2020 SUBARU FORESTER

0 recalls, 812 complaints - 581 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

812 total complaints 55 crashes 13 fires 38 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VISIBILITY/WIPER	226
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	111
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	84
ENGINE	69
POWER TRAIN	35
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	35
SERVICE BRAKES	32
AIR BAGS	20
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	20
STEERING	20

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Component/System Defect: Failed Thermo Control Valve (TCV) leading to sudden vehicle power loss / limp mode. Description of Safety Incident: While operating my vehicle at highway speeds late at night, the Thermo Control Valve (TCV) failed catastrophically without warning. The vehicle instantly expe... Read more

Incident date: Sep 4, 2026

Incident date: Sep 1, 2026

Car stalls when it shouldn't i.e. when stopped at traffic light Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Issue

Incident date: May 20, 2022

24th February 2020 - Bought the car from Subaru dealer. Couple of service records prior to May 24, 2022. - May 24, 2022 (9,037 miles) | RO# 806326: The lower oil pan leaked prematurely and had to be completely replaced under warranty. During the same visit, explained LONG BRAKE PEDAL issue, and was ... Read more

Incident date: May 20, 2022

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

This 2020 Subaru Forester has experienced repeated failures involving the Auto Start/Stop system. When stopped in traffic, the system shuts the engine off as designed, but on multiple occasions the engine has failed to restart normally when the driver needed to proceed. This has left the vehicle una... Read more

Incident date: Feb 20, 2026

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

Mazda dealership confirmed my car completed the Recall 24V-022, however, I am still experiencing a Sticky steering wheel. A sudden, brief increase in steering effort, a "notchy" or binding feel during minor lane corrections or long highway curves, and failure of the wheel to smoothly return to cente... Read more

Incident date: Aug 11, 2026

The steering wheel clicks when turning. Purchase dealership did nothing. 2nd Honda dealer ship replaced the clock spring and steering column. Helped for a day then the noise returned. Additionally, there’s a dead spot when turning. It feels like a pause and the the vehicle takes a minute to catch... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2016 Ford Escape. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a knocking sound coming from the engine, with the engine revving. The contact stated that while turning off the vehicle, the engine was knocking very roughly. The vehicle was taken to the de... Read more

Incident date: Jun 19, 2026

My rear backup camera stopped working this year it's either a black screen or blinking screen no video will play. When I first started the video was foggy like moisture was in the camera and now it shows nothing. Other Kia sorento's my same model year have had a recall for the backup camera but mine... Read more

Incident date: May 28, 2026

My 2024 Kia K5's infotainment screen went completely pitch black, disabling the backup camera now creating an active safety hazard.

Incident date: May 28, 2026

I took the van to get the safety recall done in 2026, Feb 25. For the rear view back up camera. I took it to the same dealership that I bought the car from, Jones Junction. However, upon further complications with the back up camera, this issue has never been fixed or resolved. If anything, the iss... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

The front passenger seat heating feature malfunctions. It feels extremely hot, then cuts off. This causes discomfort and creates a safety hazard for passengers. I've made efforts to work with the VW dealership, but after several delays, the car was returned without a fix.

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

There has been 3 different incidents. First incident I was going 45mph merging into 5 lanes of traffic when the back of my driver seat randomly layed down flat and stayed there. I had to get off an exit, get out pull up on front of seat and then it layed back up. 2nd incident I was going about 40mph... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Ford Escape. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V091000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

The contact owns a 2025 Honda Civic Type R. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH and slowing down for a red light, the vehicle failed to accelerate while the accelerator pedal was depressed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a CV axle failure which... Read more

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

My 2021 Tesla Model Y experienced a critical failure resulting in the vehicle displaying diagnostic code BMS_079. After the fault appeared, I was informed that the vehicle's High-Voltage (HV) Battery requires replacement at a cost exceeding $10,000. As a result of this failure, the vehicle is no lon... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2026

My car will not shut off when shifted into park. I get a shift into park message.

