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2020 Subaru Forester

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Forester years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Forester are substantially higher than the model-year median of 131.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

272 reports with mileage · 328 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Visibility/wiper. Review the 252 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 101 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 79 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

26 crash reports8 fire reports13 injury reports

Visibility/wiper complaints

252 reports
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Mileage unknown · Mar 2, 2022
Visibility/wiper

Front windshield crack for no reason.

NHTSA ODI #11454938

Mileage unknown · Feb 22, 2022
Visibility/wiper

I was driving in fine weather, in a smooth highway when a crack occurred in the windshield for no apparent reason. I initially thought a dust particle must have hit in the wrong place, but then was alerted to the fact that a windshield should not break for no apparent reason. I have owned cars for decades, and this is the first …

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I was driving in fine weather, in a smooth highway when a crack occurred in the windshield for no apparent reason. I initially thought a dust particle must have hit in the wrong place, but then was alerted to the fact that a windshield should not break for no apparent reason. I have owned cars for decades, and this is the first time that I have had a windshield crack, and in a nearly new car. It is a Forester 2020. I drove a Forester 2002 for nearly fifteen years with no issue ever. I have, upon research, found out that I am one of many people waiting for Subaru windshields for my same model, and that there is clearly a pattern that suggests an error in the making. I called Subaru of America and also my dealership and neither one seemed receptive to my concerns, nor showed any awareness of windshield issues. I did my own research after the glass company alerted me to the fact that there is a class action lawsuit for my very vehicle in process due to overwhelming problems with the windshields cracking for no apparent reason. I find this really concerning. Subaru markets itself for its all terrain vehicles, and while I only drive on roads and highways, they are vehicles supposedly designed to go through much rougher terrain. The problems with the windshields are a concerning safety alert for all the owners of these vehicles, and particularly for those who use them in a variety of terrains. I did find through my own research that there are indeed lawsuits currently in process for this very issue, and that prior models were already recalled as well.

NHTSA ODI #11453375

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2022
Visibility/wiper

I was driving from Gainesville Georgia to Stuart Florida and all of the sudden the windshield cracked from the top upper left corner to about 6 inches down. It continued to crack for about 18 inches or so within the next 24 hours. I only had the vehicle since September, 2020.

NHTSA ODI #11451515

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2022
Visibility/wiper

A cracked windshield - the second replacement windshield in two months - As in the case of the first replacement windshield, this second crack appeared as I was sitting in a parking space in a parking lot. No movement of my vehicle. I've spoken with representatives of the company which installed this windshield and this compa…

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A cracked windshield - the second replacement windshield in two months - As in the case of the first replacement windshield, this second crack appeared as I was sitting in a parking space in a parking lot. No movement of my vehicle. I've spoken with representatives of the company which installed this windshield and this company claims no responsibility. This company is authorized by Subaru. I've spoken to the manager of the Subaru dealership from which I purchased the car. The dealership claims no responsibility. I am planning to write to Subaru's corporate offices.

NHTSA ODI #11451026

Mileage unknown · Feb 7, 2022
Visibility/wiper

My windshield cracked by itself overnight while the car was parking with no signs of any trauma to it. searching online there are multiple cases reported same problem i definitely believe there is a manufacturers defect with these windshields

NHTSA ODI #11450719

Mileage unknown · Feb 5, 2022
Visibility/wiper

Entered car d2 after after an ice storm to find Passenger side Windshield cracked from left edge crossing over drivers view.

NHTSA ODI #11450617

Mileage unknown · Jan 29, 2022
Visibility/wiper

my windshield has an edge crack starting yesterday. Rapidly, it has grown to 7~10 inches and it's still happening even when i'm not driving. I have not observed any obvious reasons for this to happen and it's now start impacting the front side visibility during driving.

NHTSA ODI #11449397

Mileage unknown · Jan 5, 2022
Visibility/wiper

The windshield on our 2020 Subaru Forester recently cracked, with no warning or obvious reasons for it to crack. When we began to try to repair it, we realized that because of the Eyesight technology connected to it, it would be a more expensive and complex replacement. We also found out that this was a common problem with this …

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The windshield on our 2020 Subaru Forester recently cracked, with no warning or obvious reasons for it to crack. When we began to try to repair it, we realized that because of the Eyesight technology connected to it, it would be a more expensive and complex replacement. We also found out that this was a common problem with this make and model, and that there had been other complaints about it. We are still trying to make an appointment to fix it, but the crack has grown longer and seems more dangerous now

NHTSA ODI #11446298

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
Visibility/wiper

The windshield has spontaneously developed a crack that begins at the bottom center edge and has advanced about 18 inches at this point, and is visibly advancing daily.

NHTSA ODI #11445355

Mileage unknown · Dec 28, 2021
Visibility/wiper

The windshield has a crack that has grown exponentially. It seems to be very susceptible to impact cracks and chips.

NHTSA ODI #11445324

Official recalls

0

No recalls in this snapshot.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.

Go deeper into Subaru Forester problems