2020 SUBARU Forester Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
584
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
234 complaints
As I was driving my 2020 Subaru Forester a cracked suddenly appeared across the driver side of the windshield, possibly from a small pebble. The sunlight reflection off the crack sent blinding sunlight into my eyes which nearly caused a collision with the car stopped in front of me. I now have another crack that started from the other side making my car unsafe to drive. Both cracks continue to grow across the windshield, not sure if summertime temps make it worse. I spoke with the dealer and they have quoted thousands of dollars to replace the windshield and since the car has over 100,000 miles they won't replace it under the new warranty that was extended this year. This is my 3rd windshield and can't afford to keep replacing windshields and now I don't have a car to drive. See attached pictures of the windshield.
Jul 31, 2025
In a three year period I have had to replace my windshield for cracks causing visibility issues. Each of these cracks have appeared for no apparent reason.
May 21, 2024
On Monday, 5/13/24, I got in my car and there was a crack across the windshield that was not there earlier in the day. It seems to have spontaneously cracked for no known reason.
May 19, 2024
A crack in my windshield appeared during the 15 minutes my 2020 Subaru Forester was in parking lot while I was in a store. The ambient temperature was in the 70's, the car was facing away from the sun, and the windows were ventilating the inside. The crack starts at the passenger corner in the area of the defroster and runs all the way from the weatherstripping at an angle and length that it is directly in the field of view of the passenger. On a few occasions while driving since the incident I have heard expansion type crack sounds.
May 16, 2024
The windshield developed a spontaneous crack, starting at the base of the right passenger windshield wiper and traveling in a line up toward the middle in a slanted line. There is no spike, no rock hit, nothing to have caused this. I believe it is a stress fracture as reported by others who have Subarus with eyesight technology. I have an appointment with the Subaru Dealer tomorrow morning. This appeared suddenly and must have happened overnight as it was not there yesterday but it was there when I got into the car this morning. The car was parked overnight.
Apr 25, 2024
+ 229 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
67 complaints
Good evening. My claim number for reported issues to Suburu USA is [XXX]. Issue; On 5 or 6 occasions our 2020 Suburu Forester vehicle stalled while we were driving it. The stall has happened both when we are stopped at a traffic light or slowing down for traffic or a traffic light or in one case, at a drive through. This is a safety issue as when we start to drive; the vehicle shuts down and the steering wheel locks up along with all dashboard lights coming on. Also, on at least 2 occasions a message came up to restart the car for our safety. Other cars around us were moving or had to wait for us which creates anger towards us and danger for other drivers if they try to drive around us. The issue has been ongoing since approximately July 2024. I am not able to add a MPH range below, but generally we are traveling 0-10 mph because we are usually braking or going from stop (at a light) and then trying to drive when the stall happens. The vehicle has been brought to XXXX XXXX in Hanover, Massachusetts each time and thus far, they have not been able to resolve the issue. Tonight, we dropped the vehicle off again due to the most recent stall that happened on Saturday [XXX] I have brought this to Suburu USA’s attention and other than the dealership trying to find the issue, not much has been done that I know of. I am hoping your office can inquire with Suburu because it is either an issue specific to our vehicle, or if not, there may be other suburus stalling out there which can lead to serious situations for other drivers. I feel compelled to report this because if there is a wider issue, it should be reviewed to protect others, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 03, 2025
Unknown or auto stop-start On two occasions when I stopped at a red light (auto stop-start activated) the car stalled out when I hit the gas. There was a warning message that alerted on the dash as well as flashing lights and beeping. The only way to restart my car was to put it in park, turn it off, then turn it back on. These were both at heavily used intersections and I had to use my emergency lights to try prevent being rear-ended and both times I have struggled to quickly resolve the issue which caused danger to others as well. My car has been serviced and inspected in the last 2 months so I am unsure the cause. I had received no alerts or warnings on my car prior to these instances and assumed the first instance was a fluke. I have scheduled a service with a subaru dealer in the near future.
Jan 27, 2025
The Auto stop start feature on the car drains the battery and alternator too much. It shouldn’t be forced on consumers. If it was a feature I wanted to use I should have the option of turning it on not be forced to always turn it off since I don’t use it. The alternator has already been replaced under warranty due to this feature. Between that and the dealership saying it would be over $700 to replace the battery is ridiculous. Today the car died while at a stop and the battery is needing to be replaced.
Oct 07, 2024
Collided with a deer that was running across the freeway. Driving legal speed. Impact to front driver's side. Impact seemed relatively minor. No passenger injury. Odd that the airbags didn't deploy. Able to coast to the shoulder. Steam coming from radiator. That dissipated quickly. Had my sister call 911. Took pics of the front as well as the deer fur stuck to the car. About 2 minutes went by and I returned to the front to assess the extent of the damage. Car totaled. As I was assessing, I noted flames starting at the engine compartment firewall, almost directly centered between right and left sides. Vehicle eventually became fully engulfed. Seems like that fire shouldn't have started a full 5 minutes after the engine had been shut off. Advised to report by State Farm as the loss prevention person also thought it was unusual, as did OSP and fire. Said they'd never seen a car burst into flames after a deer strike.
Jun 08, 2024
Thermo Control Valve is the issue according to Subaru. This is apparently an issue as a quick google search took me to many forums of other owners/drivers experiencing the same issue. For me, I was stopped at a red light and my car performed an automatic engine off like normal, and as the light turned green I took my foot off the brake and went to press the gas but my car fully shut off and gave me several warnings that all of the systems were offline. I had to put it in park and try to turn it off and on again to get it going, but it was incredibly stressful for my car to lock up like that on a busy road. This valve causes errors that turn off all the safety features in the car which sounds like a huge issue.
Sep 20, 2023
+ 62 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY
49 complaints
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, the contact became aware of a 7-inch crack at the bottom of the windshield near the driver’s side pillar running horizontally. The contact stated that there was no impact on the windshield to cause the crack. The vehicle had not been taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be inspected. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000.
Jan 13, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving 40–45 MPH in the rain, the lower left corner of the front windshield cracked without impact. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.
May 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while at a complete stop, she noticed that there was a crack in the middle of the windshield. The contact stated that there was no external cause for the failure. The dealer and the manufacturer were notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.
Feb 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle, the contact observed a crack on the windshield extending from the passenger’s side trim to the center of the windshield. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Jan 10, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH, the front driver's side windshield cracked. The windshield had developed a crack without impact. The contact stated that the windshield had previously been replaced by an auto glass company for the same issue. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 64,000.
Oct 20, 2023
+ 44 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
43 complaints
Car frequently dies and won't want to start. Have changed the battery already. Will come to a stop and it will just randomly shut down. Have had to shift to park and restart the car. This is unsafe.
Sep 29, 2025
This has happened 8 times in a month span. The car is currently being looked at by the dealership and so far they can’t find anything wrong. When I’m stopped in traffic, my car’s engine turns off. Once the light turns green and I press on the accelerator I hear a beep and the car doesn’t move . The dashboard shows a few error messages and a message stating that the eyesight has been turned off. In order to get the car to work again I have to put it in park, turn it off, and turn it on again. It is particularly dangerous because the car won’t move when the light is green.
Jun 26, 2025
While driving, the vehicle's Automatic Stop-Start System Engaged as usual when the car came to a stop (e.g., at a red light or in traffic). However, when releasing the brake, the Automatic Stop-Start System failed to restart the engine. Not only it failed to restart the engine, but multiple attempts of manually start the engine all failed. And the car became stranded in the middle of road with heavy traffic. Had to call 911 and tow truck to get the vehicle out of the road. No dashboard warning or error message appeared prior to the failure. Never had issues with engine cold start prior to the failure. Basically, the battery was good to cold start the engine prior to the incident, but while driving when the car came to a stop at a red light for few seconds, the Automatic Stop-Start System's engagement somehow suddenly cause the battery not able to start the engine anymore. The issue poses a serious safety hazard, particularly if it occurs in traffic, at intersections, or on highways, as it may leave the car stranded in a dangerous location.
May 10, 2025
the [S] is constantly blinking, the check engine light On, the temperature light is on as cold, and the eye sight and anti collision is off.
Mar 03, 2025
Numerous times when using the "gas saving feature" when the engine stops after the brake is pressed, the car has stalled and I have had no control over the vehicle. I have had to turn on my emergency flashers and restart my car in order for it to move again. Luckily whenever it has happened for me I have been stopped on a flat surface, and not on a hill, but if this ever happened while I was trying to turn I would be T-boned, or if it ever happened while I was stopped on a hill I would roll backwards. This also increases the chances of me being rear ended, because the person behind me has to be paying attention that my car has stalled. My Apple Car Play has also not worked since I purchased the vehicle in 2020. Their only suggestion was that I needed to swap out my iPhone cord every few months, and then it may or may not work. Also what if I was not an Apple user?
Feb 04, 2025
+ 38 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
15 complaints
While driving my 2020 Subaru Forester at approximately 15 mph, the engine unexpectedly shut off, resulting in an immediate loss of propulsion (vehicle stall while in motion). This created a safety risk because the vehicle was in traffic and could have been struck from behind or lost the ability to accelerate out of danger. No crash occurred and there were no injuries. There were no warning lamps, warning messages, check engine light, or limp mode before, during, or after the stall event. The vehicle later experienced catastrophic engine failure, also without any warning indicators. The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Subaru dealership. The dealership confirmed the failure and diagnosed crankshaft bearing failure on cylinder 3, and recommended short block replacement along with related engine component replacement (including cam phasers and gaskets/seals). The engine/vehicle remains available for inspection upon request. Manufacturer has been notified through Subaru of America Customer Advocacy. Subaru has offered partial goodwill assistance but has declined further escalation or full remedy. Note: I have video of this showing no engine lights however unable to upload it below. Can send via email if required. Thank you. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Dec 30, 2025
my Subaru suddenly had numerous warning lights go on. Took it to the dealer and they said it was due to a recalled part: thermo control valve. They replaced it for free but said my head gaskets needed to be replaced after checking my oil for $4000 plus. I believe the recalled part caused the head gasket issue and shouldn’t have to pay also the mileage is only 66k
Jun 09, 2025
Upon exiting freeway, all lights on car came on including brake light. When placed in park, the engine would rev. If placed in drive, car would drive without gas given. Car towed to Subaru dealership and diagnosed with thermo control valve defect which seems to be a known widespread issue. Thankfully I was located close to a Subaru dealership however if not, this could cause others to be stranded. Given this widespread issue, a recall should occur to fix this issue.
Jan 23, 2025
Subaru Forester engine stalls at an intersection due to auto start stop feature of subaru to save fuel, except that this is the second time when engine is idling it lowers the revs and then it stalls when trying to auto start engine; first time the dealer said is battery issue, I replaced the battery at my cost, and this is the second time. It is dangerous because there are oncoming traffic and I have only a split second to turn on my flashing lights. This is a brand new battery install on 9/2024.
Dec 01, 2024
DEFECTIVE THERMOSTATIC CONTROL VALVE- This part NEEDS to be recalled. Manufacturer has extended the warranty on the part, so it was free to replace. Otherwise, it's a $1600 part. I'm thankful they covered the price, but upset that this KNOWN issue is preventable and they've been letting people continue to be put in danger for four years now?! Incident 1) I was driving 45 mph on a busy street when the car bucked & All engine lights turned on (not helpful to pinpoint a problem) EyeSight turned off (when I needed it most.) The car was worse than dead. I was desperate to get to the shoulder, so I slammed on the emergency lights. Horrified, I realized turning the wheel did almost nothing. I had to lean on the steering wheel to get to the shoulder. When I applied gas it would choppily accelerate, so instead i let the car coast. Since i had no gas, i was stuck in the middle of a side road. I put it in park and turned it off. Someone started walking up from the bad neighborhood, wanted me to get out so he could push the car. I said no, but It took a few minutes to talk him into leaving through the glass of my window. But, this time when i started it up the dash warning lights were off Incident 2) between Oct& Nov 2024 Intermittently all the dash lights turned on, no cruise control or Eyesight. Resolved on its own. No engine trouble acompanied these. Incident 3) Nov 5th, 2024. I started my car, warmed it up, and drove for about 3 minute's when all the dashlights lit up, Eyesight failed, and the whole engine acted like it was on choppy seas. This was at night in a rural area and I was barely able to guide the car to the right shoulder because the accelerator was not working at all. Ended up slashing up my tire and ruining my rim on the shoulder of the road since the car was barely maneuverable. I could have been killed or in an accident - where is the recall on this part?? Mileage at total failure : 46,434
Nov 09, 2024
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
14 complaints
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his wife was stopped at a red traffic light in the middle lane and surrounded by other vehicles, the auto START/STOP system engaged; however, when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle eventually restarted, allowing the driver to safely pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a dead battery. The dealer advised the contact about turning off the auto START/STOP system. The battery had been marked as good on two separate occasions. The battery was replaced. The contact reached out to the manufacturer, who opened a case but confirmed there was no warranty coverage on the vehicle. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,585.
