According to Au7o's analysis of 3,880+ owner reports, the 2020 Subaru Forester has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure ($0-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure with 1,800 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $500 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester, the Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque converter can also develop issues. Subaru extended CVT warranty to 10 years/100,000 miles under Customer Satisfaction Program WTY-72. Multiple software updates have been released to address shifting behavior.
Have the dealer check for and apply the latest CVT software updates (TSB 16-103-17R). Perform CVT fluid change with Subaru CVT Fluid Lineartronic II (SOA427V1700). If shuddering persists, torque converter replacement or complete CVT replacement may be needed. Verify coverage under Subaru's 10-year/100,000-mile CVT warranty extension.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,800+ owners who fixed this issue
High Confidence1,800 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community Reported
1,400 owners
On the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester, 5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress concentrations. Temperature changes commonly trigger cracks. Replacement windshields must be EyeSight-compatible and require camera recalibration. Subaru has not issued a recall but dealerships have handled some replacements under goodwill.
Common Symptoms
Crack appearing near EyeSight camera housing without impact
Crack starting from windshield edge and spreading
EyeSight system disabled due to cracked windshield
Crack appearing after temperature changes
Multiple cracks developing in short period
How to Fix
Document the crack with photos immediately. Contact Subaru customer service (1-800-782-2783) to request goodwill coverage. Replacement requires Subaru-approved EyeSight-compatible windshield and dealer calibration of EyeSight cameras ($200-400 for calibration alone). Aftermarket windshields from Pilkington or Mopar are available but must be EyeSight-rated. Some owners have had success with Subaru covering costs under goodwill after persistent complaints.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 1,400+ owners who fixed this issue
High Confidence1,400 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community Reported
680 owners
On the 2014-2020 Subaru Forester FB25, foresters with the 2.5L FB25 engine experience premature A/C compressor failures, often with a noisy clutch or complete seizure. The compressor clutch bearing fails first, creating a grinding or squealing noise when the A/C is engaged. If not addressed, the compressor can seize and send metal debris through the entire A/C system, requiring replacement of the condenser, receiver/drier, and expansion valve in addition to the compressor. The issue is common between 60,000-120,000 miles.
Burning rubber smell from engine bay when A/C is on
How to Fix
Replace A/C compressor assembly (Denso 471-6050 or Subaru OEM 73111SG010). If compressor seized and sent debris, flush the entire system and replace condenser, receiver/drier (Subaru 73520FJ001), and expansion valve. Use PAG 46 oil and charge with R-134a to factory spec (15.5 oz). A/C clutch relay and pressure switch should be tested before assuming compressor failure.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue
High Confidence680 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
⚠️NHTSA Recalls3 recalls
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
Subaru of America, Inc. is recalling certain model year 2021 Crosstrek, 2022 Forester, 2021-2023 Legacy, and Outback vehicles. An insufficient weld may allow water to enter the inhibitor switch, causing it to fail.
Campaign #23V75500009/11/2023
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Crosstrek, Impreza, 2023-2024 Forester, and 2023 WRX vehicles. The front driveshaft assemblies' outer race may develop cracks and break.
Campaign #23V75400009/11/2023
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2024 Forester vehicles. The engine water pipe may have loose attachment bolts, allowing the pipe to lose its seal and leak coolant.
Campaign #23V72300026/10/2023
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
What are the most common Subaru Forester problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,880+ owner reports, the 2020-2020 Subaru Forester has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera, A/C Compressor Failure and Clutch Noise. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2020-2020 Subaru Forester has 3 known issues documented across 3,880+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Subaru Forester problems?
Repair costs for known Subaru Forester issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure, typically costs $0-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2014-2021 Subaru Forester CVT Transmission Shudder and Premature Failure?
The Lineartronic CVT (TR690) in 2014-2021 Foresters can develop shuddering, hesitation, and in severe cases, complete failure. Symptoms typically begin around 60,000-100,000 miles. The CVT chain can stretch, causing slippage and shudder during light acceleration. The torque conve… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2019-2025 Subaru Forester Windshield Spontaneous Cracking Near EyeSight Camera?
5th generation Foresters (2019+) have widespread reports of windshield cracks initiating near the EyeSight camera housing area or from the edges with no impact. The windshield design incorporates an acoustic interlayer and EyeSight camera calibration zone that creates stress conc… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2020 Subaru Forester A/C Compressor Failure and Clutch Noise?
Foresters with the 2.5L FB25 engine experience premature A/C compressor failures, often with a noisy clutch or complete seizure. The compressor clutch bearing fails first, creating a grinding or squealing noise when the A/C is engaged. If not addressed, the compressor can seize a… Repairs typically run $600-$2,200. Severity: medium.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