Incident date: May 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received a recall notification, NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V189000 (Air Bags) however the parts were unavailable. The dealer was contacted, the contact was informed that the parts were unavailable. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact h... Read more

Incident date: Mar 14, 2026

Driving 65mph on [XXX] and all the lights came on flashing and alerting me causing the emergency braking to occur while driving causing me to swerve on the road and lucky I didn’t crash but i had my [XXX] old in the car and it scared the hell out of me, on top of all that my horn gave out and ha... Read more

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

As I pulled into my driveway, my brakes locked up resulting in my vehicle only coming to a stop because it crashed into another vehicle in my driveway. It is still in my driveway, the function of breaking has not been reproduced. The car will not even start now. The vehicle has not yet been inspecte... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

Crash

Incident date: Mar 6, 2026

Crash

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

The hybrid battery fan is emitting a loud, high-pitched noise from the back of the vehicle while driving on the highway. It makes it difficult to drive and gives me a headache, which makes it difficult to focus and endangers my own safety and those around me. The dealership has acknowledged that thi... Read more

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

Whining noise upon acceleration

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

Incident date: Jan 5, 2025

My husband and I were in a head on and sustained injuries to my neck, chest abdomen, and knees. Neither the driver nor the passenger airbags went off during the accident. No lights were present no warning, lights or messages prior to the accident and we were both wearing our seatbelts. I received si... Read more

Crash

Incident date: Jan 5, 2025

The vehicle involved is a Chevrolet Silverado 1500. During a collision, the vehicle sustained a front-left (driver-side) impact which caused it to spin and subsequently strike the rear. Despite the severity of the initial impact and secondary rear collision, the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), ... Read more

Crash 2 injured

Incident date: Jan 5, 2025

Vehicle started smoking last September/October (2025) after catching several examples of it on camera, VW says it needs new heads. I’ve been on a “waiting list” ever since. The vehicle continues to get worse, recently the low oil light came on as it burns oil excessively . I’ve called VW and... Read more

Incident date: Nov 23, 2025

A vehicle turned in front of me as I was going down the highway and I collided with the vehicle at 44 mph. The airbags of my car did not deploy but the airbags of the other vehicle did deploy.

Crash

Incident date: Dec 1, 2025

Left Headlight Issue - Roadway Shadows This report is based on multiple observations of the car's owner while driving a Toyota Camry hybrid 2025 at night time . At issue is that the left side LED headlight projects fixed black shadows onto to roadway, partially obscuring the driver's view of the ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

Several times I have been stopped at a red light, and my parking break will come on without me engaging it. I was almost hit by other vehicles the last time my vehicle did this. People were blasting their horns and speeding around me because I was unable to move my vehicle. Because I had not manuall... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2018 Acura TLX. The contact stated that it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was purchased on September 10th, 2025, as a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 76,410. At the time of registration, when the ... Read more

Incident date: Oct 23, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Ram 3500. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V896000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the part for the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted; however, the contact was informed that the parts were not yet available. The c... Read more

Incident date: Sep 9, 2025

Differential making scraping sound, points to the pinion gear having a problem.

Incident date: Sep 9, 2025

While driving, my 2018 Honda Accord suddenly lost power and went into limp mode with no prior overheating or warning signs. The acceleration dropped instantly, and the vehicle nearly caused an accident as it seized up in traffic. Diagnostic scan showed a P0303 cylinder 3 misfire, which is consistent... Read more

Incident date: Sep 28, 2025

Engine or transmission The vehicle has stalled randomly multiple times on the freeway, business roads and intersections, not accelerating and burning through oil Dealership says they cannot figure out or replicate the issue No check engine light or warning of any kind given

Incident date: Sep 22, 2025

The axle on the Ford Maverick are suffering premature wear causing the vehicle to shake when accelerating. Ford dealer was able to reproduce the issue and blamed it on a unbalanced axle shaft. The vehicle was not safe to drive with an unbalanced axle shaft

Incident date: Sep 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to first gear, causing the wheels to lock up and the vehicle to fishtail into three lanes of traffic. The contact shifted the transmission to neutral (N) and coasted the vehicl... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

See attached document for complaint.