Oct 16, 2025
2020 Subaru Forester periodically will stall out at a light or stop sign in heavy traffic. It then takes several attempts to restart. (Sometimes completely dead) My mechanic hasI changed the battery and checked the alternator, all in working order. It’s hard to figure out what is wrong because it doesn’t happen all the time.
Sep 23, 2025
We were traveling in rural California, 1 hour north of Bishop, CA on [XXX] when our vehicle's "Check Engine" light, "Parking Break" light, and several other lights lit up on our dashboard. Our car began to stall out immediately. We were able to pull off to the side of the road as best as we could as we were towing a camper at the time as well. We waited for 4 hours to get our vehicle and camper towed 1 hour away to a mechanic. The mechanic couldn't fix our car, but we were able to get an engine code reader to clear the codes as they came up. The closest Subaru dealership was 4 hours away in Las Vegas, NV. We had to drive through mountains and Death Valley. Despite using the engine code reader to clear codes every 30 seconds, our car stalled out 6 times on the way. The problem was the thermo control valve for P26A6, a known problem with Subaru vehicles like ours. We had our vehicle serviced in July 2025 for 60,000 miles and the dealership did not say anything about this known issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 19, 2025
Parasitic battery drain
Sep 03, 2025
Periodically, the vehicle stalls at stop lights, stop signs, and in other situations when coming to a complete stop. Once the vehicle comes to a complete stop and turns off due to the auto-stop/start function, it stalls immediately after the car re-starts and you press the gas pedal. This leaves the vehicle stalled in intersections and in potentially dangerous conditions. You must engage park and restart the vehicle while stopped in the middle of traffic, which poses a significant safety risk. I believe this issue is related to the auto-stop/start functionality. The vehicle has been inspected by a Subaru dealer several times, but they claim they cannot reproduce the problem and there are no diagnostic codes or warning lights. No other mechanic has inspected the vehicle.
Jan 06, 2025
+ 9 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN
9 complaints
I purchased a 2020 Subaru Forester in 2020. Last week, the Check Engine light came on and it was due to the thermo control valve that need replaced. My car was outside of warranty at 70k miles and Subaru’s customer advocacy office will not reimburse despite this being a faulty defect for many 2018-21 Foresters. There is a class action lawsuit filed but I’m still out $1900. There should be a recall and I should not be paying for this manufacturer defect.
Apr 01, 2024
Thermo control sensor failed which will damage the motor if overheating dealer says it's going to cost me $1500 and it isn't covered under drivetrain warranty which is 5 years 60000 miles I have 27000 miles
Mar 20, 2024
The thermo control valve failed causing the coolant to run at full and not allowing the engine to reach proper temperature and the heating system to not provide heat, also it caused multiple safety systems to turn off including eye sight, emergency braking, rear auto brake, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, traction control. the failure of this unit is a known issue to Subaru per their own service bulletin 09-80-21, while mine was not covered by Subaru's own warranty due to the mileage this vehicle is less than 5 years old, the repair costs will be $2000.00+ as quoted by the dealer.
Mar 20, 2024
The thermo control valve (TCV) went bad at 54,000 miles. The result is that none of the safety features work anymore. Collision detection, Eye-Sight, lane change warnings, anti-skid, etc. all go offline when the TCV goes out. We can drive the car but it now has no safety features.
Dec 20, 2023
Engine check light came on and after running a test it seemed as though the thermo control valve thermostat was not working properly which means the valve that lets coolant into the engine doesn't know what the temp is and when to release coolant. That ended up being the issue and we were barely under the 60k mile warranty for the powertrain so it was covered but I've been reading that it is a common issue and others are surprised it hadn't been recalled yet as it could cause the engine to overheat. The part is so defective that subaru has already designed a better part which means they know its a common issue.
Oct 06, 2023
+ 4 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
8 complaints
Stopped in traffic near a red light. The Auto Stop/Start was enabled and activated when stopped at the light. When the light turned green, tried to go, but the AS/S system failed. A “No Eyesight” warning flashed and disappeared; various symbol lights blinked. Car would not start, hazards would not activate. After 20-30 seconds, I was able to put the car in park and restart the engine (would not start before then). No battery or check engine lights had been on previously, up to date on oil changes, 35k total miles, and I had a quarter tank of gas. This was scary as I was stuck in the middle of the road with my children while cars behind me tried to pass on either side. Many people have reported this issue in Subarus and I’d like for this dangerous problem to be formally addressed.
Oct 20, 2024
At a stop light, auto stop/start system shuts down the vehicle engine. When the light turned green, and I lifted my foot off the brake, the engine failed to restart. The dash will lit up .. check engine light, eye sight light ... etc will come on. I had to shift to park and restart the engine. I read that low remote battery can be a problem, I replaced the remote battery but it has not resolved the issue. Engine failed to restart at stop light after being shut down by auto stop/start system multiple times in last six month. Only recourse is shift to park and restart the engine. This seems to be manufacture problem with auto stop/start system. It is a safety issue for me and my family having a stalled car at stop light due to engine being shut off by auto stop/start system and failed to restart until put in park and restart it.
Sep 11, 2023
Frequent battery dying problem in 2020 Subaru Forester from Grayson Subaru, Knoxville, TN I am a 67 year old woman who does much scientific research in remote places alone at night. During the day, I manage 3 farms 100 miles apart. I am constantly opening and closing gates, getting out briefly to check livestock and fix fences. If my keys are left in the ignition even briefly, as I get in an out for small tasks, the car battery is dead. Other times it is simply dead for no reason at all. In my over 50 years of driving all sorts of cars and trucks, I have never had this problem. I have had constant problems with this car battery dying in as little as 5 minutes after driving 50 miles. I have brought this problem to Grayson Subaru’s attention and spent hours waiting as they checked for problems. They never find anything. I have made numerous calls. They assure me this is “normal”. This is NOT normal. Not in my over 50 years of driving cars. I am forced to carry a car booster with me at all times. This is a TERRIBLE situation for a car which typically is owned by people who often camp, are doing sports in remote places or need a small rugged car for farm work or field research or outdoor activities. Here are just a few times I have contacted Grayson Subaru over this problem. I have had dead battery many more times than this (just in past 2 weeks Jan 5, 10 and 14, 2022), but have had to jump it off because I was in a dangerous. I bought the car in Sept 2021 from Grayson as a new car: Calls and visits to Grayson over the battery problem. Jan 22, 2021; August 11, 2021; Aug 23, 2021; Aug 24, 2021; Oct 5, 2021; Nov 17, 2021; Jan 11, 2022. I do not want to invoke the Tennessee Lemon Law (T.C.A. 55-24-101 to T.C.A. 55-24-112), but I also cannot continue to drive such an unreliable car. I see there is a “battery drain" lawsuit for 2020 Subaru Foresters. I believe this car has the same problem. What do I do?
Jan 18, 2022
Liftgate open for tailgating party. Battery drained despite NO lights being on at all. This should NOT happen. Left me (50yo woman) and 3 kids stranded in a very bad part of town.
Dec 28, 2021
Purchased new on 5/22/2020. On Aug 8th after not driving the car for 3 days, attempted to start vehicle. Would not start. Battery dead. Charged battery with a jump. Drove car home. Next am. Car would not start. Battery dead. Currently trying to get car in for service. This is very dangerous stranding people randomly.
Aug 10, 2021
+ 3 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaints
The vehicle has 27000 miles and the windshield shows multiple small chips and voids. The windshield is really thin and can’t take any wear and tear.
Jul 11, 2022
WINDSHIELD CRACKED, STARTED BELOW WIPER IN THE MIDDLE OF GLASS, CRACK ABOUT 8 INCHES PERPENDICULAR TO THE HOOD. THE VEHICLE WAS MOVING ABOUT 20 MILES PER HOUR IN THE RAIN TURNED ON DEFROSTER AND SAW THE CRACK.
Apr 26, 2021
WINDSHIELD LITERALLY CRACKED FROM ONE SIDE TO THE MIDDLE FROM A SMALL PEBBLE (THE FIRST PEBBLE I'VE HAD HIT THE WINDSHIELD). I JUST GOT THIS CAR, BARELY EVEN BROKEN IN AT 7,000 MILES. THE SAFETY FEATURES FROM EYESIGHT DON'T WORK PROPERLY AFTER THIS WHICH POSES A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE.
Apr 05, 2021
I BOUGHT THIS CAR 2 WEEKS AGO WITH 1,950 MILES AND MY WINDSHIELD CRACKED WITH NO REASON. I DON'T KNOW WHY OR HOW THAT HAPPENED. I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR FIRST BECAUSE I HAVE A BROKEN WINDSHIELD AND SECOND BECAUSE OBVIOUSLY THAT WINDSHIELD IS WEAK OR LACKING OF SAFETY.
Mar 03, 2021
COMPLAINT NUMBER 11386410 WINDSHIELD REPLACED NOTED ON RECEIPT 'BROKEN DUE TO STRESS CRACK/DEFECT IN GLASS. NOTHING FROM THE ROAF HIT THE GLASS'
Jan 21, 2021
+ 3 more complaints for this component
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
6 complaints
In April 2022 after owning the car for 4 weeks the Eyesight went out. I was told it was due to the thermal control module. That was replaced. I’m n June 2023 the AC went out. They said it was the blower motor. That was replaced. In September 2023 the AC went out again. At that point they found the cause was actually a fully melted fuse box and fuses. They replaced the fusebox and the entire AC system. I have had 3 batteries in the vehicle since March 2022. In December 2024 they found that my car needed an update and the update friend the transmission controls module. Then the starter went out at the same time. After that was fixed a week later all the lights in my dash came on and there were no safety features running in the vehicle. I reach out to Subaru and I was told this was all normal wear and tear in the vehicle and it just happens. A melted fuse box and safely features just randomly dying on a 4.5 year old car goes deeper than that. There has been almost $12000 in repaired performed on this car and the ones remaining are undiagnosed as they have never seen the codes before. This is a mush larger issue and Subaru refuses to do anything.
Feb 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 30 MPH, the brake pedal of the vehicle was applied inadvertently without any vehicles surrounding the vehicle. The contact stated that simultaneously a " Pre collision braking system was activated " message appeared. The vehicle was taken to the residence. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where the failure was not replicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
Jan 08, 2025
Was slowly pulling into a parking spot when the "Automatic Emergency Braking" and "Collision Avoidance Systems" engaged. The systems said that there was an "object detected" and slammed the car to a stop. Shut off the car and got out, there was no object. Had to disable the AEB system to pull into the parking space. Vehicle and component have not been inspected for this issue. Vehicle received regular maintenance at a shop (oil change) about 1 month ago and new tires about 1 week ago. Problem has not been confirmed.
