2020 Subaru Forester: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2020 Subaru Forester: 0 recalls, 602 owner complaints and up to 29 mpg combined.

Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 9 mention a fire, 16 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Visibility/Wiper (252): the most common themes are noise or vibration (8), electrical failure (2).
- Other / unknown (107): the most common themes are electrical failure (12), stalls / loses power (12), warning light on (10).
- Electrical (103): the most common themes are electrical failure (56), stalls / loses power (29), warning light on (23).
- Engine (80): the most common themes are warning light on (33), stalls / loses power (23), electrical failure (14).
The 2020 Subaru Forester has 602 owner complaints, ranking #3 of 29 Forester model years for complaints (2.7× the average Forester year). Complaints peaked in 2021 (171 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 1 year old, at a median of 5,800 miles. Neighboring years: 2019 (833 complaints, 3 recalls), 2021 (209 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (AV-S7) | All-Wheel Drive | 26 | 33 | 29 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2020 Subaru Forester.
Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.
Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yrOEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.
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FAQ
Does the 2020 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 2020 Subaru Forester. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 2020 Subaru Forester problems?
Owners have filed 602 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are visibility/wiper (252), other / unknown (107), electrical (103).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings run up to 29 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (AV-S7)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2020 Subaru Forester repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.