2020 Subaru Forester Sport+ES+HK+KA
VIN: JF2SKARC0LH499945 | 2020 | Subaru Corporation | OTA, GUNMA, JAPAN
2020 Subaru Forester Sport+ES+HK+KA — 2.5L 4 Cyl, AWD, Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV].
B
78/100
Safety & Recall Score: Good
This score reflects NHTSA safety data only — recalls, complaints, and crash ratings. It does not include title status, accident history, or odometer records. Verify hidden history with VIN Pro Plus →
Composite rating based on recalls, complaints, crash ratings, and vehicle age.
⚠ 594 owner complaints (high)
✓ No open recalls
✓ VIN fully verified
VIN Decoded
VIN Verified- Official VIN decode record located
- Type: MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Body: Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Plant: OTA, GUNMA, JAPAN
NHTSA Recalls
No Open Recalls- No open recalls found.
Owner Complaints
594 filed with NHTSA- While driving my girfriend's 2020 Subaru Forester on August...
- My 2020 Subaru Forester Sport suffered catastrophic engine failure...
Fuel Economy
23 MPG Combined- City: 21 MPG
- Hwy: 27 MPG
- Combined: 23 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$21,300–$28,200
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
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Get a Vehicle History ReportUnlock accident history, title status & odometer records with VIN Pro Plus for $4.99 — scroll down to get it.
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📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
JF2SKARC0LH499945
Model Year
2020
Make
Subaru
Model
Forester
Trim
Sport+ES+HK+KA
Series
Not available
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Doors
Not available
Seats
5
Seat Rows
2
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Engine
2.5L 4 Cyl
Manufacturer
Subaru Corporation
Plant Location
OTA, GUNMA, JAPAN
Country of Origin
JAPAN
VIN Breakdown
Position 1 — Country
J → Japan
Position 2 — Manufacturer
F → Subaru Corporation
Position 3 — Vehicle Type
2 → MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
Positions 4–8 — Descriptor
SKARC → Forester Sport+ES+HK+KA
Position 9 — Check Digit
0 → ✓ Valid
Position 10 — Model Year
L → 2020
Position 11 — Plant Code
H → OTA, GUNMA, JAPAN
Positions 12–17 — Serial
499945 → Production sequence
Engine & Powertrain
Engine Model
Naturally Aspirated U5
Engine Manufacturer
Not available
Cylinders
4 Cyl
Displacement
2.5 L
Displacement CC
2500.0
Displacement CI
152.55936023683
Engine Config
Not available
Engine Cycles
Not available
Horsepower
182 hp
Torque
Not available
Valve Train
Not available
Fuel Injection
Not available
Cooling System
Not available
Engine Brake HP
Not available
Turbocharger
Not available
Supercharger
Not available
Transmission Style
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Transmission Speeds
Not available
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Electrification
Not available
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Type Secondary
Not available
Battery Type
Not available
EV Drive Unit
Not available
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Secondary Fuel
Not available
Combined MPG
23 MPG
Combined MPGe
Not available
City MPG
21 MPG
Hwy MPG
27 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,650
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$13,250
GHG Score
5/10
Smog Rating
Not available
CO₂ Emissions
386 g/mi
Barrels/Year
12.94
Safety & Driver Assistance
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Forward Collision Warn
Included
Lane Departure Warning
Included
Lane Keep System
Included
Blind Spot Monitoring
Not available
Blind Spot Intervention
Not available
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not available
Adaptive Cruise Control
Included
Parking Assist
Not available
Dynamic Brake Support
Included
Pedestrian AEB
Not available
Rear Auto Braking
Not available
Auto Reverse System
Included
Daytime Running Lights
Included
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not available
Keyless Ignition
Not available
Auto High Beams
Included
Front Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Side Airbags
1st Row (Driver and Passenger)
Curtain Airbags
1st and 2nd Rows
Knee Airbags
Driver Seat Only
Seat Belt Type
Manual
Pretensioner
Not available
Brake System
Not available
Steering Location
Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Wheelbase
Not available
Ground Clearance
Not available
Vehicle Length
Not available
Vehicle Width
Not available
Vehicle Height
Not available
Curb Weight
Not available
Track Width Front
Not available
Track Width Rear
Not available
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Doors
Not available
Bed Length
Not available
Cab Type
Not available
Fuel Tank
Not available
0–60 mph
Not available
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Trailer Type
Not Applicable
Axles
2
Axle Config
Not available
Trailer Body
Not Applicable
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
Front Tire Type
Not available
Rear Tire Type
Not available
Front Wheel Size
Not available
Rear Wheel Size
Not available
Spare Tire Type
Not available
Spare Tire Size
Not available
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
Wheel Material
Not available
Manufacturing & Identity
Manufacturer
Subaru Corporation
Manufacturer ID
19109
Make ID
523
Model ID
2234
Plant Company
Yajima Plant
Plant City
OTA
Plant State
GUNMA
Plant Country
JAPAN
Plant ZIP
Not available
Dest. Market
Not available
Vehicle Descriptor
JF2SKARC*LH
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Recall & Safety Summary
Total Recalls
0
Recall Status
No open recalls
Overall Risk Level
Low Risk
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
5 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
No active recalls found
No recall records were returned for this vehicle.