Mar 10, 2023
Subaru eyesight technology has a pre collision feature along with lane departure feature. Latter can be turned off permanently, the pre-collision feature cannot. Number of instances where this has malfunctioned in a way that is unsafe. Driving in upstate NY on foggy morning, winding hilly roads, 50mph roads. Road had a driveway with a parked car not moving, parked and the pre collision system tried to break, so slowed down the car but there was another coming behind from a hilly turn, not aware I would suddenly slow, especially as I did not anticipate the car would try to put on breaks on its own for a parked unmoving car. No collision resulted fortunately, but unsafe if the car behind had not been able to slow to accomodate for the faulty detection by subaru’s eyesight, thinking the parked unmoving car was a sudden stopping vehicle in front of me, when the winding road was actually clear for me to continue driving. Another incident on another road where a series of 4-5 cars driving constant speed, fixed distance from each other, then first car signalled to turn right and stopped; cars behind just went around them slightly as they were waiting to turn, and I was going to follow suit, the train of cars in front of me, when suddenly eyesight pre collision detected that turning vehicle as something to try to brake for, and the car behind me did not expect the sudden breaking attempt to slow down, and again, close call, no collision resulted but unsafe when the human driver was expecting to continue along with the other train of cars and not expecting a sudden stop. I have called subaru both dealership and main office but informed there is no way to permanently disable the pre collision setting in the car. Concerned that if this feature is on, and erroneously detects an object in front, such as that parked unmoving car, in other situations the cars behind me may not be able to accomodate the attempts at sudden breaking by the subaru eyesight technology. Dangerous.
May 20, 2021
DRIVING ON STRAIGHT MULTI-LANE HIGHWAY ~2:00 PM IN THE DAYTIME AT ~55 MPH; CLEAR, DRY WEATHER, DRY ROAD. NO VEHICLES OR OBSTRUCTIONS OF ANY KIND IN FRONT OF VEHICLE, FORTUNATELY NO VEHICLES BEHIND. AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM TRIGGERED FULLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING, BRINGING CAR TO SUDDEN STOP IN HIGH SPEED TRAVEL LANE; COULD HAVE CAUSED SEVERE REAR END COLLISION HAD THERE BEEN ANYONE BEHIND. ENGINE CONTINUED TO RUN, VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE UNTIL AFTER SHIFTING INTO PARK AND BACK INTO DRIVE. SUBARU COULD FIND NO REASON FOR ERRONEOUS SUDDEN STOP FUNCTION.
Mar 04, 2021
+ 1 more complaint for this component
STRUCTURE
6 complaints
Automated lift gate opened fully, and then immediately closed without warning upon a person who was trying to access the back, nearly causing injury. It is unknown what precisely is failing within the lift gate and it is available for review. The automated lift gate can close on a person unexpectedly potentially causing injury. This has been reproduced as was "fixed" by the dealer but then reappeared only a month later with the same issue. The vehicle was not inspected by anyone but the dealer's service representatives. There was a soft beep emitted as it came down but the behavior was completely unexpected. There were no warning lamps or other information as to something was non-functional, only the soft beep as the lift-gate fully opened, then automatically fully shut right after.
Dec 19, 2024
There is a crack on the left lower part of the windshield. It’s the 3rd crack requiring a windshield replacement and it only has 21,110 miles on it
Dec 28, 2023
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 80 MPH, THE HOOD STARTED TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OCEAN SUBARU OF FULLERTON (1100 S EUCLID ST, FULLERTON, CA 92832, (888) 428-2419) HOWEVER, WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 6,874. CONSUMER STATED THERE WAS A STRONG INTERMITTENT WIND WHILE DRIVING.
Mar 19, 2021
THE LINKAGE CABLE BETWEEN THE DRIVERS' FRONT INTERIOR DOOR HANDLE AND THE DOOR LATCHING MECHANISM BECAME UNHOOKED SOMEHOW DURING NORMAL USAGE, RENDERING THE DOOR INOPERABLE FROM THE INTERIOR. SIMPLY REMOVING THE INTERIOR TRIM FROM THE DOOR AND REATTACHING THE LINKAGE FIXED THE PROBLEM, BUT UNTIL THEN THE DOOR WAS ONLY USEABLE FROM THE EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE.
Feb 11, 2021
THE LIFT GATE MOTOR ON MY 2020 FORESTER DOES NOT SHUT OFF WHEN THE LIFT GATE IS OPEN, IT CONTINUES TO CYCLE UNTIL THE BATTERY IS DEAD. SUBARU DEALER SAYS THEY'RE UNAWARE OF THE PROBLEM EVEN THOUGH A SIMPLE COMPUTER SEARCH FOUND DOZENS OF COMPLAINTS FOR THE SAME ISSUE. *TR
May 11, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
5 complaints
On Sunday, [XXX] we were traveling in our 2020 Subaru Forester on a trip from Minnesota to Florida for a vacation. Not long into cross country trip we found ourselves stranded on the side of the highway uncertain about the ability of our vehicle to continue to due to a defective Thermo Control Valve failure. About 200 miles into our trip, while driving at highway speeds south of Rochester, MN the dashboard lit up. The check engine light was on, and other safety features were lit up on the dash as disabled (Eye-sight technology, lane assist, automatic vehicle collision braking). The heat would not work after this incident. We checked the owners manual, and then drove to an Auto-parts store to have a scan done to determine the error code. The code "P26A3 - Engine coolant bypass valve A Range/Performance" was indicated. In checking online we discovered that a Thermo Control Valve replacement was needed ASAP and to continue driving the vehicle could risk severe engine damage. Since it was a Sunday, and we were essentially stranded if we couldn't use the vehicle. We continued on, stopping and checking the engine periodically for overheating. We were able to get an appointment at Lou Fusz Subaru in St. Peters, MO on Monday afternoon and they replaced the Thermo Control Valve at a cost of $1,961.51. We were told that this wasn't under warranty due to the mileage on the vehicle (76,358 miles). In researching this issue online, we found that the Thermo Control Valve failure to be a common issue and certain year/model vehicles and Subaru should have recalled this part a long time ago (in our opinion). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 08, 2024
Started engine after parking and check engine light came on, eyesight disabled, and flashing “s”. Stopped driving and took vehicle to dealer. Diagnosed as thermo control unit. Told they didn’t have a loaner and was safe to drive for a few days. Has no heat and engine would not warm up. No safety systems. Retained 3 days later to dealer when loaner was available. Repaired under powertrain warranty.
Feb 11, 2024
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 75 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance Automatic Emergency Braking system activated and applied the brakes. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway, where he smelled a burnt smell in the interior of the vehicle. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the throttle body. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 35,600.
Jan 23, 2024
Check engine light came on, low temp light stays on, Eyesight disabled, lane departure, emergency breaking, etc have all been disabled due to the issue. I took it to the local autobody shop and they found code p0128 | Coolant Thermostat Issue. This has caused all safety features to become disabled as mentioned above. I was told by the local shop that I need to go to the dealership. I have not brought it to the dealership yet however, after looking online I found that this is a common issue with this make and model vehicle however, nothing has been done by Subaru to recall the component. I am going to bring the car to a dealership however, I'm upset that Subaru hasn't acted on the information that they have a faulty component in this vehicle. I am very concerned with cost of repairs since I am being forced to go to the dealer.
Dec 01, 2023
This is about a problem of which your agency is already aware. Subaru of America has been aware of a defective Thermo Control Valve for almost a year (Part 21319AA010). The part was redesigned since the initial part was subject to extreme corrosion. The redesigned part has the same part number as the original part. Subaru did not do any recall but instead waited for the parts to fail. When it fails on a car with safety features (called "eyesight"), each and every safety feature is permanently disabled until the redesigned part is installed. In addition, the engine runs too cool and there is little or no cabin heat. My car has been on the lot of my local dealership for 2 months with no end in sight. My car is covered by the original warranty and an extended warranty. Managers at the dealership have told me that they have no idea when the part will arrive, that it may be many months and that there are many people already waiting for the part. A 6-page letter by me to the General Counsel of Subaru of America did not result in any direct response. By information and belief, this involves thousands of cars nationwide. By information and belief, dealerships are initially telling people the cars are still drivable despite the loss of all safety features since this what was initially told to me. I refused to accept the car in a defective unsafe condition. There may be thousands of cars being driven in which said safety features are fully disabled. Subaru claims the part has been on "back order" since March. By information and belief, based upon Subaru's own February 2022 service bulletin, it appears that the newly designed part is currently being installed on new cars at the factory thereby putting into question the "backorder" label. This analysis was enunciated in detail in my letter to Subaru of America's General Counsel and there was no response contesting that allegation. Your agency's investigation and intervention are immediately required.
Oct 26, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaints
While merging into a lane, I went to accelerate. I pressed the accelerator pedal to the floor to quickly get up to the speed of traffic. After successfully merging into the lane, I took my foot off of the accelerator pedal and noticed that my vehicle was still accelerating. The floor mat was not interfering with the accelerator pedal. Thankfully, slamming on my brakes while in the middle of a lane caused the accelerator pedal to come off the floor and my vehicle began to decelerate. This was frightening and an absolute hazard to the well-being of myself and other drivers and pedestrians on the road. Without quick thinking and a lack of traffic ahead of me, I and others would have likely been involved in a life-threatening traffic accident. Whether this is a reoccurring incident or a one-time incident, this is not acceptable for any vehicle sold and allowed to be driven by a manufacturer or dealership.
Feb 02, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while pulling into a parking space and pressing the parking brake, the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and accelerated forward. During the incident, the vehicle drove over a curb, hit a lamp post, and crashed into a parked vehicle. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene. The vehicle was not towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Oct 06, 2022
The contact leased a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while reversing in a driveway, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own and crashed into a bush without the accelerator pedal being depressed. There were no reported injuries. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact applied the brake pedal and the vehicle stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but they were unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was concerned about driving the vehicle. The failure mileage was 38,000. The VIN was not available.
Mar 28, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while attempting to park at a rest stop, the vehicle independently accelerated while the brake pedal was depressed. As a result, the vehicle ran into a stone wall. The front end of the vehicle was severely damaged. The air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained a sore neck as a result of the crash but medical attention was not required. The vehicle was not drivable and was towed to a body shop. The vehicle was not diagnosed but was in the process of being repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Jul 16, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 2 MPH, WHEN DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL THE ACCELATOR PEDAL MALFUNCTIONED AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO SHIFT THE CAR INTO REVERSE AND THE VEHICLE REVERSED A LITTLE BIT BEFORE ACCERLATING AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STRUCK A BUILDING AS A RESULT OF THE MALFUNCTIONING ACCELERATOR.. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOWING YARD. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED, AND HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 3,000.
Jan 05, 2021
AIR BAGS
4 complaints
The passenger seat airbag sensor does not activate all the time. My girlfriend weighs [XXX]. When she sits in the passenger seat, it only activates the sensor approx 50% of the time. I took it to Subaru, they indicated the sensor was working properly, and their resolution to the issue was for her to weight at least 120 pounds !!! I have that in writing on the repair ticket from Dreyer Reinbold Subaru Greenwood Indiana. I took my complaint to Subaru, and after repeated follow up phone calls, I was informed that in Subaru's owners manual, it stipulates that the individual must meet certain criteria in order to activate the passenger seat sensor. I have yet to find that reference. So, does Subaru inform every potential buyer of the fact that individuals seated in the passenger seat must meet the 120 pound minimum weight to activate the airbag sensor to keep them safe ? I bet not. Thank you for your consideration to helping me keep any passenger in my 2020 Subaru safe, and for countless others that may have have this issue but never check to insure the airbag becomes activated. I have seen recalls for 2020 Outback & Legacy for the same issue with the passenger seat sensor, is it possible some Foresters have the same sensor? [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] - [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jan 04, 2025
On October 26th 2022 I was in a accident with a deer. It was a head on collision where my airbags deployed but the main windshield airbag didn't go off.
Oct 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while sitting in the passenger’s side seat, the air bag warning light failed to engage. The contact stated that she weighs approximately 95 pounds and must use added weights to engage the air bag system. Additionally, while in the vehicle the air bag warning indicator light randomly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and the contact was informed that the vehicle was working as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 0.
Sep 08, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION AS ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED HEAD ON INTO THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. NO AIR BAG DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED LACERATION, BRUSHING ON BOTH LEGS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS CONTACTED AND HAD TAKEN THE CONTACTS HUSBAND TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE HE WAS TREATED FOR HIS INJURIES. THE CONTACTS HUSBAND WAS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED BY AN INDEPENDENT TOWING COMPANY TO A BODY SHOP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS WAITING RESULTS FOR DAMAGES. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 5,500.
