Warning problems of the 2020 Subaru Forester

11 problems related to warning have been reported for the 2020 Subaru Forester. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2020 Subaru Forester based on all problems reported for the 2020 Forester.

1 Warning problem

Failure Date: 11/22/2024

"check engine" light along with "eye sight" appeared suddenly on Nov. 22, 2024. All safety systems along with cruise control became inoperable. Took car to Subaru dealer and it was confirmed to be the catalytic converter. My VIN is covered under extended warranty, but I was never notified of this. Plus, now repairs are of an emergency nature. Also, I do a lot of driving including on the NJ turnpike, I-95, etc. , and while I am awaiting car to be repaired, I have no safety features to rely on--which was one of the reasons I bought a Subaru. They will not pay for a courtesy car loan. Another issue is the thermo control valve. I was notified that I have an extended warranty for this, but part has to fail before Subaru will make repairs. Once again this becomes an emergency repair situation instead of a proactive one.

2 Warning problem

Failure Date: 08/01/2024

A week after my routine oil changed at 31k, the check engine light along with flashing "s" pop up. The next day the check engine disappeared. I was some what happy and continue to drive car as normal for 2 days, then check engine light came back again and this time is staying for good. I just can't believed that 4 years old car is having this issue. I've owned so many cars prior to this 2020 Subaru Forester, never once that those cars have problems like this one. I feel that I'm at risk driving without no eyesight or collision prevention warning. . When the check engine comes on, those two things are disable. After a long research and reading about so many people with same issues, I feel that they should be a recalling to fix the thermal valve control.

3 Warning problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2024

Multiple dashboard lights are on including starlink, eyesight, check engine, thermostat, and a blinking s. A quick google search shows that this exact combination is a known issue. Safety concern is that all the accident prevention systems are down leaving me at risk.

4 Warning problem

Failure Date: 11/10/2023

I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 mph instead of 50 mph I set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [xxx] daughter died. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

5 Warning problem

Failure Date: 07/28/2023

While driving, the 202 Forester, the check engine light, collision light, eyesight function lights all went on at the same time. I brought vehicle to check diagnostics and it is showing engine coolant bypass valve "a"control circuit low in power train system. Their were no messages prior to all the lights turning on and I was able to bring into the dealer for oil change but not able to make an appointment for repair for a few days from now.

6 Warning problem

Failure Date: 02/05/2023

The check engine light illuminated and the thermo control valve failed at 3 years old. The defrost and heater stopped working immediately making visibility extremely difficult . The eyesight and automatic braking system were also disabled due to the tcv issue. My Forester mpg dropped to under 20 mpg. The Subaru dealer inspected and confirmed code p26a3 and stated the thermo control valve needs to be replaced.

7 Warning problem

Failure Date: 09/12/2022

Corrupted driver assist software. Dashboard icons for hands on steering wheel, dynamic vehicle control, lane change control were flashing that systems were off, controls were turned off randomly. Vehicle was not tracking appropriately in its lane, steering was not acting correctly. Car at times acted as if it were being blown by a strong crosswind. Steering between lanes was not consistent. Icon warning that my hands were not on steering wheel when both my hands were on the steering wheel.

8 Warning problem

Failure Date: 06/28/2022

There are various lights on on the dash of the vehicle when nothing is seemingly inherently wrong with the vehicle. I notified the dealership about this issue, the dealership claimed that special parts were ordered but I still have not been notifed of their arrival. This puts my safety at risk due to the fact that I am not sure wether the car actually has an issue, or if it is a mere malfunction. The vechicle is now shaking.

9 Warning problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2021

I just walked out to my car parked in my drive way there was a huge crack in the windshield I haven't hit or been hit by anything this is a new car haven't even had a a year yet don't understand why windshield would crack so bad goes from the passenger side to the middle of the windshield.

10 Warning problem

Failure Date: 11/06/2020

I was driving home it was dark and raining. Something hit my windshield when I woke up on Saturday I saw a big crack in the windshield.

11 Warning problem

Failure Date: 04/11/2020

My vehicle was parked at my place of employment, I exiting my work and got in the vehicle and noticed a chip in the windshield that was not previously there. I drove straight home, after parking in the garage the windshield then began to crack and spider out.


Other Lane Departure related problems of the 2020 Subaru Forester


Safety Ratings of Forester Cars
Fuel Economy of Forester Vehicles
Forester Service Bulletins
Forester Safety Recalls
Forester Defect Investigations