TSBs are manufacturer repair instructions issued to dealerships. They are not safety recalls. If you're experiencing an issue, ask your dealer if a TSB applies.
No bulletins found
No technical service bulletin records returned for this vehicle.
Finance & Cost Estimates
🔧 Service & Parts for this 2020 Subaru Forester
$1,190/yr
Estimated Annual Insurance (national avg — varies by driver, location & coverage)
5-Year Cost of Ownership (estimate)
Insurance (5yr)
$5,950
Maintenance (5yr)
$7,500
5-Yr Fuel Cost (EPA)
$13,250
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$12,690
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
🏢 Find Subaru Dealers
Get this VIN's recalls resolved, service appointments, and CPO program details from an authorized Subaru dealer.
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Run Free NICB Check for JF2SKARC0LH499945 →State Emissions & Lemon Law
Emissions Testing & Lemon Law by State
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OBD-II Check Engine Code Lookup
🔧 Check Engine Light Code Lookup
Enter a code from your OBD-II scanner, pick from the dropdown, or tap a common code chip below.
Common:
Owner Complaints
While driving my girfriend's 2020 Subaru Forester on August...
While driving my girfriend's 2020 Subaru Forester on August 11, 2026 at approximately 65 to 70 mph, I struck a deer on a highway. The airbags deployed immediately,...
My 2020 Subaru Forester Sport suffered catastrophic engine failure...
My 2020 Subaru Forester Sport suffered catastrophic engine failure on 6/19/2026 at 156,322 miles, 15 days and 1,031 miles after a thermo control valve (TCV) repair performed at...
My car is violently shaking and completely stalling out...
My car is violently shaking and completely stalling out in intersections when attempting to restart from an Auto-Stop.
**Component or System:** Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist System (specifically...
**Component or System:** Subaru EyeSight Driver Assist System (specifically the Pre-Collision Throttle Management system). **Incident Description & Warning Messages:** There were no warning lamps, messages, or symptoms of...
The thermo control valve (TCV) failed on my Forester...
The thermo control valve (TCV) failed on my Forester (2020 model year). The failure first manifested on 16 June, 2026, with two warning lights: Eyesight Off, and Check...
Vehicle entered limp mode at highway speed (approximately 70...
Vehicle entered limp mode at highway speed (approximately 70 mph) on [XXX] freeway in Washington State, it felt like I had rear ended a vehicle it shut down...
I have owned this vehicle since 2019 and the...
I have owned this vehicle since 2019 and the auto start has ALWAYS stalled out when I stop at a light or stop sign. The vehicle needs to...
My Apple Car Play has never worked since I...
My Apple Car Play has never worked since I bought the car new in 2020. The dealership's solution each time I asked about it was for me to...
