← All Subaru Forester years

2020 Subaru Forester VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability

The 2020 Subaru Forester has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 584 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Subaru Forester. Severity signals include 25 crash-related complaints and 7 fire-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (238), Electrical System (88), Unknown Or Other (82).

Forester reliability snapshot

71/100
Latest model-year reliability score
3.5/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$632
Avg annual repair cost vs $521 category avg
#21/26
Ranking in compact SUVs · better than 19% of peers

Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.

Used-car research

Research the Subaru Forester before checking the VIN

Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.

Most-reported 2020 Subaru Forester issues

Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.

  • Visibility Wiper238
  • Electrical System88
  • Unknown Or Other82
  • Visibility49
  • Power Train28
  • Engine27

Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2020 Subaru Forester

Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.

  • Inspect windshield for cracks or chips, especially near the edges
  • Check for any warning lights on the dashboard, particularly related to the thermo control valve
  • Test battery health and check for any signs of parasitic drain
  • Verify that all advanced safety features (EyeSight, lane assist) are functioning properly
  • Ensure the vehicle starts reliably and does not stall unexpectedly

2020 Forester recalls

No NHTSA safety recalls on file for the 2020 Forester.

Used-market value

2020 Subaru Forester resale snapshot

75%estimated value retained after 5 years
600listings in the model-level benchmark
$25,483median asking price from 60 listings

Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.

2020 Subaru Forester on the road

176,996 2020 Subaru Forester units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.

How the 2020 Subaru Forester stacks up against rivals

The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.

Reliability verdict for the 2020 Subaru Forester

With a 74/100 score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2020 Subaru Forester lands near the class norm. That points to mixed reliability with a slight edge over average, rather than a clear standout. The absence of recalls suggests corrective actions have been limited.

Complaint patterns are not evenly spread. Reports cluster heavily around visibility and wiper-related concerns, with electrical-system issues forming a smaller but notable secondary area. Beyond those, the remaining categories contribute comparatively less, indicating concentration in a few systems rather than broad, vehicle-wide dissatisfaction. As the second year of its generation, the data reflects a model still early in its lifecycle without showing a wide dispersion of problem areas.

Overall, the Forester presents a moderate buyer risk level.

What you get in a 2020 Subaru Forester report

NMVTIS title brand history
Odometer readings & rollback detection
Accident & damage records
Auction sales with photos
Open safety recalls
Theft & stolen vehicle check

Check a 2020 Subaru Forester now

Confirm exact options, recall completion, accident history, and odometer accuracy in minutes.

2020 Subaru Forester — Frequently asked questions

Is the 2020 Subaru Forester reliable?

With a 74/100 score against a 73/100 segment average, the 2020 Subaru Forester lands near the class norm. That points to mixed reliability with a slight edge over average, rather than a clear standout. The absence of recalls suggests corrective actions have been limited.

How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?

No NHTSA safety recalls are on file for the 2020 Subaru Forester.

What are the most common 2020 Subaru Forester problems?

The most-reported 2020 Subaru Forester problem areas are: Visibility Wiper (238), Electrical System (88), Unknown Or Other (82).

Should I run a VIN check on a 2020 Subaru Forester?

Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2020 Subaru Forester, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.