2020 Subaru Forester electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 8, 2026NYElectrical System

   Experienced parasitic battery drain which disabled the vehicle. The drain is tied to a 30 amp fuse labeled "BACKUP" under the hood of the vehicle. This fuse controls the touchscreen, backup camera, interior lights, key fob and radio. There were no warning lights or trouble codes associated with this issue. The problem was replicated by both a Subaru dealer and an independent shop. Neither could find the immediate problem without further investigation, which would have cost…

   NHTSA complaint #11769881 · source
2. Filed Sep 19, 2026WAFireElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Smoke and fire occurred in the engine and spread into the car while the car was being driven. The car has not been inspected yet.

   NHTSA complaint #11765530 · source
3. Filed Aug 27, 2026ILElectrical SystemEngine

   24th February 2020 - Bought the car from Subaru dealer. Couple of service records prior to May 24, 2022. - May 24, 2022 (9,037 miles) | RO# 806326: The lower oil pan leaked prematurely and had to be completely replaced under warranty. During the same visit, explained LONG BRAKE PEDAL issue, and was given an estimate. - - June 1, 2022 (9,039 miles) | RO# 806767: Just 2 miles after that repair, the oil pan had to be torn apart again because the internal oil level sensor failed…

   NHTSA complaint #11760087 · source
4. Filed Aug 19, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   This 2020 Subaru Forester has experienced repeated failures involving the Auto Start/Stop system. When stopped in traffic, the system shuts the engine off as designed, but on multiple occasions the engine has failed to restart normally when the driver needed to proceed. This has left the vehicle unable to move in active traffic and created a serious risk of collision. The failures have occurred in highly dangerous situations, including a busy [XXX], a major [XXX]…

   NHTSA complaint #11758094 · source
5. Filed Jun 26, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   **Component or System:** Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist System (specifically the Pre-Collision Throttle Management system). **Incident Description & Warning Messages:** There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of any problem prior to this failure. The incident occurred while I was stopped at a red light at a busy intersection. When the light turned green, I removed my foot from the brake and pressed the gas pedal to proceed, but the vehicle would not accelerate. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11746796 · source
6. Filed May 21, 2026NYElectrical SystemEngine

   I have owned this vehicle since 2019 and the auto start has ALWAYS stalled out when I stop at a light or stop sign. The vehicle needs to be put in park and restart the car. It is very dangerous

   NHTSA complaint #11739339 · source
7. Filed Mar 14, 2026NCElectrical System

   My Apple Car Play has never worked since I bought the car new in 2020. The dealership's solution each time I asked about it was for me to get a new plug in cord, update my iPhone settings, and then they can update the system manually. I have taken it in multiple times, and each time it has worked for 2-3 weeks before it no longer works again. This is dangerous because it usually happens mid-drive, and I no longer have the directions of where I am going, without stopping the…

   NHTSA complaint #11724332 · source
8. Filed Mar 6, 2026CABrakesElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   stalling/shutting down at stoplights with the auto start-stop feature has occurred continuously for the last 2 years I’ve taken to dealer, and multiple mechanics and they can’t find a problem

   NHTSA complaint #11722571 · source
9. Filed Feb 26, 2026SCElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown

   My son, [XXX] is currently driving this car. The car only has 29,200 miles so far. Last week, while at the stop light on the hill, he had near fatal accident! Forester suddenly completed shut down. The only functioning part was the brake. My son had to put the car in park and restart the engine. I reported the incident to customer advocate at Subaru and taking the car in for inspection. We never skip any scheduled maintenance. My next maintenance not due until April. I also…

   NHTSA complaint #11720770 · source
10. Filed Feb 20, 2026NYAirbagsElectrical SystemSeats & Seat Belts

    The airbag system has a sensor issue and I keep getting warnings from Subaru to get it fixed because it affects the seatbelts. The garage where I take my car says they are unable to get the part needed for the passenger sensor. And, Subaru says they need to replace the whole harness for $6000. Makes me wonder why a safety issue like this one seen in other Subaru’s have been recalled but not my model… Also the start stop feature drains the battery excessively. I have had to…

    NHTSA complaint #11719471 · source
11. Filed Oct 24, 2025CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

    While driving on public roads, all dash warning lights illuminated simultaneously. The instrument cluster displayed “EyeSight OFF.” At the same time, the electronic parking brake engaged / the vehicle would not accelerate and required me to stop and shift to Park. The only way to restore drivability was to turn the vehicle off and restart. This has occurred intermittently, including in traffic, creating a serious safety hazard for myself and surrounding drivers.

    NHTSA complaint #11695397 · source
12. Filed Oct 16, 202536,585 miMATowedElectrical SystemEngine

    The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while his wife was stopped at a red traffic light in the middle lane and surrounded by other vehicles, the auto START/STOP system engaged; however, when the brake pedal was released, the vehicle failed to restart. After several attempts, the vehicle eventually restarted, allowing the driver to safely pull over. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was…

    NHTSA complaint #11693825 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology