not engage for individuals weighing less than a specified amount, with some owners noting problems at mileages as low as 0 to around 13,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as six complaints involve crashes, one mentions a fire, and five report injuries. Buyers should be aware of potential airbag deployment issues and passenger sensor sensitivity when considering this vehicle.

Owners report issues with the forward collision avoidance systems in the 2020 Subaru Forester, with problems typically emerging between 26,000 miles and over 50,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention the automatic emergency braking system activating unexpectedly, causing sudden stops without any apparent obstruction, which could lead to potential rear-end collisions if other vehicles are nearby. Multiple owners describe instances where the pre-collision system misidentifies parked or non-moving vehicles as threats, leading to abrupt braking. Additionally, some owners experience complete system failures where all safety assist systems are disabled, often accompanied by illuminated dashboard warning lights. These issues highlight potential safety risks, especially in situations requiring consistent vehicle control.

Owners of the 2020 Subaru Forester report issues with the service brakes, including unexpected braking and brake system failures. One complaint describes the vehicle autonomously applying brakes without apparent cause while accelerating, which could pose a risk in adverse conditions. Another owner reports a failure in the automatic braking system leading to a crash, subsequent fire, and injury, highlighting significant safety implications. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle surging forward when brakes are applied, indicating potential inconsistencies in brake performance. These issues are noted at varying mileage levels, with one owner specifying low mileage, suggesting that problems may arise early in the vehicle's life.