2020 Subaru Forester Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 11about this part
- Share
- 2%of 604 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 5,300miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the steering of the 2020 Subaru Forester, 2% of the 604 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 5,300 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
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.
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11575411, filed 2024-03, 26,050 miles“I was driving my 2020 Subaru Forester sport in the left lane along an on-ramp to the highway, which consists of a road that curves to the right. There was snow on the ground but the roads were clear and dry. Suddenly and in a matter of a few seconds, the car began to beep continuously while the steering wheel veered to the left and locked, and the anti-lock brake system kicked in as I tried to correct the wheel and brake the car. …”
NHTSA complaint #11289740, filed 2019-12, 600 miles“On the morning of october 1, 2020, I pulled the car out of my garage. I was the only occupant,. The car was parked facing the wall, on the opposite side of the garage door, and I had to back out of the garage into my driveway, putting the car in reverse. I then had to turn right, into my driveway leading to the street. After I shifted the gear from reverse into drive, the car started moving forward spontaneously, and I was unable to stop it, nor steer the steering wheel. My right foot was on the brake pedal, but I was unable to stop the vehicle. The brake pedal felt hard and would not go down. …”
NHTSA complaint #11383225, filed 2020-12, 10,000 miles“Vehicle vibrate starting at 50 MPH and gets excessive at 65mph and up, while cruising in the highway. The vibration can be felt on the steering wheel and the driver seat seat.”
NHTSA complaint #11292190, filed 2019-12, 20 miles“My Forester just totally shuts down sometimes from the auto start feature in traffic or intersections . Errors come up . The wheel locks and I must put the car in park , turn it off and turn it back on. Very scary and very dangerous.”
NHTSA complaint #11633762, filed 2025-01Related service bulletins
- 11032035Apr 20, 2026This Bulletin provides the diagnostic procedures to be followed when addressing customer concerns of steering wheel/vehicle body vibration when driving at highway speeds when…
- 10246088Nov 8, 2023This bulletin announces the design change made to the leather wrapped steering wheels.
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2 | 2% |
| 2024 | 1 | 3% |
| 2023 | 1 | 1% |
| 2022 | 2 | 2% |
| 2021 | 3 | 1% |
| 2020 | 11 | 2% |
| 2019 | 14 | 2% |
| 2018 | 25 | 5% |
| 2017 | 25 | 4% |
| 2016 | 19 | 5% |
| 2015 | 19 | 3% |
| 2014 | 16 | 4% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 1 | 1% |
| 2010 | 5 | 2% |
| 2009 | 3 | 2% |
| 2008 | 4 | 8% |
| 2007 | 3 | 4% |
| 2006 | 9 | 10% |
| 2005 | 2 | 2% |
| 2004 | 1 | 0% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
| 2000 | 1 | 1% |
| 1999 | 3 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 3% |
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 28, 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