Why the 2020 Subaru Forester is Still a Reliable Compact SUV Choice Despite Some Common Issues

The Subaru Forester has long been a top contender in the compact SUV market and the 2020 model is no exception. With a reputation for safety reliability and comfort the 2020 Subaru Forester has many positive aspects that have earned it high ratings among both consumers and automotive experts. But like any car it's not without a few issues that owners and potential buyers should be aware of. We’re going to take a detailed look at the problems with the 2020 Subaru Forester how significant they are and whether they should stop you from considering this popular SUV. Spoiler alert – probably not!

Overview of the 2020 Subaru Forester

Before we dive into the issues let's set the stage by reviewing what the 2020 Subaru Forester has to offer. The vehicle was built with adventure and practicality in mind featuring a standard all-wheel-drive system making it great for all kinds of weather conditions. It’s powered by a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine producing 182 horsepower paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). While not the most powerful option in its class it balances performance with good fuel economy for a crossover SUV – an EPA-estimated 26 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

Key Features

• Spacious interior: The Forester offers generous passenger space and a roomy cargo area making it a great choice for families or anyone who needs versatility.
• EyeSight Driver Assist Technology: Subaru’s safety suite is standard on all trims and includes automatic emergency braking lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control.
• Standard AWD: Unlike many of its competitors Subaru includes all-wheel drive as standard on the Forester.
• Ground clearance: With 8.7 inches of ground clearance the Forester is ready for some light off-roading or rough terrain.

However even with all these pluses some owners have reported certain drawbacks and issues with their 2020 Foresters. Let’s break them down.

Common Problems with the 2020 Subaru Forester

Every vehicle has its quirks and the 2020 Forester is no different. Based on owner feedback and expert reviews here are some of the most common problems reported by Forester drivers. While none of these should be considered dealbreakers it’s still helpful to be aware of them before making a purchase decision.

1. CVT Transmission Issues

One of the most frequently mentioned problems with the 2020 Subaru Forester involves its Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While Subaru’s CVT system helps the vehicle achieve better fuel economy it has been criticized for its slow acceleration and lagging response time. This is particularly noticeable when trying to pass other vehicles on the highway or when merging onto fast-moving roads.

According to Alex Collantes an owner of the 2020 Forester "the lag when you hit the gas can be frustrating especially if you're used to driving a car with a more responsive transmission."

Some drivers have also reported that the CVT occasionally shudders or jerks during acceleration. Subaru addressed this issue with software updates but it's still something to keep in mind if you’re test-driving a Forester.

Potential Drawbacks of the CVT:

• Slow acceleration: The sluggish nature of the CVT can make the Forester feel underpowered especially during highway driving.
• Potential reliability concerns: While not common some owners have reported needing repairs or replacements for the transmission after higher mileage.

2. Weak Engine Performance

The 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine in the Forester is adequate for most everyday driving but for those who like a bit more power it may feel underwhelming. This is a common complaint among owners who prefer a more spirited driving experience. With 182 horsepower the Forester isn’t the most powerful SUV in its class.

For drivers who need to tow or carry heavy loads the engine can feel especially strained. While Subaru says the Forester can tow up to 1500 pounds some owners report that even light towing can make the engine struggle.

Potential Drawbacks of Engine:

• Lack of power: Those who want a more exciting driving experience may find the engine underwhelming.
• Struggles with heavy loads: If you plan to tow or haul heavy cargo the engine might not be up to the task.

3. Infotainment System Problems

Another complaint from 2020 Subaru Forester owners relates to the infotainment system. While the system is user-friendly and comes with a 6.5-inch or 8-inch touchscreen depending on the trim some drivers have reported issues with glitches and connectivity problems especially when using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Collantes commented on this as well: "I love the features but the system has frozen on me a few times and disconnects my phone randomly. It can be annoying when you’re relying on it for directions."

Subaru has released software updates to address some of these issues but they still persist for some drivers.

Infotainment System Issues Include:

• Glitches and freezing: The system may occasionally freeze or need to be restarted.
• Connectivity problems: Some owners report their phones disconnecting from the system unexpectedly.

4. Wind Noise at High Speeds

Several Forester owners have noted that there’s excessive wind noise at higher speeds especially on the highway. This can detract from the otherwise comfortable and quiet ride that the SUV offers at lower speeds. Some drivers have found the wind noise irritating on long trips though it’s more of a minor annoyance than a serious flaw.

Wind Noise Cons:

• Highway noise: The cabin isn’t as quiet as some competitors making long road trips a bit less pleasant.

5. Oil Consumption and Engine Durability

Although this problem is less common some owners have reported higher-than-expected oil consumption in their 2020 Subaru Forester. This issue seems to vary from vehicle to vehicle but for those affected it can mean more frequent oil changes and added maintenance costs.

If you notice that your Forester is burning through oil faster than expected it’s important to have it checked by a mechanic. Excessive oil consumption can indicate bigger issues like engine wear which could lead to more serious and costly repairs down the line.

Oil Consumption Concerns:

• Extra maintenance: Having to add oil between scheduled changes can be inconvenient and costly.
• Potential long-term issues: High oil consumption may signal underlying engine problems in some vehicles.

6. Rear Suspension Complaints

While the Forester’s suspension system is generally considered to offer a smooth ride some drivers have reported that the rear suspension feels too soft. This can cause the vehicle to feel unstable when carrying a full load or when driving over uneven terrain. Some owners have found that the soft suspension makes the vehicle prone to bottoming out especially if the rear is heavily loaded.

Rear Suspension Drawbacks:

• Soft ride: May feel too squishy or unstable under heavy loads.
• Bottoming out: More likely to bottom out if the back of the vehicle is fully loaded.

Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins

It’s worth mentioning that as of now the 2020 Subaru Forester has had relatively few recalls compared to some of its competitors. Subaru has addressed most issues through Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) which are issued to dealerships to help service centers address common problems before they become more widespread.

Most notably there have been TSBs related to:

• Infotainment system glitches
• CVT software updates to reduce shuddering and improve responsiveness
• Minor issues with the EyeSight driver assist system

Should These Issues Stop You from Buying the 2020 Subaru Forester?

Despite these potential problems the 2020 Subaru Forester remains a solid choice in the compact SUV market. It has earned a reputation for being a safe reliable and capable vehicle that excels in all-weather conditions thanks to its standard all-wheel-drive system. The issues we’ve highlighted are relatively minor in the grand scheme of things and most can be resolved through routine maintenance or simple software updates.

Alex Collantes sums it up nicely: "I love my Forester – sure it has its quirks like the infotainment system acting up once in a while but overall it's a reliable SUV that's perfect for my family."

Conclusion: The 2020 Subaru Forester Is Still Worth It

If you're in the market for a compact SUV that offers excellent safety features practicality and all-weather performance the 2020 Subaru Forester is still a strong contender. While it does have a few commonly reported issues like CVT sluggishness and infotainment glitches these problems are far outweighed by its many positives. The comfortable ride roomy interior and advanced safety tech make it a great choice for families and adventurous drivers alike.

In the end the 2020 Forester’s pros significantly outweigh its cons making it a reliable and capable choice for many drivers. As always it’s a good idea to test drive any vehicle you’re considering to see how it fits your needs and preferences – but don’t let these minor issues scare you away from what is otherwise an excellent SUV option.