2020 Subaru Forester: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 103 owner complaints for the 2020 Subaru Forester that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769881 (filed 10/08/2026): “Experienced parasitic battery drain which disabled the vehicle. the drain is tied to a 30 amp fuse labeled "backup" under the hood of the vehicle. this fuse controls the touchscreen, backup camera, interior lights, key fob and radio. there were no warning lights or trouble codes associated with this…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11765530 (filed 09/19/2026): “Smoke and fire occurred in the engine and spread into the car while the car was being driven. the car has not been inspected yet.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11760087 (filed 08/27/2026): “24th february 2020 - bought the car from subaru dealer. couple of service records prior to may 24, 2022. - may 24, 2022 (9,037 miles) | ro# 806326: the lower oil pan leaked prematurely and had to be completely replaced under warranty. during the same visit, explained long brake pedal issue, and was …”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .