2020 SUBARU FORESTER

0 recalls, 798 complaints - 581 TSBs - 5/5 safety rating

No recalls found for this vehicle.

Complaint Statistics

798 total complaints 55 crashes 13 fires 38 injuries

Top Reported Components

Component	Complaints
VISIBILITY/WIPER	226
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	114
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	81
ENGINE	64
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD	35
SERVICE BRAKES	32
POWER TRAIN	31
AIR BAGS	21
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING	20
STEERING	18

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

**Component or System:** Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist System (specifically the Pre-Collision Throttle Management system). **Incident Description & Warning Messages:** There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of any problem prior to this failure. The incident occurred while I was stopped a... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

Incident date: Jun 16, 2026

The thermo control valve (TCV) failed on my Forester (2020 model year). The failure first manifested on 16 June, 2026, with two warning lights: Eyesight Off, and Check Engine. Next day a related failure occurred, described below. Based on my call to dealer, the service department told me the car... Read more

Incident date: Jun 26, 2026

Incident date: Apr 13, 2026

WHAT FAILED: Ford-shipped OTA software (update ID OBCC-AS.AU, "Plug & Charge Improvements," delivered May 10, 2026) generates an admitted false-positive instrument-cluster wrench-light and Ford App service-needed notification. The OTA is installed; vehicle available for inspection on request. FORD'S... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2026

My 2026 Hyundai Tucson is experiencing a stuck update loop for the 2nd time since I purchased it new from a Hyundai dealer on February 2, 2026. The first stuck update occurred about Feb 18, 2026. A case was opened with Bluelink and it was taken to the deal for diagnosis on March 26, 2026. The update... Read more

Incident date: May 5, 2026

I have owned this vehicle since 2019 and the auto start has ALWAYS stalled out when I stop at a light or stop sign. The vehicle needs to be put in park and restart the car. It is very dangerous

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

stalling/shutting down at stoplights with the auto start-stop feature has occurred continuously for the last 2 years I’ve taken to dealer, and multiple mechanics and they can’t find a problem

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

Whining noise upon acceleration

Incident date: Feb 19, 2026

I was in an accident and my airbags did not deploy. I have a head injury. No Not yet No

Crash 1 injured

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: 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: 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 contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the message "Service 4WD" was displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to Firestone, where it was diagnosed, and DTC: C14A7-97 was retrieved. The contact was informed that the code i... 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

Rear camera visibility is very poor, especially at night.

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

How does the digital display suddenly disappear from your dashboard? Mercedes has lost its respect for being a High Quality brand. Too many recalls,. Too many issues that vehicles less costly never have such as 1. Out of alignment at 0 mileage resulting in worn out tires at 12k miles. Realignment th... 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

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 9, 2025

Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.

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 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 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Ram 3500. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a message indicating a brake failure was displayed, and that the vehicle needed to be serviced was displayed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the HCU had failed and needed to b... Read more

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 15, 2025

The car began revving at lights when I was in drive and stopped at red lights. The normal at rest rev is 0.75 however I have seen it as high as 1.5 and had to put the car into park to reset the acceleration. This had been consistently happening over the past month. The first visit to the dealer, I n... 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

I just had gotten my 2025 Dayton R/T EV and i was on the highway in my first drive…. Enjoying the hell out of my experience. I had driven abt 12 miles. Even got a powershot in when i had a free right away in the highway and man… 😔😞☹️ im so saddend to share that a car got over on my car... Read more

Crash 1 injured

Incident date: Sep 12, 2025

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

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

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

Incident date: Aug 28, 2025

Brake Calipers are getting stuck often damaging the rotors and pads. This happens even for new calipers and rotors that won't last more than one year after replacement. The parts were original from manufacturer. The rear and front brakes were randomly getting stuck on one wheel after a period of u... Read more

Incident date: Jul 21, 2025

Honda Service Bulletin 21-018 extends the warranty on 2018-2020 Honda Accords for the A/C condenser to 10 years from the original date of purchase with unlimited miles. This afternoon, I paid over $1,700 to the dealer for a fully diagnosed and repaired condenser replacement. Given the near-identic... Read more

Incident date: Jul 22, 2025

ABS activates when going over small bumps while breaking to a complete stop.

Incident date: Jul 22, 2025

Coolant intrusion into engine causing the car to over heat and break down multiple times. On going issue unable to be repaired by multiple mechanics for a year and a half. Coolant leak confirmed during diagnostic using a scope.

Incident date: Jul 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the “Service 4WD” warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to an independent mechanic who discovered a crack in the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). The vehicle was not repaired. Upo... Read more

Incident date: Jun 23, 2025

The transmission prematurely had to be replaced. The vehicle exhibited hesitation and thumping when changing from one gear to the next causing acceleration issues. The transmission exhibited the issue before 100,000 miles. The dealership changed the transmission at a cost to me over $6,000

Incident date: May 21, 2025

The contact owns a 2016 Ford F-150. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a stop, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, while accelerating the vehicle jolted forward. The contact stated that the check engine warning... Read more

Incident date: Apr 20, 2025

Only had the truck for 3 weeks, I'm starting to feel a lag when accelerating. I thought it was just the turbo lagging, but it may be the gas pedal communicating as I barely ease into it.

Incident date: Nov 10, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Chevrolet Malibu. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 14V252000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) and 15V269000 ( SEAT BELTS); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet ava... Read more

Incident date: Nov 10, 2023

Incident date: Feb 25, 2025

Cylinder 5 failure and cam shaft miles 78k. Have to replace full top end or brand new motor cost $10k up to $13k to fix at dealer

Incident date: Jun 16, 2023

Issue Summary: Since December 27, 2024, my vehicle has experienced a hybrid malfunction and leakage issue three times. Each time this occurs, the vehicle becomes completely inoperable and cannot move, requiring a tow truck to take it to the dealership. Since December 27, 2024, my car has been in th... Read more

Incident date: Jun 16, 2023

Showing 50 of 798 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).

114 Total Recalls

8,633 Total Complaints

2 Investigations

784 Reported Crashes

135 Reported Fires

10 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	2	17	View
2025	2	108	View
2024	2	38	View
2023	1	102	View
2022	1	137	View
2021	0	285	View
2020 (current)	0	798
2019	3	1,084	View
2018	3	669	View
2017	1	789	View
2016	3	609	View
2015	3	894	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