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2015 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and accelerating, the transmission was shifting hard shift, causing the vehicle to jump before accelerating. The failure also occurred while reversing. The vehicle failed to immediately start, and sever... Read more

Incident date: Sep 12, 2025

Symptoms consistent with TSB 19-2346 for 2.0L EcoBoost engines: coolant in cylinders, white exhaust smoke and check engine light is on. I have to keep topping off the coolant weekly, engine light comes and goes with same errors. Went to a general mechanic who got error codes PO301-00 AND PO316-00. C... Read more

Incident date: Sep 12, 2025

ABS light and traction light is on then hill assist information comes on then the 4 wheel drive disabled comes on then for minutes later comes back on and says abled. It’s been going on for sometime now but now when I am driving it seems like it just shuts off and then starts again and at times it... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

I scheduled a recall appointment for my Jeep Grand Cherokee. The dealer confirmed that the appointment was scheduled and that the necessary recall part had been ordered. However, when I arrived, my vehicle was parked and no work was started. I was not given an estimated repair time, and after waiti... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

My [XXX] mother in law was told by Subaru White Plains NY her both her front control arms and both front sway bar links had to be replaced due to rust as they were not safe and would not pass the NY vehicle inspection. So I did a Google search and saw 2017 Subaru Foresters had rust issues in this a... Read more

Incident date: Sep 15, 2025

Incident date: Aug 28, 2025

The contact owns a 2024 Volkswagen Jetta. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal sound coming from the rear tires. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the rear rotors, and ... Read more

Showing 50 of 812 complaints.

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2020 SUBARU FORESTER

2020 Subaru Forester SUV AWD

Category	Rating
Overall Rating	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Frontal Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Driver	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Side Crash, Passenger	5 / 5 ★★★★★
Rollover	4 / 5 ★★★★☆
Rollover Risk	16.9%

Safety Technology

Feature	Status
Electronic Stability Control	Standard
Forward Collision Warning	Standard
Lane Departure Warning	Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings Program. Ratings are based on crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 SUBARU FORESTER

581 manufacturer communications from 178 unique bulletins. TSBs describe known problems and recommended fixes from the manufacturer.

Most Affected Components

Component	Bulletins
110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	190
350000 EQUIPMENT	163
060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING	38
356000 EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY	22
100000 POWER TRAIN	21
170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES	16
160000 STRUCTURE	13
220000 SEATS	11

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the design change made to the front drive axle shaft assemblies to address cases of a clicking/cracking-type sound heard when driving with the steering wheel in the fully locked (left or right) position.

100000 POWER TRAIN

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin announces the extended warranty coverage for the Thermo Control valve (TCV) used the the models listed. The coverage will be extended to (15) fifteen years / 150,000 miles.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces availability of a new thermo control valve assembly. The new valve contains an enhanced stainless steel internal shaft for optimized durability along with advanced water proofing for the sensor portion.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

350000 EQUIPMENT

To satisfy current supply demands, a new Subaru alternative replacement battery is now available.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

To satisfy current supply demands, a new Subaru alternative replacement battery is now available.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin addresses the reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

"This Bulletin provides insight in response to both customer and retailer feedback resulting from the use of OBD-II port connected devices. These devices are often employed by insurance companies to monitor driver activity for premium calc

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin has been developed for use as a quick reference tool to aid in diagnosing operational concerns of the Gen 2 Telematics systema??s remote access features.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin addresses an error code 202 and or 204 when attempting to complete the STARLINK telematics subsription process.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses an error code 202 and or 204 when attempting to complete the STARLINK telematics subsription process.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides the diagnostic procedure for Harman Infotainment Systems when DTC B2255 is detected. This update should prevent unnecessary replacement of the head unit or USB cable.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin addresses limited cases of engine speed drop when the engine is restarted with the auto start/stop function. Updated software available for the Transmission Control Module (TCM), will optimize the engine cranking speed monitor

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This bulletin addresses rare cases of engine surg or jolting when the operator releases the accelerator from half-throttle.

081100 FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector assembly in response to the DTCs listed.

070000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

This bulletin announces design changes made to the fuel injector assembly in response to the DTCs listed.

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

This bulletin announces diagnostic procedures and availability of new Engine Control Module (ECM) reprogramming files to address DTC P2404 (Evap System Leak Detection Pump Sense Circuit Range/Performance) detection.

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Bulletin provides additional diagnostics to follow when addressing a Telematics-related DTC B2A16.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

353400 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin provides information on a new reprogramming procedure (FOTA) to optimize the Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units (H/U) utilized in the models as listed.

106000 POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY

100000 POWER TRAIN

061600 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:ENGINE CONTROL MODULE (ECU/ECM)

"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy engine DTCs."

