2020 Subaru Forester Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 604 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 1,200miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2020 Subaru Forester, 1% of the 604 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 1,200 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Led adaptive headlights blind oncoming drivers. I have many drivers flashing their high beams at me when driving on low beam setting with fog lights off. New cars with LED headlights unless on flat roads cause temporary blindness in people with sensitive eyes during hours of darkness. Anytime these vehicles are on a grade, the beam and color of the light is very intense. When these lights are not adjusted correctly, say after someone alters a vehicle (lift, lower,etc) they are absolutely blinding. …”
NHTSA complaint #11366273, filed 2020-10, 2,000 miles“With the headlight switch in the off position and the gear shifter is moved into either the reverse or drive position the shifter seems to activate the rear tail lights to light up and stay on. This action is occurring more and more frequent. This occurs backing out of the driveway, going down the highway, etc.”
NHTSA complaint #11297185, filed 2020-01, 400 miles“Since I purchased my Subaru Forester new in 2020, people regularly flash their high beams at me at night when my low beams are on, because they think I have my high beams on. I also flash my high beams at cars when I think they have their high beams on then they do the same, to show me they have their low beams on. It needs to be illegal for manufacturers of cars and/or headlights to manufacture low beams with these dangerous settings. I didn’t know I could file a complaint with this department until a week ago otherwise I would have done it in 2020”
NHTSA complaint #11706366, filed 2025-12Related service bulletins
- 11012260Dec 13, 2024This bulletin is for information purposes only.The bulletin adresses design changes of the headlamps and rear combination lamps, where moisture and or condensation may develop on…
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 1 | 3% |
| 2025 | 8 | 8% |
| 2024 | 2 | 6% |
| 2023 | 4 | 5% |
| 2022 | 8 | 8% |
| 2021 | 1 | 0% |
| 2020 | 3 | 1% |
| 2019 | 2 | 0% |
| 2018 | 2 | 0% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 6 | 1% |
| 2015 | 15 | 2% |
| 2014 | 10 | 2% |
| 2013 | 4 | 5% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 3% |
| 2010 | 3 | 1% |
| 2009 | 4 | 2% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 5% |
| 2001 | 6 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Forester
301 complaintsOther or unknown
108 complaintsElectrical system
103 complaintsEngine
82 complaintsForward collision avoidance
44 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
24 complaintsLane departure
22 complaintsBody and structure
15 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsFuel system
14 complaintsAir bags
11 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2020 Subaru Forester
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology