How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA list for the 2020 Subaru Forester?

NHTSA lists 32 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Forester, which is 5% of the 601 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Subaru Forester's transmission or powertrain?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2020 Forester.

At what mileage do these transmission problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 500 miles, indicating many owners noticed issues very early in ownership.

What is the most common transmission-related complaint on the 2020 Forester?

Owners frequently describe a thermo control valve failing and causing stalls or disabled safety systems, along with vibration and hesitation during shifting or reverse engagement.

Did the transmission issues cause any crashes?

NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Forester.

2020 Subaru Forester Transmission & Powertrain Problems

Owners filed 32 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Subaru Forester, 5% of that year's 601 total complaints. Common patterns include unexplained vibration, hesitation or jerking during shifts, and thermo control valve failures causing stalls. No related recall is listed. Median mileage at failure was 500.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 32; 5% of 601
Crashes reported: 1
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 500 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicle vibrates or shudders while cruising at highway speeds, sometimes strong enough to be felt through the steering wheel and seat.
Car bucks or surges when climbing gentle hills, with the transmission seeming unable to settle on a gear while engine RPM stays steady.
Transmission fails to engage reverse promptly, idling instead, then suddenly popping into gear and lunging backward.
Thermo control valve reportedly sticks open or fails, triggering check engine lights, disabling Eyesight safety features, and in some cases causing the vehicle to stall or lose power at highway speed.
Vehicle intermittently loses momentum and shakes for a few seconds while slowing to a stop, with no warning light illuminated.

When 2020 Subaru Forester transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 30, 2019, latest Sep 10, 2026.

32 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Mar 2024 (4).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2020 Subaru Forester

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Forester model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20107 (3%)
20118 (5%)
20125 (5%)
20136 (8%)
201441 (10%)
201595 (15%)
201651 (12%)
201744 (7%)
201823 (5%)
201938 (5%)
202032 (5%)
202114 (7%)
20224 (4%)
20234 (5%)
20240 (0%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission and powertrain complaints does NHTSA list for the 2020 Subaru Forester?: NHTSA lists 32 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Forester, which is 5% of the 601 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Subaru Forester's transmission or powertrain?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2020 Forester.
At what mileage do these transmission problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 500 miles, indicating many owners noticed issues very early in ownership.
What is the most common transmission-related complaint on the 2020 Forester?: Owners frequently describe a thermo control valve failing and causing stalls or disabled safety systems, along with vibration and hesitation during shifting or reverse engagement.
Did the transmission issues cause any crashes?: NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 0 fires or injuries linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2020 Forester.