Feb 26, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
Since I purchased my Subaru Forester new in 2020, people regularly flash their high beams at me at night when my low beams are on, because they think I have my high beams on. I also flash my high beams at cars when I think they have their high beams on then they do the same, to show me they have their low beams on. It needs to be illegal for manufacturers of cars and/or headlights to manufacture low beams with these dangerous settings. I didn’t know I could file a complaint with this department until a week ago otherwise I would have done it in 2020
Dec 21, 2025
LED ADAPTIVE HEADLIGHTS BLIND ONCOMING DRIVERS. I HAVE MANY DRIVERS FLASHING THEIR HIGH BEAMS AT ME WHEN DRIVING ON LOW BEAM SETTING WITH FOG LIGHTS OFF. NEW CARS WITH LED HEADLIGHTS UNLESS ON FLAT ROADS CAUSE TEMPORARY BLINDNESS IN PEOPLE WITH SENSITIVE EYES DURING HOURS OF DARKNESS. ANYTIME THESE VEHICLES ARE ON A GRADE, THE BEAM AND COLOR OF THE LIGHT IS VERY INTENSE. WHEN THESE LIGHTS ARE NOT ADJUSTED CORRECTLY, SAY AFTER SOMEONE ALTERS A VEHICLE (LIFT, LOWER,ETC) THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY BLINDING. I KNOW THERE ARE MANY STUDIES THAT SHOW THE WHITER/BLUE COLOR ON THE SPECTRUM, THAT HUMAN EYES ARE NOT MEANT TO ADAPT. EXAMPLE, BLUE LCD DISPLAYS ON APPLIANCES ARE MORE DIFFICULT TO SEE THAN RED OR GREEN. YES THE LIGHTS ON MY WIFE'S SUBARU MAKES IT EASIER TO SEE FOR US, HOWEVER IT IS BAD FOR EVERYONE ELSE. IT IS ALSO DIFFICULT TO SEE DIRECTIONAL SIGNALS IN THE HEADLAMP HOUSING WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON. I KNOW THIS WILL NOT LIKELY CHANGE ANYTHING, I'M AFRAID THESE LIGHTS WILL CAUSE IMPAIRED OR FATIGUED DRIVERS A BETTER CHANCE OF BEING INVOLVED IN HEAD ON CRASHES WITH THE VEHICLE WITH BRIGHTER LIGHTS. THIS IS A STUDY THAT SHOULD BE INVESTED, SUCH AS WAS DONE WITH EMERGENCY VEHICLES LIGHTS.
Oct 25, 2020
WITH THE HEADLIGHT SWITCH IN THE OFF POSITION AND THE GEAR SHIFTER IS MOVED INTO EITHER THE REVERSE OR DRIVE POSITION THE SHIFTER SEEMS TO ACTIVATE THE REAR TAIL LIGHTS TO LIGHT UP AND STAY ON. THIS ACTION IS OCCURRING MORE AND MORE FREQUENT. THIS OCCURS BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, GOING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, ETC.
Jan 05, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaints
I, the owner of a 2020 Subaru Forester am writing to you in regards to an issue with my vehicle’s Eyesight program. Over the past month, there have been several instances where the Eyesight program fails and caused the vehicle to suddenly stop without warning. This prevents me from safely moving the vehicle to the side of the road as the car stops. In other words, the car abruptly stops on the spot. This creates an immediate danger to life and health to myself and to other motorists. This issue must be addressed immediately and the necessary steps taken to ensure the safety the driver, passengers and other motorists on the road. Thank you for understanding.
Sep 17, 2025
Within one month the same thing happened. I turn on the car and the eyesight warning light is on (eyesight feature disabled), flashing "S" drive is on, "break" light is on, and check engine light is on. Due to this cruise control isn't working. My plan was to take it to a mechanic/dealership that Monday. By Monday morning, after about 15 minutes of driving, all warning signs disappeared. This exact thing happened a few weeks later (this morning). I started googling issues and seems like this is an issue for many customers and is just a malfunctioning Thermo Control Valve, no actual problem. What do I do about this? This is much less important - but also seems like a quality issue, at drivers side, the seat cover is starting to crack, looking like this is car is over 10 years old, we've had it for less than 4 years and this shouldn't be happening on a car of this caliber. Photos attached
Jun 24, 2024
The thermo control valve on my 2020 Subaru Forester is broken and needs to be replaced. I have owned the car for 2 years, am the first owner, and it has less than 19,000 miles. 90 minutes into a drive the "coolant temp low" indicator light came on. After I pulled over, turned off the engine, and turned it back on the check engine light and sport mode indicator light came on, and all ADAS were disabled. The coolant level was low so I refilled it and took it to the manufacturer the next morning. They inspected my car and confirmed it the thermo control valve was broken. It is still broken as I cannot afford the repair and it is available for inspection upon request. My safety was put at risk by not having access to the ADAS forward collision warning, emergency breaking, and lane departure.
Jun 02, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
When stopped at an intersection the car stalled. It would not restart for three minutes and caused a dangerous situation for my family and children in the car while traffic was moving. There were no warning signs, lights, or engine codes. The problem is random and cannot reproduced. The car is available for inspection.
Sep 15, 2025
Vehicle traveling W on [XXX] Bryan TX. Automobile suddenly started shaking and not developing power, Driver was able to pull off on the shoulder barely clearing the #2 lane. The engine would crank but not sustain operation. The auto required transport to the home garaging location. Subsequent analysis of the fuel showed it to be gasoline, no water, lacked appearance of any foreign matter. With the ignition on 12V were detected at the gas tank terminal, however the in tank pump would not produce fuel flow at the connection at the top of the tank. Had the vehicle been operating in the #1 lane it may not have been possible to clear the traveled lanes thus causing a traffic safety problem. A State Trooper did provide protection until the vehicle was transported. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sep 23, 2024
Daughter was driving vehicle on the morning of September 15, 2023, when smoke came from under hood. Immediately pulled over and engine was engulfed in flames. Got out of vehicle and moved a safe distance away as glass started to break and fire department arrived on scene. Picked up vehicle on September 12, 2023, after having the thermal control valve replaced (warranty) but after doing research there are other components that also had to be replaced (fuel line, etc) as part of this repair. Noticed there have been other vehicles with recall due to thermal control valve just nothing on the Subaru Forester. Completely traumatized as the vehicle was gone in a little over 3 minutes. Have been in contact with Subaru but no resolution on what they believe caused the car to catch on fire. Did authorize them to get “black box” on September 29, 2023.
Oct 09, 2023
ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaints
"Check Engine" light along with "Eye Sight" appeared suddenly on Nov. 22, 2024. All safety systems along with cruise control became inoperable. Took car to Subaru dealer and it was confirmed to be the catalytic converter. My VIN is covered under extended warranty, but I was never notified of this. Plus, now repairs are of an emergency nature. Also, I do a lot of driving including on the NJ Turnpike, I-95, etc., and while I am awaiting car to be repaired, I have no safety features to rely on--which was one of the reasons I bought a Subaru. They will not pay for a courtesy car loan. Another issue is the Thermo Control Valve. I was notified that I have an extended warranty for this, but part has to FAIL before Subaru will make repairs. Once again this becomes an emergency repair situation instead of a proactive one.
Dec 03, 2024
I was driving to work and many of my warning lights suddenly came on. This includes my check engine light, my lane assist light, my auto collision braking, my eye sight disabled and my cool engine light keeps going on and off. My cabin heating also isn’t working. There is no reason for this happening other than my thermo control valve failing.
Apr 27, 2024
The check engine light illuminated and the thermo control valve failed at 3 years old. The defrost and heater stopped working immediately making visibility extremely difficult . The eyesight and automatic braking system were also disabled due to the TCV issue. My Forester mpg dropped to under 20 mpg. The Subaru dealer inspected and confirmed code P26A3 and stated the thermo control valve needs to be replaced.
Mar 28, 2023
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaints
Subaru of America is aware of the problem which impacts several models and model years, see Subaru Service Bulletin 16-132-20R. Transmission slippage and bounce feel during acceleration. Can be strong enough at times to visually see occupants moving with momentum/bounce at times. Could contribute to vehicle not maintaining/reducing/responding to speed control systems, failure of transmission components, stranding occupants, and other similar hazards that come with the mechanical failure of a transmission. Has caused slowing of acceleration which impacted surrounding traffic on a few occasions. Vehicle is scheduled to be inspected by manufacture dealership on morning of 08/27/24.
Aug 26, 2024
VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. FOOT ON BRAKE IN PARKING SPOT. THEN VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN.
Feb 23, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AND APPROACHING A STOP, THE VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED AND VIBRATED FOR APPROXIMATELY 3 SECONDS BEFORE RETURNING TO NORMAL OPERATION. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE CONTACT CALLED FOX MARQUETTE SUBARU LOCATED AT 3825 US 41 WEST, MARQUETTE, MI 49855, WHERE IT WAS STATED THAT THE VEHICLE PERFORMED AS DESIGNED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED TO BRING THE VEHICLE BACK IN TEN DAYS IF THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.
Jul 31, 2020
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
3 complaints
Thermo control valve is bad. Ask subaru to issue recall on 2019-2020 models.
Mar 02, 2024
Got warning P2A63 that the Thermo Control Valve is shot around 63k miles. Apparently this is happening very often in Subaru's made between 2019 and 2022.
Jan 18, 2024
When climbing shallow hills, car will buck and surge. Engine RPM seemed to stay constant. The transmission seemed to be unable to decide on which gear it should be in. No accident occurred, but surging made the car's performance unpredictable in traffic. Reported to dealer, who noted that this has happened to other cars in the past.
Oct 15, 2021
POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaints
While accelerating to merge in the freeway the Thermo Control Valve malfunctioned, causing check engine light to come on which turned off all the safety features (lane assist off, precollision off, RAB and eyesight off) of my Subaru 2020 Forester Sport. I’ve researched the internet and shows it is a common issue. I brought it to a subaru dealership and was told it is not safe to drive the vehicle. Since I just passed 60k powertrain warranty (around 62k), it is not covered and had to pay over $3,000.
Jan 15, 2024
I was driving on a paved two lane rural route and hit a small bump in the road. Immediately, my check engine light came on and all the safety features turned off. Control panel showed multiple safety features off and the Sport mode indicator light blinking. My car only has 17K miles on it and I have had it just over a month. I was able to drive it safely home and when I called the dealership the next morning I was told I could continue to drive it until the service appointment six days later. When I got home, my husband checked it with his CEL reader and got the code for the temperature control valve (an issue known by Subaru). This was confirmed by the dealership and I was told after having driven it for several days that it should not be driven. The repair is being covered under the power train warranty.
Jul 12, 2023
Thermo control valve stays open. Needs replacement. Automatic brakes have gone on with no car in front of vehicle. Unsafe.
Jan 02, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaints
I was stopped at a red light and the engine stalled. It read "FOR SAFETY, AUTO RESTART DISABLED". All warning lights on the dashboard lit up. I had to put the car in park and restart it in order to drive. I was honked at and put in a dangerous position. This has happened at least twice now.
Jul 22, 2025
The car dies when it stops for a traffic stop. Sometimes it starts again and and sometimes it does not. It does not do it when the air is on. People honk at you in traffic if you do not start right away. I thought there was a recall on Subarus for same which is why I never bought one. The vehicle has been inspected. It also unlocks itself sometimes after I lock it.
Sep 11, 2023
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaints
I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 MPH instead of 50 mph i set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [XXX] daughter died. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Apr 04, 2025
I drive this V little, but the steering wheel has repeatedly tried to jerk me into the left lane when tuning right and right when turning left! I stopped using cruise, but it still does it. I am an advanced driver, but don't low, if I could overcome this if it acted like some other 2020 Foresters I've read owners state have gone off the road and rolled over! Also the auto stop - start often shuts engine off when power is needed - is totally unpredictable! This is my wife's car, but she got it as the seat works with my V bad back! Had I known the Eyesight system would malfunction (I did not trust it, but hoped it would be ok!), I'd have insisted on getting a good older car without unproven so called driver aids! We really don't have the $ to replace the car!
