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2020 Subaru Forester Steering Problems

11 owner-reported steering complaints from NHTSA data

11
Complaints
3
Crashes
Jan 2025Dec 2019
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (11)

criticalSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE
CrashFiled: Apr 2025

I was on cruise control, and it randomly decided to go 81 MPH instead of 50 MPH I set it to, it did not respond when I tried to turn off the cruise control, and I ended up crashing into a semi, I survived but my [XXX] daughter died. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.

NHTSA #: 11652853
criticalSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Aug 2022

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!

NHTSA #: 11479264
highSTEERING,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Dec 2020

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.

NHTSA #: 11383225
mediumSTEERING,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

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.

NHTSA #: 11633762
mediumSTEERING,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Mar 2024

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 #: 11575411
mediumSTEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2022

Engine shuts off when coasting into a turn when car is moving at less than 5mph. Causes loss of steering. Will restart if gas pedal is pumped.

NHTSA #: 11493270
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Aug 2022

Subaru has a known issue with a Thermo Control Valve in Foresters. Apparently the part is failing all over the place and they redesigned the part and are replacing it. The problem is the part is backordered and the dealerships are telling people it is safe to drive the car.

NHTSA #: 11480952
mediumSTEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Aug 2021

Lane Keep Assist Feature The lane keep assist feature seems, in general, to over steer causing sway back and forth across the lane. While I find this bothersome, Most recently, at highway speed, the lane keep assist pulled the car (suddenly and somewhat violently) onto an exit ramp rather than holding the right lane. No one was hurt.

NHTSA #: 11428574
mediumSTEERING,POWER TRAIN,WHEELS
Filed: Dec 2019

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 #: 11292190
lowSTEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Sep 2022

Corrupted Driver Assist Software. Dashboard icons for hands on steering wheel, dynamic vehicle control, lane change control were flashing that systems were off, controls were turned off randomly. Vehicle was not tracking appropriately in its lane, steering was not acting correctly.

NHTSA #: 11484209
lowSTEERING,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Dec 2019

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.

NHTSA #: 11289740

Other 2020 Subaru Forester Issues