2020 Subaru Forester acceleration & cruise control problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Apr 4, 2025SCCrashTowedDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   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)

   NHTSA complaint #11652853 · source
2. Filed Aug 26, 2024NCAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Subaru of America is aware of the problem which impacts several models and model years, see Subaru Service Bulletin 16-132-20R. Transmission slippage and bounce feel during acceleration. Can be strong enough at times to visually see occupants moving with momentum/bounce at times. Could contribute to vehicle not maintaining/reducing/responding to speed control systems, failure of transmission components, stranding occupants, and other similar hazards that come with the…

   NHTSA complaint #11610988 · source
3. Filed Jul 5, 2024NYCrash3 injuredTowedBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise Control

   Eyesight pre-collision braking feature and pre-collision throttle management feature malfunctioned and caused the 2020 Forester to accelerate unexpectedly and lurch forward while I was manually braking and slowing to come to a complete stop behind two other vehicles stopped at a steady red light. See class action lawsuit Weston, et al. v. Subaru of America, Inc., et al. In US District Court Case No. [XXX] which alleges that the vehicle contains certain defects that caused…

   NHTSA complaint #11599272 · source
4. Filed Jul 2, 202452,395 miILTowedEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   The contact owns a 2020 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate and then stalled. The driver was able to pull over safely. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the failure was due to the thermal control valve and produced DTC codes: P2682 and P26A. The mechanic replaced the cooling gasket and coolant control valve and added coolant. The local dealer…

   NHTSA complaint #11598271 · source
5. Filed Jun 13, 2024NCOther / UnknownAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   Check engine, forward collision warning, flashing "s"drive, no eyesight, automatic emergency braking warning lights, all came on at once and staying on. Possible thermo control valve issue - needs a recall!

   NHTSA complaint #11594248 · source
6. Filed Apr 26, 2024OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving temperature light, check engine light, all ADAS lights came on as inoperable (cameras, warning, ABS, BSD/RCTA), no heat (including defrost) available to defrost or for cabin. Appointment 3/13 replaced thermo control valve assembly , coolant bypass valve, intake gaskets, fuel line, coolant, total charges $2070. Luckily had extended warranty I bought, that I had to make a claim on. Dangerous to drive (no camera based safety features available, no defrost for the…

   NHTSA complaint #11585356 · source
7. Filed Mar 22, 2024ILElectrical SystemAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11578808 · source
8. Filed Mar 4, 202426,050 miOR1 injuredBrakesAcceleration & Cruise ControlSteering

   On 11/18/2023, as soon as I started the vehicle, put it in reverse and let off the brake to back down the driveway, the car made a loud unfamiliar noise (like bzzzzzt) and suddenly and unexpectedly accelerated on its own. Nothing worked, brakes, automatic gear shift, gas pedal, and steering were all disengaged. It was terrifying to me and I was worried about anyone or anything behind me. At the street corner the car turned somehow (I was trying to steer, but the vehicle was…

   NHTSA complaint #11575411 · source
9. Filed Nov 16, 2023OHDriver Assistance & Safety TechEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   While driving, most of the dash errors lights lit up- alerting me that the Eyesight Warning, RAB ( Reverse Auto Braking) and other safety functions were disabled. The Check Engine light was on and a flashing S next to it. Cold Engine light was illuminated as well. Dealer diagnosed with a faulty Thermal Control Valve, which somehow disabled all safety features. This is a common failure of Subarus and a recall is needed.

   NHTSA complaint #11555449 · source
10. Filed Sep 26, 2023CACrash1 injuredTowedFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Unintentional acceleration. After making right turn, vehicle accelerated for approx 1/2 mile until crashing into wall. Several attempts at braking and trying to shift into neutral did nothing.

    NHTSA complaint #11546528 · source
11. Filed Jul 8, 2023IDFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    Our thermo control valve (TCV) assembly failed and caused dangerous loss of speed and control while on the highway. Subaru is fully aware of the defect in their design as they issued a service bulletin to inform their service centers of a new, fixed TCV assembly that is retaining the same part number (a notice only sent to their service centers, NOT to owners). Please see attached. Despite being aware of the defect, Subaru has not voluntarily replaced the defective TCV…

    NHTSA complaint #11531116 · source
12. Filed Feb 2, 2023UTAcceleration & Cruise Control

    While merging into a lane, I went to accelerate. I pressed the accelerator pedal to the floor to quickly get up to the speed of traffic. After successfully merging into the lane, I took my foot off of the accelerator pedal and noticed that my vehicle was still accelerating. The floor mat was not interfering with the accelerator pedal. Thankfully, slamming on my brakes while in the middle of a lane caused the accelerator pedal to come off the floor and my vehicle began to…

    NHTSA complaint #11505267 · 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