2020 Subaru Forester problems, recalls, safety rating, MPG & value

Q: What gas mileage does the 2020 Subaru Forester get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2020 Subaru Forester at about 29 mpg combined (26 city / 33 highway).

Q: How much is a 2020 Subaru Forester worth?

Comparable 2020 Subaru Forester listings run roughly $26,997–$31,991, typically around $29,878 (from 11 vehicles).

2020 Subaru Forester at a glance

Safety recallsNone

Owner complaints591

Combined29 mpg

Typical price$29,878

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2020 Subaru Forester recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2020 Subaru Forester.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2020 Subaru Forester common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 591 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Electrical System

Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.

Engine

Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.

Forward Collision Avoidance

Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

Service Brakes

Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.

Air Bags

Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.

Seat Belts

Check that every belt latches, retracts and locks under a sharp tug, and that none are frayed.

2020 Subaru Forester MPG & running costs

Combined29 mpg

City26 mpg

Highway33 mpg

Est. annual fuel cost$2,100

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2020 Subaru Forester worth?

Low

$26,997

Typical price

$29,878

High

$31,991

From 11 comparable 2020 Subaru Forester listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2020 Subaru Forester costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$10,500

Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,700

Total$18,200

Per mile$0.24

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($29,878) with the same model 5 model-years older ($22,179), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.