2020 Subaru Forester · symptom sheet

Check engine light or misfire

30owner reports
51,000median miles
0involved a crash

Newest report Dec 30, 2025 · checked Sep 9, 2026

152 of the 598 complaints on this car are about the engine. 30 of those describe misfire.

Tick what matches of 30 reports

rough idle or shaking

a catalytic converter code

the light flashes

it came back after repair

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the engine covers the 2020 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 35,600 and 65,000 miles, from the 9 reports that gave a mileage.

122

1223

1424

325

What owners wrote

“I was driving to work and many of my warning lights suddenly came on. This includes my check engine light, my lane assist light, my auto collision braking, my eye sight disabled and my cool engine light keeps going on and off. My cabin heating also isnât working. There is no reason for this happening other than my thermo control valve failing.”
Filed Apr 27, 2024

“I was at a red light when the engine shut off and the check engine and several other warning lights came on. After multiple tries I was finally able to restart the vehicle and drive it off the road. After taking it to the dealership the confirmed issue is the Thermal Control Valve. The dealership is requesting about $1600 to replace the faulty part.”
Filed Mar 16, 2024

“Started engine after parking and check engine light came on, eyesight disabled, and flashing âsâ. Stopped driving and took vehicle to dealer. Diagnosed as thermo control unit. Told they didnât have a loaner and was safe to drive for a few days. Has no heat and engine would not warm up. No safety systems. Retained 3 days later to dealer when loaner was available. Repaired under powertrain warranty.”
Filed Feb 11, 2024

“I started the car to make a trip to town to run some errands. When I cranked the engine the Check Engine light came on. The S for Sport Mode was flashing and a No Eyesight warning came on. Also SRS Side Airbag light came on to indicate it was not working. And another light came on showing a car going out of its lane, but I don't know if it was the Lane Keep Assist light or not.”
Filed Jan 29, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 30 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.