MotorDeets

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.

0vehicle recalls
602owner complaints
26mention a crash
29best combined mpg
2020 Subaru Forester
Photo: Matti Blume · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

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.

Visibility/Wiper252
Other / unknown107
Electrical103
Engine80
Visibility (wipers, glass)49
Forward collision avoidance43
Transmission & drivetrain32
Speed control / throttle24

What owners describe

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)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
2.5 L 4-cylAutomatic (AV-S7)All-Wheel Drive263329Regular

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.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
Check 2020 Subaru Forester manual
Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
Check 2020 Subaru Forester manual
ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2020 Subaru Forester manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2020 Subaru Forester manual

Heads up: we may earn a commission if you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you. Prices checked 2026-10 and can change. We never host or link to pirated manuals. Disclosure

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.

Other Forester years

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