Subaru Forester, representative photo
Representative model. Photo: Mr.choppers, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0

Recalls & complaints · NHTSA data

2020 Subaru Forester recalls

Every recall campaign and owner complaint NHTSA has on file for the 2020 model year. Not every vehicle is affected by every campaign: check a specific car by VIN below.

Complaints
602

Safety recalls

NHTSA Recalls API · cached ≤24 h

NHTSA's recall service isn't responding

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· Check at nhtsa.gov/recalls →

To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer (federal law; see limits).

Owner complaints by component602

NHTSA Complaints API · cached ≤24 h
602Complaints filed
26Involving a crash
9Involving a fire
16Injuries reported
ComponentShareComplaints%CrashesFiresInjuries
Visibility/wiper25242000
Unknown or other10718530
Electrical system10317121
Engine8113240
Visibility498000
Forward collision avoidance427417
Power train325100
Vehicle speed control2441209
Lane departure224100
Structure152100
Fuel/propulsion system132341
Service brakes132517
Air bags112615
Steering112302
Engine and engine cooling41000

12 more components with fewer complaints not shown. An owner can tag several components, so percentages add up to more than 100. Complaints are unverified owner reports, de-duplicated by NHTSA ODI number.

Latest reports

  • 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.”

    Filed 10/14/2026 · ODI 11771077
  • 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.”

    Filed 10/08/2026 · ODI 11769881
  • Electrical system

    “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.”

    Filed 09/19/2026 · ODI 11765530

Other Subaru Forester model years

Other Subaru models

2020 Subaru Forester recall questions

What is the most common complaint about the 2020 Subaru Forester?

Visibility/wiper is the most-reported component, named in 252 complaints out of 602 filed with NHTSA (42%). Across all complaints, owners reported 26 crashs and 9 fires. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How do I check if a recall is open on my 2020 Subaru Forester?

Enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or the Subaru recall lookup. That shows campaigns still unrepaired on that exact car. Safety recall repairs are free at a franchised Subaru dealer.

Check a specific Subaru by VIN

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