350000 EQUIPMENT

"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy engine DTCs."

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

"This bulletin announces availability of new reprograming files for the Engine Control Module (ECM) developed to remedy engine DTCs."

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The following information addresses reprogramming file availability and a software update installation procedure to provide optimization to the new Harman Gen 3.1 Audio and Navigation head units utilized in the models as listed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. is extending the New Car Basic Warranty coverage for the 12 Volt batteries used in the above listed models and model years beyond the original three (3) years or thirty six t

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

This bulletin announces the initialization service procedures to be followed when diagnosing and/or repairing Power Rear Gate (PRG) systems.

010000 STEERING

This bulletin announces the design change made to the leather wrapped steering wheels.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the design change made to the leather wrapped steering wheels.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

346000 COMMUNICATION:MANUFACTURER TELEMATICS

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides helpful procedures and best practices to utilize when customers present with concerns relating to the operation of their Gen 2/Gen 3 Telematics system equipped Subaru.

160000 STRUCTURE

This Bulletin announces the repair procedure developed to address rattle-type sounds heard from the left and/or right B-Pillar area.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Service Bulletin is to inform you of the diagnosis procedure of the Harman Infotainment System when DTC B2255 is detected.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

063140 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

353500 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

350000 EQUIPMENT

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

220000 SEATS

This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats.

160000 STRUCTURE

This Service Information Bulletin announces the repair procedure developed to address rattle-type sounds heard from the left and/or right B-Pillar area.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin announces additional information regarding error codes 1403- 1407 encountered when attempting an adjustment/calibration of the EyeSightA? system after body repair procedures have been performed.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

260000 FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

160000 STRUCTURE

This bulletin announced a design change made to the power rear gate drive unit assemblies.

162600 STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

This bulletin announced a design change made to the power rear gate drive unit assemblies.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announced a design change made to the power rear gate drive unit assemblies.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the repair procedures when corrosion is encountered within the instrument panel wiring harness and the rear wiring harness connectors.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

This Service Information Bulletin announces additional diagnostic procedures and a detailed flow chart to be used when diagnosing customer concerns regarding the operation of the STARLINK Remote Engine Start (RES) feature.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

350000 EQUIPMENT

120000 EXTERIOR LIGHTING

This bulletin announces the design changes to the headlights.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the design changes to the headlights.

220000 SEATS

"This bulletin announces a design change made to the outer hinge cover on the drivera??s 10-way adjustable power seats."

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

This bulletin announces availability of a new Genuine Subaru Alternative Replacement Battery introduced to satisfy current supply demands.

170000 LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

350000 EQUIPMENT

The purpose of this bulletin is to provide replacement key and immobilizer information along with an overview of the Subaru Lock Information web-site.

111000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353610 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT:SOFTWARE

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

353600 EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:INFOTAINMENT

This Bulletin provides reference tables and photos to use for determining the infotainment head unit supplier and generation.

350000 EQUIPMENT

This bulletin announces the recommended cleaning procedures to followed when encountering vehicles with long time exposure to pollen on painted surfaces on vehicles imported from Japan. This bulletin does not apply to SIA built vehicles.

060000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The purpose of this Bulletin is to provide procedures for the diagnosis and repair of oil seepage which may be coming from the timing chain cover, front camshaft cap, camshaft carrier and / or upper oil pan.

Showing 100 of 581 bulletins.

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

Investigations opened by NHTSA into potential safety defects. These are separate from recalls and may or may not result in a recall.

