Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
2400–25K
2325–50K
750–75K
275–100K
0100–150K
0150K+
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
What owners actually said
600 reports
Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2024
Power Train
I purchased a 2020 Subaru Forester in 2020. Last week, the Check Engine light came on and it was due to the thermo control valve that need replaced. My car was outside of warranty at 70k miles and Subaru’s customer advocacy office will not reimburse despite this being a faulty defect for many 2018-21 Foresters. There is a class …
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I purchased a 2020 Subaru Forester in 2020. Last week, the Check Engine light came on and it was due to the thermo control valve that need replaced. My car was outside of warranty at 70k miles and Subaru’s customer advocacy office will not reimburse despite this being a faulty defect for many 2018-21 Foresters. There is a class action lawsuit filed but I’m still out $1900. There should be a recall and I should not be paying for this manufacturer defect.
NHTSA ODI #11580521
Mileage unknown · Mar 28, 2024
Visibility/wiper
Fourth windshield crack in 4 years. Enough. Please do a recall of this model.
NHTSA ODI #11579906
Mileage unknown · Mar 22, 2024
Electrical SystemPower TrainVehicle Speed Control
The thermo control valve on vehicle failed on 2020 Subaru Forester which is causing vehicle to loose acceleration, multiple errors codes displaying on the vehicle instrument dash panel and no heat in the vehicle (see attached photo for reference). The failure of this device could cause a vehicle fire depending on what position/ …
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The thermo control valve on vehicle failed on 2020 Subaru Forester which is causing vehicle to loose acceleration, multiple errors codes displaying on the vehicle instrument dash panel and no heat in the vehicle (see attached photo for reference). The failure of this device could cause a vehicle fire depending on what position/ and or state the thermo valve failed in. There needs to be a manufacturer recall on this particular part as there is numerous amounts of complaints and issues. Subaru needs to make it right with the customer. we need to drive safe vehicles on the road.
NHTSA ODI #11578808
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2024
Power Train
The thermo control valve failed causing the coolant to run at full and not allowing the engine to reach proper temperature and the heating system to not provide heat, also it caused multiple safety systems to turn off including eye sight, emergency braking, rear auto brake, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, traction control…
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The thermo control valve failed causing the coolant to run at full and not allowing the engine to reach proper temperature and the heating system to not provide heat, also it caused multiple safety systems to turn off including eye sight, emergency braking, rear auto brake, lane keeping, adaptive cruise control, traction control. the failure of this unit is a known issue to Subaru per their own service bulletin 09-80-21, while mine was not covered by Subaru's own warranty due to the mileage this vehicle is less than 5 years old, the repair costs will be $2000.00+ as quoted by the dealer.
NHTSA ODI #11578588
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2024
Power Train
Thermo control sensor failed which will damage the motor if overheating dealer says it's going to cost me $1500 and it isn't covered under drivetrain warranty which is 5 years 60000 miles I have 27000 miles
NHTSA ODI #11578566
Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2024
Engine
The Thermo Control Valve is faulty and renders the vehicle non-operative. There have been numerous instances in Subaru Foresters in the same make and year.
NHTSA ODI #11578484
36,000 miles · Mar 20, 2024
Latches/locks/linkagesStructure
The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the hood was independently unlatched and opened. The light indicating that the hood was opened illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled to the shoulder of the road and closed the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by a…
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The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the hood was independently unlatched and opened. The light indicating that the hood was opened illuminated. The contact stated that he pulled to the shoulder of the road and closed the hood. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
NHTSA ODI #11578432
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2024
Engine
The Thermal Control Valve failed on my car and it’s only 3 years old. This is a common issue and is widely known within the forums. Subaru should recall these valves as they are failing prematurely.
NHTSA ODI #11577808
Mileage unknown · Mar 16, 2024
Engine
I was at a red light when the engine shut off and the check engine and several other warning lights came on. After multiple tries I was finally able to restart the vehicle and drive it off the road. After taking it to the dealership the confirmed issue is the Thermal Control Valve. The dealership is requesting about $1600 to …
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I was at a red light when the engine shut off and the check engine and several other warning lights came on. After multiple tries I was finally able to restart the vehicle and drive it off the road. After taking it to the dealership the confirmed issue is the Thermal Control Valve. The dealership is requesting about $1600 to replace the faulty part.
NHTSA ODI #11577736
Mileage unknown · Mar 10, 2024
Engine
I stopped at a red light. The car's auto shutoff feature turned the car off for the fuel savings. When the light turned green and I went to go, the car tried to start and failed. I had to put it in park and start the car manually.
NHTSA ODI #11576443
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 ↗
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