Aug 14, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Car shuts off while stopped at light. This has happened 3 times. I have taken it to Subaru service provider and keep being told nothing is wrong. Car must be put into park and restarted to work. It is unsafe. There are multiple reports online ([XXX] and [XXX] ) of people reporting the same issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Aug 13, 2024
When the vehicle comes to a stop light or a stop in traffic and the engine turns off the vehicle will stall. It then leaves me sitting in traffic trying to restart my vehicle thus leaving me in an unsafe situation. This happens more often than not.
Nov 30, 2023
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
2020 SUBARU FORESTER JUST HAD A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT APPEAR. THE ENGINE MALFUNCTION CODE IS P26A3, WHICH IS A DEFECTIVE THERMOSTATIC CONTROL VALVE. THIS MALFUNCTION ALSO AFFECTS THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURERS ADVANCED DRIVER ASSITANCE SYSTEMS SUCH AS: "EYESIGHT" BLIND SPOT MONITORING, LANE KEEP ASSIST, ETC. VEHICLE ONLY HAS 51,000 MILES ON IT.
May 19, 2024
41k miles P26A3 P26A5 ****Eyesight disabled*** ***Forward collision disabled *** Failed TCV and dealer will not cover because warranty period is over.
Nov 17, 2023
SEATS
2 complaints
I bought a 2020 Subaru in March of 2020. I had reported an issue with the seat to the dealer Orange Coast Subaru and they had failed to diagnose or repair the issue. The issue was brought up to them several times and they only came to the car and looked quickly at the seat and told me it is fine without any in debt diagnostics. Looking and sitting in a seat wasn't in any shape or form diagnostics of the seat. Nobody looked under the seat or did a inspection beyond just looking and seating on it. Over the years the seat became woobly, unstable, it has cracked. I went for another issue to another dealer this time, Timmons of Long Beach, and paid a diagnostics fee to be told the frame needs to be replaced and it is a safety issue and has to be done asap. I had reached out to Subaru who advised the car is out of warranty. I pointed back to that the issue was reported to them and they said if it was not diagnosed as a failure then then it is unrelated to the issue found now. The seat is unsafe and it can result to injuries to myself and my son. Subaru doesn't want to take responsibility for it. The car has never been in an accident.
May 14, 2024
I HAVE PHYSICAL BIPOLAR KNEE AND LEGS CROSS I M 5FT 11 AND WEIGHT 290LLBS. I BEEN CONTACT MOBILITYWORKS AND CAN THEY PUT SEAT JACKERS ANC EXTENSION SEAT BACK THEY CAN'T DO I M SO FRUSTRATING SEARCH SOMEONE HANDLE WELDING TO PUT MORE SEAT JACKERS AND I CANNOT TRADE BECAUSE LOST VALUE I M SO [XXX] ANGRY PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Apr 26, 2021
LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
Multiple dashboard lights are on including starlink, eyesight, check engine, thermostat, and a blinking s. A quick Google search shows that this exact combination is a known issue. Safety concern is that all the accident prevention systems are down leaving me at risk.
Apr 27, 2024
Error code (P26A3?)for - Engine Coolant Bypass Valve. Causes the "Check Engine" light to come on and automatically disables ALL of the safety and collision mitigation systems. The Engine Coolant Bypass Valve failure is common and a known issue and Subaru has already updated the part on newer vehicle models. The common failure of the coolant bypass valve should not be disabling the safety features and the collision avoidance systems.
Jul 17, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Driving my 2020 Subaru Forrester on 1/26/24, at night. Stopped at traffic light. Car started shaking, dash lights system lights came on. Turned off car and restarted. Car would not accelerate. Had towed to mechanic. Diagnosed as probable thermo regulator. Could not repair because part only available from Subaru. Called dealer who was not sympathetic or helpful. Told to bring in and leave. Would get to it when they could.
Jan 27, 2024
I tried to unlock my car but the remote didnt work- I had to use the blank key inside the remote to get in the car. I couldn't start the car- my husband tried to jump it- that did not work- I called AAA they tried jumping it - that didnt work-- AAA told me the battery was good but totally out of charge 0%-- I called the subaru salesman I bought the car from & he walked me thru alot of steps & we couldn't find anything wrong besides the battery!! he told me to have my husband try to give me a jump again & after 4 hours the car turned over! What caused it????? no idea??? the next day (7/5/21) I took it to an auto parts store & they tested it out- alternator-perfect--- battery @ 550 with the max 620--- today I read an article about Subaru batteries failing! well mine did for no apparent reason--- maybe they should all be recalled!! I missed my 1st day of vacation due to this!!
Jul 13, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
2 complaints
The thermo control valve malfunctioned causing the check engine light to come on which shut down all the safety features in the vehicle including the front eye sight camera, blind spot warning, the rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance.
Nov 08, 2023
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. The vehicle stalled and then went into sleep mode. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle also experienced failures with the electrical system. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where the contact was informed that the vehicle was operating as designed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 1,300.
Mar 01, 2022
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
2 complaints
While driving the vehicle suddenly stalled and stopped running. The dashboard illuminated with most lights and the check engine message came on the screen. I was thankfully able to get into the shoulder on the road safely without creating an accident or getting injured. The vehicle would not start again and had to be towed to the dealership. I am now out $1800 because I am slightly over my powertrain warranty in mileage on the vehicle. This is a known issue in bulletin: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10208664-0001.pdf I am not only disappointed with Subaru of America and NHTSA that this is not already a recall but I am also willing to seek legal action and compensation if this repair is not going to be covered. There are many incidents and reports online of similar issues: https://www.subaruforester.org/threads/2019-thermo-control-valve-assembly-and-warranty-merged-thread.823510/ https://www.carcomplaints.com/Subaru/Forester/2020/drivetrain/power_train.shtml I have filed a case with Subaru of America corporate and am waiting to hear back. Someone is going to cause an accident or end up dead because of this faulty part. It is borderline criminal that this is not already a recall.
Apr 18, 2023
At the time,time, car was not fully 2 years old.. its brand new.This is an addition to a post created a week ago. After the dealership offered to detail the interior of the car to solve the sulferic acid feeling I noticed that the flap above the driving wheel started to feel warm. This happened right in the morning in February. I'm not sure if I am feeling an electrical voltage, smelling the exhaust or there's still sulferic acid in the car. Every once in awhile I my hair smells like oil.. Whatever it is it makes your head feel heavy. My toddler feels something because during a drive he will say " hot". This puts our safety at risk if we are smelling the exhaust or feeling voltage while driving in the car. Sometimes it smells like fuel I the trunk of the car or acidic
Feb 20, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
Much like the 2018 Outback issue I had, my 2020 Forester is having the same issue with fuel indication inaccuracy and mpg increasing when fuel level gets under a quarter of a tank. My local Suburu dealership said this is not an issue for this model. I have reported this to Suburu as well. Previously, Subaru found that the software that controls the fuel system can cause the fuel gauge to show that there is still fuel left in the tank when there isn’t. More specifically, the low fuel warning light may not actually come on, and the miles to empty display could be inaccurate. The software is causing additional miles to be showing when they are not available. I don't know if this is a similar issue or not, but no one has fixed it. With any vehicle, you need to be able to rely on the fuel gauge. Knowing how full (or empty!) your gas tank is extremely important when driving, particularly if you are driving a long distance. If you do run out of gas, the engine can stall; fortunately, the vehicle can be driven to the side of the road if it stalls when you are in motion. As the issue involves a software bug, it is easily fixed by the dealership.
Feb 11, 2023
BOTH MY WIFE AND I HAVE RUN OUT OF GAS ON THIS VEHICLE WHICH HAS LESS THAN 5,000 MILES ON IT. THE LOW GAS INDICATOR IS LIMITED TO A BRIEF WARNING IN THE SCREEN BEHIND THE STEERING WHEEL. WE BOTH FIND THIS VERY EASY TO MISS AND THERE IS NO PERSISTENT VISUAL OR AUDITORY WARNING. RUNNING OUT OF GAS UNEXPECTEDLY IS AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD, WE WERE LUCKY TO AVOID BEING REAR ENDED, BUT HAD TO PARK AT SOME RISK. NEITHER OF US CAN RECALL RUNNING OUT OF GAS IN OUR OTHER VEHICLES FOR OVER 20 YEARS.
May 10, 2021
TIRES
2 complaints
I have had to replace the tire valve stems on ALL 4 tires. In addition, 1 of the replacement valve stems also had to replaced within 1 year when it was first replaced. All this within the first 3 years of owning the vehicle.
Nov 13, 2022
February 2020 both rear and front driver side tires (manufacturer provided) ripped potentially after hitting pothole. Dealership replaced 2 tires. November 2020 tire started a slow leak (in 5-7 days)- dealership fixed per manufacturer recommendations, leak continued at a lower pace (in 3-4 weeks)
Jun 20, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES
2 complaints
I have a 2020 subaru forester with low mileage. A few weeks ago, I started to move forward when the traffic light turned green. There is a car in front of me that started to move forward. There was another car perpendicular to my right. I started to apply the gas, and the car fought me and was appying the brakes. I saw no reason for the car to brake. This concerns me. I was on dry pavement in daylight. I fear if this had happened when the roads were covered with ice or snow, it could have caused me to spin out.
Sep 22, 2022
When I apply brakes to stop, the car surges forward.
Sep 16, 2021
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
2 complaints
Corrupted Driver Assist Software. Dashboard icons for hands on steering wheel, dynamic vehicle control, lane change control were flashing that systems were off, controls were turned off randomly. Vehicle was not tracking appropriately in its lane, steering was not acting correctly. Car at times acted as if it were being blown by a strong crosswind. Steering between lanes was not consistent. Icon warning that my hands were not on steering wheel when both my hands were on the steering wheel.
Sep 13, 2022
Lane Keep Assist Feature The lane keep assist feature seems, in general, to over steer causing sway back and forth across the lane. While I find this bothersome, Most recently, at highway speed, the lane keep assist pulled the car (suddenly and somewhat violently) onto an exit ramp rather than holding the right lane. No one was hurt. No damage occurred. I was able to yank the wheel back to the lane with the entire incident over in less and a second. Safety at risk? highway speed with unanticipated veer of intended path. It was good that traffic was quite light. I have not reported this to the dealer. No special warnings other than that the system "worked".
Aug 10, 2021
AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
Driver gets choked while drinking a cold beverage, gets disoriented and loses consciousness momentarily causing the vehicle to veer off the street and strike a tree with extensive front end damage. Airbags did not deploy at all. Driver has injuries from the crash, such as possible fractured wrist, contusions and much pain in the neck, chest and back areas. She was transported by EMS to the hospital. Insurance was notified and an adjuster has already sent a repair appraisal and cut a check for the estimated cost of repairs. The driver does not feel comfortable about the having the car repaired with potentially faulty airbags. We have photos of the car. We have stated our concerns about this to the insurance company and the vehicle manufacturer. They have opened a file with our concerns and we are waiting to learn further from the insurance provider and the car maker. My wife has numerous injuries and does not feel secure keeping this car. A police report is filed and I have also made an initial request to a consult with an attorney.
Dec 31, 2021
2/17/2021 - HONDA ACCORD GOING NORTH ON LYNCHBURG TURNPIKE RAN A STOPLIGHT (GOING ABOUT 30 IN A 25 MPG ZONE) TRYING TO TURN WEST ONTO EAST MAIN ST. IN SALEM, VA ... BOUNCED OPPOSITE CURB, CUT WEST AND SWERVED (OVERSTEER) AND CAME HEAD ON INTO MY STATIONARY 2020 FORESTER. OUR LIGHT HAD JUST TURNED GREEN AND WE WERE ABOUT TO MOVE FORWARD WHEN THE HONDA CAME OUT INTO THE INTERSECTION. MY WIFE WAS DRIVING AND I WAS A PASSENGER. I WAS TAKEN TO ER AND SEEN BY SEVERAL DOCTORS AND AM UNDERGOING PT FOR THE NEXT 5 WEEKS.
Mar 07, 2021
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
The fuel saving stop/go feature is unsafe. It stops engine at signal lights and during stop and go traffic. When it restarts the engine shakes and hesitates to go when signal lights changes. This model doesn't allow the owner to permanent disable this function as in other models. It will cause lots rear - end related or other serious accidents on high speed roadways and freeways as this function continues.
