2020 Subaru Forester: Avoid

Electrical

Many 2020 Forester owners describe frustrating battery drain problems and an auto stop/start feature that sometimes leaves the car stalled after stopping, occasionally alongside a thermo control valve failure causing engine shutdown. Dealers have replaced batteries and parts repeatedly, but owners often say the issue returns.

Warning signs:

Owners report dashboard warning lights, check engine and eyesight alerts, radio or infotainment glitches, flickering gauges, and the engine failing to restart after auto stop/start engages at a light or stop sign.

What shops did:

Dealers often replaced or recharged batteries, sometimes multiple times, replaced radios or thermo control valves, or told owners no problem was found and to disable auto stop/start manually.

Mileage:

most between 0 and 5,000 miles, among 20 complaints that give it

“the AS/S system failed. A "No Eyesight" warning flashed and disappeared; various symbol lights blinked across the instrument panel”

“every dash light was suddenly activated and remained on -- and as a result all safety features were deactivated”

Engine

Many owners of this Forester describe the thermo control valve failing, which triggers warning lights, loss of heat, and disabling of driver-assist safety features, sometimes accompanied by stalling or sudden power loss. Others report separate stalling episodes tied to the auto start/stop system or battery problems, with dealers replacing the valve or battery with mixed results.

Warning signs:

Owners commonly noticed the check engine light, a flashing "S," cold engine or low coolant temperature readings, loss of heat, and disabled EyeSight, cruise control, and collision-avoidance features before or during the failure.

What shops did:

Dealers most often diagnosed a failed thermo control valve and replaced it, sometimes under warranty or an extended warranty, though some owners report parts backorders, repeat failures, or repairs not covered due to mileage.

Mileage:

most between 25,000 and 45,000 miles, among 9 complaints that give it

“the check engine light turned on, the eye site and cruise shut down and the car slowed down quickly to 60 mph almost getting rear ended”

“The defrost and heater stopped working immediately making visibility extremely difficult”

Visibility

Owners of the 2020 Forester describe windshields that crack or chip easily, sometimes with no visible impact, and cracks that spread quickly across the glass. Many say dealers denied warranty coverage, blaming rock damage, leaving owners to pay for replacement and recalibration themselves.

Warning signs:

Many report hearing a pop, snap, or ping sound, or simply noticing a small chip or crack that then spread within minutes to hours into a large crack.

What shops did:

Owners describe dealers often replacing the windshield and recalibrating the EyeSight camera system, though many say the repair wasn't covered under warranty and blamed rock impacts.

Mileage:

most between 0 and 10,000 miles, among 188 complaints that give it

“I noticed a crack in the bottom, middle of my windshield. It was about 6 inches long with no impact mark.”