PE, Closed , Model Year: 2016

Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE19-009 to investigate 51 complaints and additional Early Warning Report (EWR) data related to allegations of front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) malfunctions in model year (MY) 2016 through 2018 Subaru Forester vehicles. These vehic... les use a capacitive type ODS, which is intended to classify the occupant of the passenger seat as either full-sized, small stature, a child seat or other object. The complaints reported the ODS failed to operate properly, the SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) warning light illuminated, and/or the ODS incorrectly suppressed (turned off) the front passenger air bag when the seat was occupied by a full-sized passenger. In a frontal crash that is sufficient to warrant deployment, a suppressed air bag may increase the risk of injury to the occupant of the seat.On August 14, 2019 ODI sent an Information Request (IR) to Subaru requesting information on the subject vehicles and MY 2014-2015 Subaru Forester vehicles.On October 3, 2019, Subaru submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) to NHTSA describing a safety defect in the passenger-side front airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) harness of 366,282 MY 2015-2018 Subaru Forester vehicles equipped with seat heaters.The DIR stated that over time, due to a decrease in contact pressure between the terminals in the ODS sensor mat harness, a temporarily unstable electrical connection may be possible. If the connection is temporarily unstable, the ODS may not properly determine the status of the right front seat occupant. If the ODS is unable to correctly determine the status of the front occupant, the airbag warning light may illuminate, and the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.Using vehicle production data and field occurrence frequency, Subaru determined the potentially affected vehicle production range to be between January 20, 2015 ?and August 1, 2017.In addition, Subaru indicated that over 99 percent of the related MY 2015-2018 field reports with vehicles in the production range involved vehicles with seat heaters.NHTSA's analysis of complaint and warranty claim data showed 1,440 of the complaints and 11,672 of the claims involve vehicles with seat heaters that were built within the production range covered by Subaru's recall.In addition, NHTSA's analysis showed a complaint rate of 393.1 per hundred thousand vehicles for the recalled population and 89.0 for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall. Analysis of warranty claim data found a claim rate of 3.2 percent for the recalled population and 0.3 percent for MY 2014 through 2018 vehicles that are not included in the recall.Subaru will instruct owners with Subaru Forester vehicles produced in the affected vehicle production range, to bring their vehicles to a dealer to have the sensor mat harness, inspected and replaced with a new part, including the seat cushion assembly, if necessary.Based on ODI's analysis, the actions taken by Subaru mitigate any unreasonable risk to safety posed by ODS sensor mat failures in the subject vehicles. For subject and peer vehicles outside the recall population and those equipped without seat heaters, ODI's analysis indicates that there is currently no safety-related defect trend. Given these circumstances, further use of the agency resources in this matter does not appear to be warranted. Accordingly, this investigation is closed.Read more

PE, Closed , Model Year: 1999

SEAT BELT ANCHORAGE SEPARATION

ODI HAS ONE COMPLAINT ALLEGING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE, LOCATED BETWEEN THE SEAT AND CENTER CONSOLE, BECAME DETACHED WHILE DRIVING.IN ADDITION, THE OWNER INSPECTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SAFETY BELT ANCHORAGE AND FOUND THAT THE BOLT WAS PARTIALLY BACKED-OUT.THE COMPLAINT VEHICLE WAS EQ... Read more

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

Complete safety history for the SUBARU FORESTER across all model years (1998, 2026).

116 Total Recalls

8,731 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

801 Reported Crashes

139 Reported Fires

9 Reported Deaths

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Compare recalls and complaints across model years. Click any year to see full details.

Year	Recalls	Complaints
2026	3	28	View
2025	3	127	View
2024	2	41	View
2023	1	110	View
2022	1	142	View
2021	0	285	View
2020 (current)	0	812
2019	3	1,088	View
2018	3	679	View
2017	1	800	View
2016	3	619	View
2015	3	897	View
2014	2	576	View
2013	12	94	View
2012	15	140	View
2011	16	195	View
2010	17	307	View
2009	18	228	View
2008	1	67	View
2007	1	89	View
2006	2	121	View
2005	1	105	View
2004	2	270	View
2003	3	238	View
2002	1	109	View
2001	0	169	View
2000	0	95	View
1999	1	156	View
1998	1	138	View

Other SUBARU Models

Model	Recalls	Complaints
IMPREZA	321	3,425	View
LEGACY	307	4,132	View
OUTBACK	288	12,131	View
SOLTERRA	259	109	View
WRX	190	1,208	View
ASCENT	112	1,248	View
TRIBECA	70	51	View
CROSSTREK	42	1,453	View

Vehicle Safety

Consumer Safety

Infrastructure

Public Health

2020 SUBARU FORESTER

Complaint Statistics

Top Reported Components

NHTSA Safety Ratings, 2020 SUBARU FORESTER

Safety Technology

Technical Service Bulletins, 2020 SUBARU FORESTER

Most Affected Components

NHTSA Safety Investigations, SUBARU FORESTER

SUBARU FORESTER - All Years Overview

SUBARU FORESTER - Year by Year

Other SUBARU Models