Oct 03, 2021
At one year old this vehicle was involved in a frontal collision with a deer and immediately upon impact burst into flames. The fire breached the firewall between the engine compartment and passenger compartment within less then a minute. Within 2 minutes the engine compartment and front seat area was completely engulfed in flames and within 3 minutes the entire vehicle was engulfed. It appears the fire started as the fuel shut-off system that is supposed to stop the fuel from flowing once the airbags are deployed failed. This put the occupants of this vehicle and any others had this been a collision with another vehicle in extreme danger of serious injury if not even death. Had the driver been incapacitated, not been able to open the door or had a child to remove from a car seat there would have been certain death due to the extremely rapid spread of the fire throughout the entire vehicle. This has been reported to Subaru of America. The vehicle is currently being inspected by the insurance carrier. There were no prior warnings that there were any concerns with the safety features of this vehicle. It was just serviced by the dealer one month prior to the accident. In reviewing other complaints on the NHTSA website there is a complaint of a 2019 Subaru Forester that experienced this same complete and total destruction due to a fire erupting upon impact in what should have been a minor frontal collision.
Sep 24, 2021
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
2 complaints
A LARGE FRACTURE ON THE WINDSHIELD APPEARED (ROUGHLY 16 INCHES LONG) WITH, IN MY OPINION, NO OBVIOUS IMPACT. I ONLY NOTICED THE FRACTURE AFTER THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF TIME. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE SUBARU DEALERSHIP TO GET THE FRACTURE INSPECTED. THE SERVICE MANAGER RAN A BALL-POINT PEN ALONG THE FRACTURE AND FOUND A SMALL INDENTATION (LESS THAN 1/32 INCH DEEP) NEAR THE A PILLAR. THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMED THAT THIS INDICATED THE FRACTURE WAS DUE TO AN IMPACT AND NOT A DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD. CONSEQUENTLY, THE DEALERSHIP REFUSED TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE SINCE FILED A CLAIM WITH MY INSURANCE AND I AM IN THE PROCESS OF GETTING THE WINDSHIELD REPLACED.
Feb 02, 2021
WINDSHIELD CRACKING: I HAVE 7K MILES ON MY 2020 FORESTER AND HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD TWICE ALREADY WITHIN 2 MONTHS OF EACH OTHER. THE FIRST TIME I'M NOT EVEN SURE IF I WAS HIT BY ANYTHING. I HAD BEEN DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY FOR A COUPLE HOURS AND I PARKED IT IN MY DRIVEWAY. WHEN I CAME OUT AN HOUR LATER THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD WAS CRACKED LEFT TO RIGHT. THE SECOND TIME WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, I WAS HIT BY A VERY SMALL PEBBLE THAT LEFT THE TINIEST OF NICKS - INITIALLY BARELY EVEN VISIBLE. WITHIN AN HOUR IT STRETCHED ACROSS THE ENTIRE WINDSHIELD. I LIVE IN AZ - IT'S GOING TO HAPPEN OCCASIONALLY. BUT ALL MY OTHER CARS OVER THE YEARS HAD LOTS OF TINY AND NOT-SO-TINY NICKS FROM SMALL ROCKS THAT NEVER SPREAD OUT AT ALL. THE WINDSHIELD ON MY PRIOR 2014 FORESTER WITH 90K MILES ON IT ONLY HAD TO BE REPLACED TWICE IN 6 YEARS. IN BOTH CASES I WAS HIT BY LARGER PEPPLES THAT LEFT SIGNIFICANT (LIKE 1/2 INCH) SPIDER NICKS. I AM CONVINCED THERE IS SOMETHING GOING ON WITH THE 2020 FORESTER WINDSHIELD - MAYBE THE PITCH OR A MANUFACTURING/DESIGN ISSUE. BUT THIS IS POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS AND A REAL INCONVENIENCE. IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN SOON, I WILL TRADE IT IN. IT'S A SHAME BECAUSE I LOVE THIS VEHICLE OTHERWISE. MY COUSIN IN CA BTW HAS HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD IN HIS 2019 FORESTER FOUR TIMES IN 17K MILES.
Nov 12, 2020
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2 complaints
HELLO, I OWN A SUBARU FORESTER SPORT 2020 AND I HAVE THE DRIVER SIDE REAR WINDOW IMPLODE WITHOUT ANY REASON. THE CAR WAS PARKED ALONE FOR LESS THAN ONE HOUR AND I CAME OUT OF THE HOUSE TO USE IT AND THE WINDOW WAS IN A MILLION LITTLE PIECES WITH NO SIGN OF ENTRY OR ANY OBJECT TO SUGGEST THAT IT WAS AN ACT OF VANDALISM. THE POLICE CAME AND DID A THROUGH-ROUGH INVESTIGATION AND COULD NOT FIND A MOTIVE OR REASON. AT THE END IT WAS ASSIGNED AS VANDALISM. HOWEVER, AFTER FURTHER SEARCHING ONLINE, THERE IS A PENDING LAWSUIT CHRISTINE POWELL VS. SUBARU OF AMERICA DUE TO THIS REASON WHICH IS WINDOWS AND WINDSHIELDS CRACKING OR IMPLODING WITHOUT ANY REASON. SUBARU IS NOT TAKING RESPONSIBILITY AND EVEN ASKED THE LAWSUIT TO BE DISMISSED. THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINS KEEPS INCREASING AND INSURANCE COMPANIES AND OWNERS HAVE TO FOOT THE BILL TO GET EQUALLY BAD REPLACEMENT WINDOWS. I AM DEEPLY CONCERN FOR THE INTEGRITY OF THE CAR AND ALSO MY SAFETY AND THAT OF MY PASSENGERS.*DT CONSUMER STATED MANUFACTURER AGREED TO PAY $100.00 DEDUCTABLE.*JB
Jan 26, 2021
ON JUNE 16TH, 2020 MY VEHICLE WAS STRAIGHT IN MOTION ON A CITY STREET. RANDOMLY, A CRACK APPEARED ON THE DRIVER SIDE PART OF THE WINDSHIELD. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THIS, BUT THE DEALERSHIP DID NOT GIVE ME COVERAGE FOR THIS INCIDENT. *TR
Jun 17, 2020
VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
MY VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT MY PLACE OF EMPLOYMENT, I EXITING MY WORK AND GOT IN THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED A CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD THAT WAS NOT PREVIOUSLY THERE. I DROVE STRAIGHT HOME, AFTER PARKING IN THE GARAGE THE WINDSHIELD THEN BEGAN TO CRACK AND SPIDER OUT
Jan 03, 2021
I WAS DRIVING HOME IT WAS DARK AND RAINING. SOMETHING HIT MY WINDSHIELD WHEN I WOKE UP ON SATURDAY I SAW A BIG CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD
Dec 09, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
While driving on public roads, all dash warning lights illuminated simultaneously. The instrument cluster displayed “EyeSight OFF.” At the same time, the electronic parking brake engaged / the vehicle would not accelerate and required me to stop and shift to Park. The only way to restore drivability was to turn the vehicle off and restart. This has occurred intermittently, including in traffic, creating a serious safety hazard for myself and surrounding drivers.
Oct 24, 2025
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
My Forester just totally shuts down sometimes from the auto start feature in traffic or intersections . Errors come up . The wheel locks and I must put the car in park , turn it off and turn it back on. Very scary and very dangerous.
Jan 02, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The automatic rear liftgate opens all the way, then closes automatically on your head/back. This has been happening with my car for over a year. When it started, it was occasional, but now it happens nearly every time. When it closes, it does so with considerable force, and has knocked me over twice. One time it hit my head just right and I came close to losing consciousness. I have taken it to Subaru and they said it wasn't an issue. They just reset the liftgate trim height, but that only fixed it for 2 closes. Then it started again. There are many reports of this issue online, and others note that it is a safety concern as well. Others have reported that replacing the liftgate struts and/or the entire liftgate mechanism resolved the problem.
Nov 25, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
The head unit suddenly stopped working. It unfortunately isn’t covered Under warranty. The screen consistently turns on and off.
Sep 13, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
A week after my routine oil changed at 31K, the check engine light along with flashing "s" pop up. The next day the check engine disappeared. I was some what happy and continue to drive car as normal for 2 days, then check engine light came back again and this time is staying for good. I just can't believed that 4 years old car is having this issue. I've owned so many cars prior to this 2020 Subaru Forester, never once that those cars have problems like this one. I feel that i'm at risk driving without no eyesight or collision prevention warning.. when the check engine comes on, those two things are disable. After a long research and reading about so many people with same issues, i feel that they should be a recalling to fix the thermal valve control.
Aug 05, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Eyesight pre-collision braking feature and pre-collision throttle management feature malfunctioned and caused the 2020 Forester to accelerate unexpectedly and lurch forward while I was manually braking and slowing to come to a complete stop behind two other vehicles stopped at a steady red light. See class action lawsuit Weston, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al. In US District Court Case No. [XXX] which alleges that the vehicle contains certain defects that caused sudden and unintended acceleration without driver input; acceleration while manually braking; and that these defects created a safety risk, because they severely affected the driver's ability to control the car's speed, acceleration, and deceleration, and increase the risk of a collision, which did in fact occur. The defective car was completely totaled and towed to a salvage yard by the police and the insurance company. Defect malfunction caused a collision which resulted in property damage and personal injury to three vehicles and three people. I mentioned the defect to my insurance company at the time of the accident. I do not know if they chose to follow up and inspect the vehicle. The problem occurred twice before ( not resulting in property damage or injury) and I took it to my Subaru dealer both times and they claim that they could not find anything wrong, but oddly did not note that they checked for the problem which I brought to their attention on the written summary/invoice for my service visit. See the class action lawsuit- this is apparently the typical dealer non-response to the problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jul 05, 2024
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and then stalled. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the thermal control valve and produced DTC codes: P2682 and P26A. The mechanic replaced the cooling gasket and coolant control valve and added coolant. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and assisted with the repair. The approximate failure mileage was 52,395.
Jul 02, 2024
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
CHECK ENGINE, FORWARD COLLISION WARNING, FLASHING "S"DRIVE, NO EYESIGHT, AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHTS, ALL CAME ON AT ONCE AND STAYING ON. POSSIBLE THERMO CONTROL VALVE ISSUE - NEEDS A RECALL!
Jun 13, 2024
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
While driving temperature light, check engine light, all ADAS lights came on as inoperable (cameras, warning, ABS, BSD/RCTA), no heat (including defrost) available to defrost or for cabin. Appointment 3/13 replaced thermo control valve assembly , coolant bypass valve, intake gaskets, fuel line, coolant, total charges $2070. Luckily had extended warranty I bought, that I had to make a claim on. Dangerous to drive (no camera based safety features available, no defrost for the snowy weather, no emergency braking or other collision safety features on, this affected the entire 'eyesight' system). The engine also had no thermo control regulation during this time, affecting not just then, but possible future performance and early aging due to disregulation.
Apr 26, 2024
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The thermo control valve on vehicle failed on 2020 Subaru Forester which is causing vehicle to loose acceleration, multiple errors codes displaying on the vehicle instrument dash panel and no heat in the vehicle (see attached photo for reference). The failure of this device could cause a vehicle fire depending on what position/ and or state the thermo valve failed in. There needs to be a manufacturer recall on this particular part as there is numerous amounts of complaints and issues. Subaru needs to make it right with the customer. we need to drive safe vehicles on the road.
Mar 22, 2024
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the hood was independently unlatched and opened. The light indicating that the hood was opened illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled to the shoulder of the road and closed the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
Mar 20, 2024
STEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
On 11/18/2023, as soon as I started the vehicle, put it in reverse and let off the brake to back down the driveway, the car made a loud unfamiliar noise (like bzzzzzt) and suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated on its own. Nothing worked, brakes, automatic gear shift, gas pedal, and steering were all disengaged. It was terrifying to me and I was worried about anyone or anything behind me. At the street corner the car turned somehow (I was trying to steer, but the vehicle was jostling wildly and the steering, brakes didn't work at all), ran over a high curb, knocked over a street sign, and took out the neighbor’s sprinkler system, and then came to a stop, dead!
Mar 04, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
1-16-24:car wouldn’t open and start; jump-started by AAA to dealer; dealer kept overnight & checked battery: said charge held, ready to go home. 1-30-24, 4 pm-ish: able to start n drive, but check engine& eyesight warning light came on- late in day, so didn’t drive to dealer. 1-31-24: car dead; jump-started by AAA again & drove to dealer. On 2-1-24, dealer sends a video & says replaced battery, but check engine light & eye sight warning light still on; investigated further & found there was a lot of water that had pooled under the passenger seat & caused some corrosion- I.e.: shorted out electrical system. I asked dealer to report to Subaru since this seemed like a car defect. 2-9-24- dealer says Subaru won’t repair it at their expense and it’s a 25 hour job & will cost a lot. Dealer wanted me to file a claim with my insurance, but car was not driven through rain, high water, or stored in a flooded garage or on a flooded street. The water in the car seems like a design defect on the part of Subaru.
Feb 14, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The thermal control valve stopped working. The car has <50K miles on it. The error also results in many/all of the safety systems being deactivated (no adaptive cruise control, no lane centering, no rear braking, etc.)
Feb 08, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
I started the car to make a trip to town to run some errands. When I cranked the engine the Check Engine light came on. The S for Sport Mode was flashing and a No Eyesight warning came on. Also SRS Side Airbag light came on to indicate it was not working. And another light came on showing a car going out of its lane, but I don't know if it was the Lane Keep Assist light or not.
Jan 29, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
When I am idling at a stop sign or sitting in traffic and I have come to a full stop, the car's engine shuts down as a gas-saving feature. This is not the problem! The problem is that sometimes when this feature engages, when I lift my foot off the brake to start driving again, a shrill constant ringing sound starts and the engine won't power back on. There is an error message that comes on that says "eyesight disabled." When this happens, none of these factors (the ringing, the error message, the dead engine) stop until I put the car in park and power it down completely, then restart the engine. Then none of the symptoms are there anymore and the car drives normally. I have not noticed any consistency about when this problem does or does not happen - it occurs in all weather types, temperatures, times of day, slopes/flat roads. I sometimes go months without it happening, and other times it happens twice in several days. The only consistent thing is that it only happens when the car is at a full stop and the engine has shuddered off to save gas. I live in Chicago and almost exclusively drive short distances in the city, I hardly do any highway driving. This has happened maybe 20 times since I bought the car in February, 2023.
Dec 31, 2023
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
The Thermo Control Valve failed at 33,945 miles. Because of this, the heater, Eye Sight, Cruise Control, Lane Assist, and Collision Brake did not work. The engine was then only running at "Sport" mode. It did not regulate the heat to the oil and could've caused sludge. The problem was confirmed by a Subaru Dealer Service Shop. I only noticed this problem when the blue thermometer light came on the dash board. Usually I wait about 5 min and once the car is warmed up the light goes away. This time the blue thermometer warning light did not turn off and stayed on for the remainder of the trip. When the car was restarted on the same day the engine check light came on. Eye Sight, Lane assist and Collision assist lights were on.
Nov 30, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
While driving, most of the dash errors lights lit up- alerting me that the Eyesight Warning, RAB ( Reverse Auto Braking) and other safety functions were disabled. The Check Engine light was on and a flashing S next to it. Cold Engine light was illuminated as well. Dealer diagnosed with a faulty Thermal Control Valve, which somehow disabled all safety features. This is a common failure of Subarus and a recall is needed.
Nov 16, 2023
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Unintentional acceleration. After making right turn, vehicle accelerated for approx 1/2 mile until crashing into wall. Several attempts at braking and trying to shift into neutral did nothing.
Sep 26, 2023
ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
The thermo control valve malfunctioned causing the check engine light to come on which shut down all the safety features in the vehicle including the front eye sight camera, blind spot warning, the rear automatic braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane keeping assistance. The check engine computer readout diagnostic trouble code was P26A5 "Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A" Position Sensor Circuit Range/Performance". The vehicle was taken to a Subaru dealer who found the thermo valve performance was out of spec. This vehicle has not been recalled although the manufacturer replaced the part in 2021 vehicles acknowledging the valve was faulty. Because of the mileage on my vehicle, it was not covered under the warranty although many have been replaced under the manufacturer's warranty due to the failure of this valve under the 60,000 mile warranty. I believe this should be a recall item for others who experience this issue.
Sep 19, 2023
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
While I was traveling I stopped at a rest area and when I restarted my car, my panel lit up like a Christmas tree. All my safety assist systems were disabled and my check engine light came on. When I got home I had my mechanic run the codes and it came back to the thermo control valve. This happened on 8-29-2023. I researched the problem and Subaru put out a service bulletin in February 2022 but never notified me. My car is out of warranty now and am forced to drive without my safety systems because, 1- they don’t carry the part in stock and 2- the cost to repair is over $1400.00. Subaru was aware of the problem but kept it quiet. I feel this is a scam and Subaru should recall this part. I was warned that my car could die at any time. I bought it for those very safety systems as I am a senior citizen and rely on them now.
Sep 09, 2023
POWER TRAIN,LANE DEPARTURE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
While driving, the 2020 Forester, the check engine light, collision light, eyesight function lights all went on at the same time. I brought vehicle to check diagnostics and it is showing Engine Coolant Bypass Valve "A" Control Circuit low in Power Train System. Their were no messages prior to all the lights turning on and I was able to bring into the dealer for oil change but not able to make an appointment for repair for a few days from now
Jul 31, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started to lose motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was steered to the side of the road where the vehicle then stalled. The vehicle was restarted approximately 15 minutes later. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the thermal control valve and electric water pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 13,000.
Jul 14, 2023
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Our thermo control valve (TCV) assembly failed and caused dangerous loss of speed and control while on the highway. Subaru is fully aware of the defect in their design as they issued a service bulletin to inform their service centers of a new, fixed TCV assembly that is retaining the same part number (a notice only sent to their service centers, NOT to owners). Please see attached. Despite being aware of the defect, Subaru has not voluntarily replaced the defective TCV assemblies or even bothered to notify owners. Instead, they are letting us put our families and other drivers in dangerous situations through sudden loss of control. There are pages and pages of other owners experiencing this dangerous issue and - like me - being surprised to find it's a known issue that Subaru is not proactively fixing (see any of the owner forums like subaruforester.org).
Jul 08, 2023
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
1 complaint
My one year old is able to press the chest clip and it unlatches. So now the only thing holding him is the buckle. He has been able to undo the chest clip. While driving in traffic. This should not happen. Could be terrible danger if got in a car accident.
Jul 02, 2023
AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
Thermo control valve needed replaced. Check engine light and all safety lights turned on. All safety features were disabled when light came on. Subaru has has a recall on 2019 but not 2020 .
Jun 08, 2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,SEATS
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 35-38 MPH in cold weather, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle temperature was cold. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the Lane Keep Assist, the Auto START/STOP feature, the cruise control mode, and other unknown features no longer operable messages were displayed. Additionally, the vehicle shifted into Sport (S) mode. The contact was able to drive to her residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the thermal control valve needed to be replaced. The contact stated that there was an inch-long slice like cut in the front passenger's seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure via mail. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
Mar 23, 2023
ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
Car stalls occasionally while stopped in traffic, at a signal, stop sign, and in heavy street or highway traffic. I have read about this, and it is problematic for this make and model, posing a significant safety hazard.
Feb 08, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
When I was driving this car one night, every dash light was suddenly activated and remained on -- and as a result all safety features were deactivated. When I was able to do so, I touched the battery cables together to reboot the system. I had to do this 3 times over the course of 4 days. Realizing the problem was chronic, I took the car to the dealership (a 2 hour drive), where a service tech explained the problem 'was caused by a low battery.' This car is only 2 years old. A new car battery should last longer than 2 years. It thus seems to me the battery was defective or the car improperly drained it somehow. More important, there is no warning that a 'low battery' -- one which can easily start a car -- could still deactivate safety features while driving.
Dec 27, 2022
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
Engine shuts off when coasting into a turn when car is moving at less than 5mph. Causes loss of steering. Will restart if gas pedal is pumped. Dealer can find no problem. Does not happen predictably and can not always be replicated. Very dangerous.
Nov 12, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light remained illuminated after starting the vehicle and shifting to drive(D) or reverse(R). The contact stated that the engine temperature gauge indicated that the engine was “COLD” even after she had driven the vehicle approximately 30 minutes. The contact stated that the heater no longer worked as intended and only blew out cold air. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the thermostat coolant valve needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that the part needed for the repair was on a national back order. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Oct 20, 2022
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Subaru has a known issue with a Thermo Control Valve in Foresters. Apparently the part is failing all over the place and they redesigned the part and are replacing it. The problem is the part is backordered and the dealerships are telling people it is safe to drive the car. Our car completely shut off at highway speed. I have since learned this is happening to a number of other owners who were also told it was safe to drive it while the part is back ordered. This vehicle has a lot of advanced driver features and some or all of them are shut off when this happens. Very dangerous for them to tell people to keep driving it and the vehicle should be recalled to replace the defective part that is failing.
Aug 24, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to park her vehicle, the vehicle independently accelerated without warning. The vehicle ran through both the parking lot fence and a fence located on private property. The contact made multiple attempts to stop the vehicle by depressing the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle continued accelerating down a driveway as she attempted to avoid hitting a house, a tree, and another parked vehicle. The contact was able to shift the vehicle into park which stopped the acceleration. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact suffered a headache but did not seek any medical assistance. A police report was filed. Both the parking lot and private property fences were damaged. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back to the parking lot where she called the dealer and was instructed to leave the vehicle at the scene until the vehicle was inspected. The contact was informed that the dealer filed a claim with the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 14,865.
Aug 18, 2022
PARKING BRAKE,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated as she pulled into a parking space, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated forward causing the vehicle to drive into the bank building. The contact stated she depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop. The air bags did not deploy. One of the employees suffered minor injuries and a police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a collision center. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer was contacted, and they stated that the vehicle did not have any recalls. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 29,000.
Aug 05, 2022
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
The car was parked and idling for a few minutes as a passenger exited the vehicle. While parked, the car began to shake slightly, it was then placed in reverse to get out of the parking space. Still shaking. When it was put in gear to go forward, the car began to accelerate on its own. The driver was able to use the brake to stop the vehicle but, when she took her foot off the brake to make a left turn and towards the park exit, the vehicle accelerated abruptly, and the car surged towards a main road. The passenger in the seat next to her was able to see clearly that the driver’s foot was not on the gas pedal. The driver was able to steer the vehicle clear of the park visitors, avoid other vehicles in the parking lot, and stop the car prior to reaching the traffic light at the main road. Stunned by the incident, the driver decided to return the vehicle to the parking lot, so she opted to make a U-turn at the light. As she turned the vehicle, the vehicle accelerated once again without her foot on the gas pedal. After the driver was able to maneuver the car into a parking space, the vehicle started to shake violently, and the driver shut off the engine. When the driver attempted to restart the car with the intent to drive home slowly, the driver placed the vehicle in reverse, and applied her foot to the gas pedal but, the vehicle would barely move. The engine revved when the pedal was pushed all the way to the floorboard but, the vehicle only moved at approximately 5MPH. Once parked in a space, the vehicle shook violently, and the dashboard lights lit up. The vehicle was turned off and emergency call button inside the vehicle was used to contact Subaru. The car was towed to the dealership.
May 04, 2022
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Automatic braking system failed and led to a front end collision immediately a fire broke out under the hood and accelerated into the car with in minutes using a tire iron the passenger door was forced opened Air bags deployed (3) and seat belt held
Mar 07, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
Battery dead not even 2 years old. Known problem they won't fix. Lane assist was pulling us into other traffic lanes when wasn't supposed to almost causing accidents and now won't turn on
Mar 01, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
10/2021: The vehicle completely shut-off at the beginning of a turnabout in front of the fire department. Per nearby pedestrians, automobile owners, employees of the fire department and AAA driver, the start/stop battery or alternator malfunctioned. The vehicle only had 51k miles. This was a new vehicle purchase in 2019. The safety of my toddler and I were at risk as soon as we entered the beginning of a turnabout. I had reported several safety issues from tires, brakes, burning feelings on my skin , my jaw locking up and seatbelt malfunctioning for nearly 1.5 years. Each time I was told they could not replicate the issue. occurred. Problems occurred at the 1st oil change at 5-6k miles. When the car completey shut-off I tried turning the car on and all the dashboard lights came on and I was able to roll my toddlers window down. The car shut off again and when I turned the ignition on the wheel became stuck along with the ignition. I turned the emergency/Caution lights on and thought that would provide us safety from other cars colliding into us. I noticed cars would wait directly behind me and then honk their horn if I did not drive-off. Nearby pedestrians walked by and mentioned the emergency/caution lights were not flashing. I told them to look at my dashboard because they are flashing. The nearby dealership inspected the car and determined the start/stop battery was bad. The corporate office decided to pay for the labor, parts and car rental fees -as a goodwill gesture. 2/2022: 3-4 months has gone by and now there is an acidic feeling on the driver's side stemming from the front and back and even the wheel - when the car is turned on and it lingers when you turn the car off. I even placed a lime and orange I the car for an acidity test as expected it both reacted to the acidity from the car. Makes it hard to talk in the car, vision gets blurry and its almost like you have COVID-19 symptoms but you don't really have it.
Feb 06, 2022
STRUCTURE,VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Our windshield spontaneously cracked and the crack has grown very quickly. I looked online only to see that this has happened to several others.
Nov 28, 2021
AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while the wife was pressing the brake pedal and attempting to park the vehicle suddenly experienced unintended acceleration and crashed into a brick building. During the crash, the front end of the vehicle sustained severe damage but the airbags did not deploy. The driver suffered head and torso injuries which required medical treatment. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the incident. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 13,000.
Oct 13, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forest. The contact stated that the brake failed. The contact stated that when the driver was reversing the vehicle out of the driveway, the vehicle abruptly accelerated and the driver engaged the brake pedal. However, the brake system failed to bring the vehicle to a stop. The vehicle proceeded and came to a stop when it crashed into a tree and damaged the vehicle taillight, the muffler, and a small window located at the rear passenger door area separated from the vehicle. There were no warning lights before during or after the failure occurred. The driver suffered injuries to the neck and shoulder the driver was taken to the hospital. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to have a diagnostic performed. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was not filed. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 12,000.
Oct 05, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
I JUST WALKED OUT TO MY CAR PARKED IN MY DRIVE WAY THERE WAS A HUGE CRACK IN THE WINDSHIELD I HAVEN'T HIT OR BEEN HIT BY ANYTHING THIS IS A NEW CAR HAVEN'T EVEN HAD A A YEAR YET DON'T UNDERSTAND WHY WINDSHIELD WOULD CRACK SO BAD GOES FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE TO THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDSHIELD
May 02, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING UP AN EMPTY SUBURBAN ROAD AT 25 MPH WHEN THE BRAKES SUDDENLY WENT OFF, CAUSING THE CAR TO SKID TO A STOP. THE DASHBOARD SCREEN SAID THE PRE-COLLISION EMERGENCY BRAKING SYSTEM WAS ACTIVATED. THERE WAS NOTHING IN THE ROAD AND NO REASON FOR THE CAR TO STOP SUDDENLY. THANK GOD I WASN'T ON THE HIGHWAY - THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Mar 27, 2021
VISIBILITY/WIPER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK. NO KNOWN EVEN SUCH AS A DEBRIS STRIKE WAS OCCURRED. CRACK WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN THE CAR WAS PARKED.
Feb 26, 2021
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THE REAR PASSENGERS SEAT BELTS WERE DIFFICULT TO BUCKLE SECURELY. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KENNY ROSS SUBARU (11299 LINCOLN HWY, NORTH HUNTINGDON, PA 15642, (724) 864-5100) HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 15.*DT*JB
Jan 04, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
VEHICLE HAS SOME ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE TPMS THAT LESS THAN A YEAR IN, ONE OF THEM IS SEEMS TO BE GOING OUT. THEE HEAD UNIT (INFOTAINMENT SYS) ALSO HAD CONNECTION ISSUE THAT WAS AWARE AND KNOWN BY SUBURA DEALER REP WHEN CALLED AND AS TO BRING IN FOR MAINTENANCE. BLINDS POT MONITOR ON THE RIGHT HAS TENDENCY TO NOT FLASH OR ALERT EVERY SO OFTEN.
Jan 03, 2021
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS DRIVING NEXT TO AN RV ON THE FREEWAY. RV KICKED UP SMALL DEBRIS ONTO WINDSHIELD. WINDSHIELD IMMEDIATELY HAD ABOUT 16 INCH CRACK.
Jan 02, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
ONE DAY I LOOKED UP AT MY WINDSHIELD AND THERE IS A SCRATCH/CRACK VISIBLE ON THE INSIDE. NOTHING HIT IT.
Jan 02, 2021
STEERING,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ON THE MORNING OF OCTOBER 1, 2020, I PULLED THE CAR OUT OF MY GARAGE. I WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT,. THE CAR WAS PARKED FACING THE WALL, ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF THE GARAGE DOOR, AND I HAD TO BACK OUT OF THE GARAGE INTO MY DRIVEWAY, PUTTING THE CAR IN REVERSE. I THEN HAD TO TURN RIGHT, INTO MY DRIVEWAY LEADING TO THE STREET. AFTER I SHIFTED THE GEAR FROM REVERSE INTO DRIVE, THE CAR STARTED MOVING FORWARD SPONTANEOUSLY, AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IT, NOR STEER THE STEERING WHEEL. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT I WAS UNABLE TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL FELT HARD AND WOULD NOT GO DOWN. I FOUND THE CAR GOING FORWARDS TOWARDS THE GARAGE, BUT SLIGHTLY TO THE RIGHT OF THE OPEN GARAGE DOOR. I WAS ALSO NOT ABLE TO TURN THE CAR WITH THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH WAS ALSO STIFF. I WAS FULLY AWARE OF THE FAILURE, AND MY INABILITY TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE, WITH THE CAR GOING TOWARDS MY HOUSE, AND THE BRAKE NOT BEING EFFECTIVE. MY WIFE,[XXX]WHO WAS AT THE DOOR, WAS WATCHING AND HELPLESS. THE CAR THEN HIT THE PILLAR/ POST, BETWEEN MY GARAGE DOORS AND STOPPED, HITTING THE RIGHT SIDE, OF THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE INTO THE GARAGE POST. I NOTIFIED MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND DROVE THE CAR TO SUBARU'S SERVICE CENTER, AND HAS SINCE LEFT THE CAR THERE. I HAD MET EXPERIENCED A SIMILAR SITUATION ABOUT 2-3 DAYS EARLIER. AT THAT TIME, I DID NOT THINK MUCH OF IT. THE CAR IS WITH THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT OF [XXX], SUBARU DEALER, AND THE SERVICE MANAGER, CAN EXPLAIN THE DAMAGES TO THE CAR, AS IT HAS BEEN WITH THEM SINCE THE INCIDENT. MY WIFE WAS STANDING AT THE DOOR AND WITNESSED THE INCIDENT. THE INVESTIGATION WAS THEN HANDED OVER TO SUBARU AMERICA , WHO FURTHER FORWARDED IT TO BOSCH ENGINEERING. SUBARU AMERICA NOW WANTS TO ME TAKE THE CAR WITHOUT EXPLANATION FOR THE FAILURE. I HAVE REQUESTED A COPY OF THE REPORT, WHICH SUBARU HAS DENIED . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Dec 13, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I LEASED MY 2020 FORESTER END OF MARCH AND MEMORIAL DAY DROVE TO MY SISTER'S HOUSE 20 MILES AWAY. IT RAINED AS SOON AS I LEFT MY HOUSE. WHEN IT WAS RAINING ON ME ALL THE SAFETY FEATURES STOPPED WORKING! LANE ASSIST/ LANE DEPARTURE. ISN'T THAT WHEN YOU NEED IT THE MOST. I COULD BEARLY SEE THE ROAD IN FRONT OF ME AND NO SAFETY FEATURES WORKING! AS SOON AS IT STOPPED THEY MAGICALLY CAME BACK ON. ALSO WHEN I USE THE CRUISE CONTROL THE LANE ASSIST FEATURE GOES INTO HIGH GEAR. IT PUSHES THE VEHICLE TO THE CENTER LINE EXTREMELY HARD. MORE SO THAN NORMAL. NOT AT ALL PLEASED WITH THIS VEHICLE. I HAD HEARD SO MANY GOOD THINGS ABOUT SUBARU BUT AM NOT EXPERIENCING THEM FIRST HAND. I WILL DEFINITELY NOT BE PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AT THE END OF MY LEASE AND WILL GET OUT OF THE LEASE IF AT ALL POSSIBLE. *TR
Jun 04, 2020
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
1 complaint
VEHICLE VIBRATE STARTING AT 50 MPH AND GETS EXCESSIVE AT 65MPH AND UP, WHILE CRUISING IN THE HIGHWAY. THE VIBRATION CAN BE FELT ON THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE DRIVER SEAT SEAT.
Dec 30, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING THE DRIVER HEATED SEAT PUTS OUT LOW HEAT EVEN IF THE SWITCH IS IN THE OFF POSITION. AT 15 MINUTES SITTING, HEAT CAN BE FELT ON THE BUTTOCKS SKIN AND CAUSED MINOR SKIN BURN AT AROUND 30 MINUTES.
Dec 30, 2019
STEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING MY 2020 SUBARU FORESTER SPORT IN THE LEFT LANE ALONG AN ON-RAMP TO THE HIGHWAY, WHICH CONSISTS OF A ROAD THAT CURVES TO THE RIGHT. THERE WAS SNOW ON THE GROUND BUT THE ROADS WERE CLEAR AND DRY. SUDDENLY AND IN A MATTER OF A FEW SECONDS, THE CAR BEGAN TO BEEP CONTINUOUSLY WHILE THE STEERING WHEEL VEERED TO THE LEFT AND LOCKED, AND THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM KICKED IN AS I TRIED TO CORRECT THE WHEEL AND BRAKE THE CAR. I WAS SUDDENLY COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AS THE CAR DROVE ME OFF THE ROAD AND DOWN INTO THE SNOWY MEDIAN, WHERE IT ROLLED AT LEAST ONCE BEFORE LANDING UPRIGHT. I BELIEVE THE ERROR WITH THE CAR MAY HAVE OCCURRED WITH SUBARU'S BRAND-NEW LANE CENTERING TECHNOLOGY, RELEASED WITH THE 2020 EDITION VEHICLES. THE TECHNOLOGY WILL PHYSICALLY DIRECT THE STEERING WHEEL TOWARDS THE CENTER OF THE LANE IF IT DETECTS THE VEHICLE IS GETTING TOO CLOSE TO EITHER LANE LINE. LANE CENTERING IS A FEATURE OF THE SUBARU'S DRIVER ASSIST TECHNOLOGY, CALLED EYESIGHT. I'M UNSURE IF THE MALFUNCTION OCCURRED WITH EYESIGHT OR WITH THE LANE CENTERING FUNCTION SPECIFICALLY.
Dec 17, 2019
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS ARE NOT ENABLED WITH A PERSON SITTING IN THE SEAT USING A SEAT BELT EXTENDER. THERE ARE FLAWS ON THE SOFTWARE THAT IDENTIFY THE PASSENGER ACTIONS ENTERING THE CAR, WHEN THE SEAT BELT IS FASTENED AND WHETHER OR NOT A SEAT BELT EXTENDER HAS BEEN USED. IF A SEAT BELT EXTENDER IS ALREADY IN PLACE, THE CAR REFUSES TO ENABLE THE AIR BAGS AFTER A PERSON SITS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT.
Nov 12, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2020 SUBARU Forester have?
The 2020 SUBARU Forester currently has 584 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2020 SUBARU Forester?
The most common problems reported for the 2020 SUBARU Forester are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2020 SUBARU Forester problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2020 SUBARU Forester comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - SUBARU Forester
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