2020 Subaru Forester Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Windshield durability is the most significant ownership risk, with numerous reports of early-life cracking and chipping.
- Electrical system issues, particularly battery drain, are a common complaint and warrant careful inspection.
- Despite a 5-star overall safety rating, the windshield problem can compromise visibility and potentially affect safety system functionality.
- Fuel economy is respectable for an AWD vehicle, with a combined 29 MPG.
2020 Subaru Forester
The 2020 Subaru Forester offers standard all-wheel drive and a practical SUV package, but used shoppers should be aware of its 'Below Average' reliability rating. While it boasts a 5-star overall safety score from NHTSA, a significant number of owner complaints point to potential issues. The most prevalent problems involve windshield cracking and chipping, followed by electrical system and engine concerns. These issues often appear early in the vehicle's life, suggesting potential manufacturing or design weaknesses. With 780 complaints logged and 82 Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs), thorough inspection is crucial before purchase.
Critical Failure Risk
A significant number of owners report windshields cracking or chipping, often at low mileage and without apparent impact. This appears to be a systemic issue potentially related to glass quality, installation, or stress.
Early detection can help you avoid a $400-$800 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing standard AWD and safety ratings who are willing to conduct rigorous pre-purchase inspections, particularly focusing on the windshield and electrical systems.
+1 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Risk-averse buyers or those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.
+1 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2020 Subaru Forester Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2020 Subaru Forester.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 5
- Transmission
- Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- Drivetrain
- AWD/All-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 29
CarFocal account required
See the full 2020 Subaru Forester buyer report before you decide
Most Common Issues
1. Visibility
Most reportedUsage: 252 reports
2. Electrical System
Usage: 90 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation
Est. shop cost: $70 - $120
Unlock the full maintenance guide for every scheduled service interval and cost forecast.
Free • Takes 20 seconds • Saves Thousands $
Already have an account? Log in
FAQ
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2020 Subaru Forester is 5.1/10. Reliability score is 5.1/10. NHTSA recalls: 0. Owner complaints: 780.
How practical is the 2020 Subaru Forester for daily use?
Practicality score is 5.2/10. EPA combined economy is 29 MPG. Seating capacity is 5.
What is the overall score for the 2020 Subaru Forester?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2020 Subaru Forester is 7.0/10. Overall score is 7.0/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.4/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 5.2/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2020 Subaru Forester?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (5W-30 Synthetic) (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Engine Oil, Oil Filter) - Tire Rotation at 7,500 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $500 - $900. Repair prediction highlight: Windshield (typical at 15,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $400 • Max: $800).
What engine is in the 2020 Subaru Forester?
Engine specs list 4 • 2.5.
What transmission does the 2020 Subaru Forester use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Subaru Forester, transmission is Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The paired drivetrain is AWD/All-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2020 Subaru Forester?
EPA combined estimate is 29 MPG.
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2020 Subaru Forester?
11 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2020 Subaru Forester?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Subaru Forester, seating capacity is 5.
What body style is the 2020 Subaru Forester?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Subaru Forester, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2020 Subaru Forester use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2020 Subaru Forester, drivetrain is AWD/All-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT).
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2020 Subaru Forester?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 5/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2020 Subaru Forester is a practical SUV known for its all-wheel-drive capability and comfortable ride.
What are the most common visibility/wiper problems on the 2020 Subaru Forester?
Top complaint category: visibility/wiper (252 reports, 32.3% of complaints).