The Lemon Index2020 Subaru Forester.
The 2020 Subaru Forester is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 492 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 297, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about wipers & visibility, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 29 mpg combined. The best Subaru Forester year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 603 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Subaru Forester year. 2020 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 1K to 11K miles on the car (272 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- wipers & visibility complaints mostly came at 1K–8K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 1K–7K miles
- visibility complaints mostly came at 4K–29K miles
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Subaru told dealers about
Subaru sent dealers 481 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- This Service Information Bulletin provides helpful tips and precautions to use whenever removing
- Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action…
- Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Subaru Forester SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Driving on a road going about 30, wet around a corner a truck passed me going the opposite way. Kicking up a rock that hit my windshield and it cracked instantly, more than halfway to the passenger side
2020 Subaru Forester owner · NHTSA complaint 11318112
More owner reports
An object hit my windshield and several minutes afterwards, my windshield spontaneously cracked. I was driving along the entrance ramp to interstate 35e-south in minnesota.
NHTSA complaint 11351225
Battery will not hold a charge. Battery frequently needs to be recharged. Bought a portable jumper, to ensure vehicle will start away from home where the battery would otherwise be charged in the garage.
NHTSA complaint 11486698
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 3× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 297; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Subaru Forester year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Forester problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (49%), electrical (12%) and visibility (9%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru Forester get?
29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Subaru Forester safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2020 Subaru Forester problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 1,900 and 11,000 miles. The middle report was at 5,800 miles, from 272 complaints.
Does the 2020 Subaru Forester have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2020 Subaru Forester cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?
2.5L 4-cyl.
What Subaru Forester year is better than the 2020?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2011 and 2012.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works