Showing 8 of 594 complaints. View all on NHTSA →
Maintenance Schedule
Current
Oil & Filter Change
Every 5,000 mi
Subaru recommended interval
Due Now
Air Filter (Engine)
Every 15,000–30,000 mi
Dirty filter reduces fuel economy by up to 10%
Due Now
Cabin Air Filter
Every 15,000–25,000 mi
Affects AC, heat, and air quality
Current
Tire Rotation
Every 5,000–7,500 mi
Extends tire life by 25–40%
Due Soon
Brake Inspection
Every 12 months or 15,000 mi
Brake pads typically last 30,000–70,000 mi depending on driving
Due Now
Spark Plugs
Every 30,000–100,000 mi
Copper plugs every 30k; iridium/platinum every 60–100k
Due Now
Coolant Flush
Every 30,000 mi or 5 years
Old coolant becomes acidic and damages the cooling system
Due Now
Transmission Fluid
Every 30,000–60,000 mi
Neglected fluid leads to expensive transmission repairs
Due Now
Brake Fluid Flush
Every 2 years
Brake fluid absorbs moisture, lowering boiling point
Due Now
Battery Test
Every 3–5 years
12V batteries typically last 3–5 years
Due Soon
Drive Belt Inspection
Every 60,000–100,000 mi
Serpentine belt failure leaves you stranded
Due Soon
Timing Belt Replacement
Every 60,000–105,000 mi
CRITICAL — timing belt failure destroys engine. Confirm if your model has belt vs chain.
This schedule is a general reference based on make, model year, and powertrain. Always follow your owner's manual for exact intervals.
Additional Tools & Information
Estimated depreciation for this 2020 SUBARU Forester based on vehicle class and age. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
2020
$24,800
2021
$21,800
-12%
2022
$19,300
-22%
2023
$16,900
-32%
Estimates based on vehicle class averages. Actual values vary by mileage, condition, and location.
Estimated annual cost to own this vehicle at average U.S. driving conditions.
Insurance
$1,190/yr
15%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
18%
Fuel/Energy
$2,650/yr
33%
Depreciation
$2,538/yr
31%
Registration
$250/yr
3%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$8,128/yr
National averages. Registration varies by state. Does not include parking, tolls, or loan interest.
8.2
/ 10
Rank #5 overall
26 issues / 100 vehicles
Subaru Reliability
Subaru reliability varies by model. Recent models score well; older FB-series boxer engines had known head gasket concerns.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
✓ No open recalls to track for this vehicle.
Vehicles in a similar class and price range to the 2020 SUBARU Forester:
Private Party
$18,700–$25,900
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$22,400–$31,000
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$23,000–$32,400
Full warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
Clean recall record supports the upper end of the range. Focus negotiation on mileage, condition, and comparable listings on AutoTrader or CarGurus.
Automated checks against common VIN fraud indicators. Always verify with a paid history report and independent inspection.
✓
Check digit (position 9) validates
✓
VIN is exactly 17 characters
✓
No invalid characters (I, O, Q not present)
✓
Year position (pos 10) matches decoded model year
✓
Manufacturer decodes to a known brand
✓
Not a repeated-character test/placeholder VIN
Manual checks to do in person: Compare the VIN on the dashboard (visible through windshield), driver door jamb sticker, engine block, and title — all must match exactly. A cloned or re-VINed vehicle will show inconsistencies.
⚠ Always check the tire placard on the driver door jamb for the exact manufacturer-specified PSI for your vehicle.
Front Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI
Check monthly
Rotation Pattern Guide
FWD: Front to rear straight, rear cross to front
RWD: Rear to front straight, front cross to rear
AWD/4WD: Full X-pattern every 5,000–7,500 mi
Staggered: Side-to-side only if non-directional tires
Recommended rotation interval: every 5,000–7,500 miles. Rotate with every other oil change for best results.
❄ Winter Prep
✓ Check antifreeze concentration (minimum -34°F protection)
✓ Test battery — cold temps reduce capacity 30–60%
✓ Verify tire tread depth (4/32" minimum for snow traction)
✓ Service AWD/4WD differential and transfer case fluids
✓ Replace wiper blades and refill washer fluid (-20°F rated)
✓ Test heater, front/rear defroster, and heated seats if equipped
✓ Inspect fuel lines and check for water in fuel system
☀ Summer Prep
✓ Check coolant level and test radiator cap pressure seal
✓ Inspect serpentine belt for cracking or glazing
✓ Test A/C system output and replace cabin air filter if needed
✓ Check tire pressure — heat increases PSI (recheck cold in a.m.)
