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Vehicle speed controlPart report

2020 Subaru Forester Vehicle speed control Problems

Complaints
24about this part
Share
4%of 604 total for the year
Median mileage
26,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the vehicle speed control of the 2020 Subaru Forester, 4% of the 604 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 26,000 miles. 12 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

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

“The car was parked and idling for a few minutes as a passenger exited the vehicle. While parked, the car began to shake slightly, it was then placed in reverse to get out of the parking space. Still shaking. When it was put in gear to go forward, the car began to accelerate on its own. The driver was able to use the brake to stop the vehicle but, when she took her foot off the brake to make a left turn and towards the park exit, the vehicle accelerated abruptly, and the car surged towards a main road. …”

NHTSA complaint #11463407, filed 2022-05, 45,000 miles

“While merging into a lane, I went to accelerate. I pressed the accelerator pedal to the floor to quickly get up to the speed of traffic. After successfully merging into the lane, I took my foot off of the accelerator pedal and noticed that my vehicle was still accelerating. The floor mat was not interfering with the accelerator pedal. Thankfully, slamming on my brakes while in the middle of a lane caused the accelerator pedal to come off the floor and my vehicle began to decelerate. …”

NHTSA complaint #11505267, filed 2023-02

“I drive this V little, but the steering wheel has repeatedly tried to jerk me into the left lane when tuning right and right when turning left! I stopped using cruise, but it still does it. I am an advanced driver, but don't low, if I could overcome this if it acted like some other 2020 Foresters I've read owners state have gone off the road and rolled over! Also the auto stop - start often shuts engine off when power is needed - is totally unpredictable! This is my wife's car, but she got it as the seat works with my V bad back! …”

NHTSA complaint #11479264, filed 2022-08

“While driving temperature light, check engine light, all ADAS lights came on as inoperable (cameras, warning, ABS, BSD/RCTA), no heat (including defrost) available to defrost or for cabin. Appointment 3/13 replaced thermo control valve assembly , coolant bypass valve, intake gaskets, fuel line, coolant, total charges $2070. Luckily had extended warranty I bought, that I had to make a claim on. Dangerous to drive (no camera based safety features available, no defrost for the snowy weather, no emergency braking or other collision safety features on, this affected the entire 'eyesight' system). …”

NHTSA complaint #11585356, filed 2024-04

Vehicle speed control: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202613%
202555%
202413%
202368%
202299%
2021126%
2020244%
2019273%
2018306%
2017336%
2016379%
20157011%
20144210%
201379%
20121817%
2011139%
2010249%
20091911%
2008612%
2007811%
20062023%
20051718%
2004125%
2003158%
20022326%
20012921%
200045%
199965%
19981414%

Other parts of the 2020 Subaru Forester

Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
301 complaints
Other or unknown
108 complaints
Electrical system
103 complaints
Engine
82 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
44 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
32 complaints
Lane departure
22 complaints
Body and structure
15 complaints
Brakes
14 complaints
Fuel system
14 complaints
Air bags
11 complaints
Steering
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