NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
The 2020 Subaru Forester scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 591 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Subaru Forester earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. That score, backed by a clean five-star overall NHTSA crash rating and zero recalls on file, makes this a strong safety choice among used SUVs.
The 2020 Subaru Forester received a five-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Subaru Forester ranks 20 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 591 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 20 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Subaru Forester?
The 2020 model year marks a meaningful step forward for the Forester in MotorCaliber's scoring. The Safety Index climbed three points to 90/100, moving the vehicle from the Strong band to the Exceptional band, a threshold shift that reflects both the perfect crash-avoidance tech sub-score of 10/10 and the clean defect record sub-score of 14/20 built on zero recall campaigns. Crash protection came in at 66 out of a possible 70, anchored by five-star frontal and side ratings from NHTSA. The rollover score of four stars, paired with a 17 percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic result, is the single area where the 2020 Forester does not achieve perfection, but it remains a competitive result in the compact SUV segment. The complaint volume of 591 unverified reports is notable, with Visibility and Wiper allegations alone accounting for 252 of those filings. That concentration in one component category is worth monitoring, though complaints are unverified consumer allegations and do not constitute established defects.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Subaru Forester perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Subaru Forester achieves an overall five-star safety rating from NHTSA. Its performance in both frontal and side impact crash tests earned full five-star scores. The vehicle’s rollover resistance is rated at four out of five stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk. Dynamic testing for rollover resulted in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14814
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
The 2020 Subaru Forester has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No park-outside or do-not-drive order has been issued for this model year. That clean recall record contributes directly to its defect-record sub-score of 14 out of 20 within the Safety Index.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Subaru Forester?
Owners have filed 591 unverified allegations with NHTSA. The most frequently reported components are Visibility and Wipers at 252 reports, followed by Electrical System at 98 and Engine at 72. Alleged incidents include 25 crashes and 7 fires, all unverified consumer reports.
591 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Subaru Forester?
Shoppers considering this six-year-old Forester should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. Although no recall campaigns are currently on file, recall status can change after a vehicle is sold. Confirming remedy completion protects the next owner.
- The 2020 Forester is the specific model year that crossed into MotorCaliber's Exceptional band, scoring 90/100 versus the 2019 model's 87/100 Strong rating, a three-point year-over-year gain.
- NHTSA recorded zero recall campaigns for the 2020 model year, a distinction that sets this year apart and directly supports its 14/20 defect-record sub-score.
- Unverified owner allegations to NHTSA for this model year are heavily concentrated in Visibility and Wipers, which account for 252 of 591 total reports, a pattern specific to this year's complaint profile.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Subaru Forester places
The 2020 Subaru Forester qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Subaru Forester safety questions
Was the 2020 Subaru Forester crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Subaru Forester, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Subaru Forester crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Subaru Forester earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Subaru Forester have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Subaru Forester as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Subaru Forester?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 591 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Subaru Forester. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Forester years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14814), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Subaru Forester 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 20 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.