✓ Inspect brake pads and rotors before summer road trips
✓ Check transmission fluid color and level
✓ Top off all fluids: brake, power steering, coolant, washer
Original Subaru Factory Warranty
Basic / Bumper-to-Bumper
3yr/36k
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
⚠ At 6 years old, factory warranty coverage has likely expired on this vehicle. A third-party extended warranty may be worth considering.
Third-Party Extended Warranty Options
CARCHEX
Get Quote →
A+ BBB-rated. 6 plan tiers, up to 500k miles.
Endurance
Get Quote →
Direct-pay at any ASE-certified mechanic.
AUTOPOM!
Get Quote →
Month-to-month plans, high-mileage coverage.
Estimate total fuel cost and stops for any road trip in this 2020 SUBARU Forester.
Steps to get the best price when selling this 2020 SUBARU Forester:
📄 Service records
Buyers pay more for documented maintenance history. Even basic oil change receipts add value.
🔍 Resolve all recalls
Unresolved recalls suppress resale value and are easy objections for buyers. Fix them free at any dealership.
🚗 Professional detail
A full detail ($150–$300) typically returns $500–$1,500 in perceived value, especially on dark-colored vehicles.
📷 Photograph in good light
Listings with 20+ high-quality daylight photos get 3x more inquiries than listings with poor photos.
🗂 Vehicle history report link
Proactively share a VIN Pro Plus or Carfax report link to build instant buyer confidence.
🔍 Price using real comps
Search AutoTrader and CarGurus for same year/make/model/trim within 100 miles. Price within 5% of the median.
No model-specific issue notes in our database for this year. The 594 NHTSA complaints filed provide the best available signal — review them in the Owner Complaints section above.
NHTSA offers free recall alerts by VIN. Sign up to be notified the moment a new recall is issued for this vehicle.
🔔 NHTSA SaferCar Alerts
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VIN JF2SKARC0LH499945:
No open recalls currently on file. Sign up to be alerted if a new recall is issued.
Get competing insurance quotes for this exact vehicle. Rates vary by 30–60% between carriers for the same driver profile — comparing saves real money.
Progressive
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Largest auto insurer in the U.S. Known for competitive rates.
GEICO
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2nd largest auto insurer. Typically strong rates for clean driving records.
AAA Auto Club
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Auto insurance + roadside assistance. Strong brand recognition.
State Farm
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Largest overall insurer. Best for multi-policy bundling.
Allstate
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Strong agent network. Good for accident forgiveness.
Liberty Mutual
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Competitive rates with customizable coverage options.
Estimated national average for this vehicle: $1,190/year. Your actual rate depends on your driving record, location, age, and coverage level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does VIN JF2SKARC0LH499945 decode to?
VIN JF2SKARC0LH499945 decodes to a 2020 SUBARU Forester Sport+ES+HK+KA, assembled in OTA, GUNMA, JAPAN.
How many recalls does this 2020 SUBARU Forester have?
No open recalls were found for this 2020 SUBARU Forester at the time of this report. Always verify at NHTSA.gov before purchasing.
Is it safe to buy a 2020 SUBARU Forester with open recalls?
This 2020 SUBARU Forester currently shows no open recalls, which is a positive safety indicator. Always confirm directly at NHTSA.gov before finalizing any purchase.
What is the estimated value of this 2020 SUBARU Forester?
Based on vehicle age, body type, trim level, and U.S. market data, this 2020 SUBARU Forester Sport+ES+HK+KA is estimated at $21,300–$28,200. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for a precise appraisal based on mileage and condition.
Is this VIN check really free?
Yes — the core VIN check on VinForFree is free with no signup required. All data is sourced from public records including NHTSA, the EPA, and official government databases.
What fuel economy does a 2020 SUBARU Forester get?
According to EPA data, the 2020 SUBARU Forester gets approximately 23 MPG combined (21 city / 27 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,650.
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