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.
⚠ 602 owner complaints (high)
✓ No recall campaigns
✓ 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 Recall Campaigns- No recall campaigns found.
Owner Complaints
602 filed with NHTSA- Experience a total engine stall while stopped/accelerating at an...
- Experienced parasitic battery drain which disabled the vehicle. The...
Fuel Economy
29 MPG Combined- City: 26 MPG
- Hwy: 33 MPG
- Combined: 29 MPG
- Fuel: Gasoline
Technical Specifications
Vehicle Overview
VIN
JF2SKARC0LH499945
Model Year
2020
Make
Subaru
Model
Forester
Trim
Sport+ES+HK+KA
Body Style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Vehicle Type
MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
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 — WMI Region
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
Cylinders
4 Cyl
Displacement
2.5 L
Displacement CC
2500.0
Displacement CI
152.55936023683
Horsepower
182 hp
Transmission Style
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Fuel Type Primary
Gasoline
Fuel Economy & Environmental Impact
Fuel Type
Gasoline
Combined MPG
29 MPG
City MPG
26 MPG
Hwy MPG
33 MPG
Annual Fuel Cost
$2,200
5-Yr Fuel Cost
$11,000
GHG Score
6/10
CO₂ Emissions
309 g/mi
Barrels/Year
10.26
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 reported in manufacturer data
Blind Spot Intervention
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not reported in manufacturer data
Adaptive Cruise Control
Included
Parking Assist
Not reported in manufacturer data
Dynamic Brake Support
Included
Pedestrian AEB
Not reported in manufacturer data
Rear Auto Braking
Not reported in manufacturer data
Auto Reverse System
Included
Daytime Running Lights
Included
Adaptive Driving Beam
Not reported in manufacturer data
Keyless Ignition
Not reported in manufacturer data
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 reported in manufacturer data
Brake System
Not reported in manufacturer data
Steering Location
Left-Hand Drive (LHD)
Vehicle Dimensions & Weight
Curb Weight
3,589 lbs
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Towing & Utility
GVWR
Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Axles
2
Drive Type
AWD/All-Wheel Drive
Wheels & Tires
TPMS
Standard (Federal Req.)
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
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 recall campaigns
Recall Campaigns
No recall campaigns identified
ABS
Included
ESC
Included
Traction Control
Included
✅ Pre-Purchase Checklist
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Negotiate Using This ReportNo recall campaigns on file for this model year.
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Estimated Market Value
Based on vehicle age, class, trim & U.S. market conditions
Market estimate
$20,600–$27,400
Based on vehicle class, age, trim, and U.S. market trends. Verify with Kelley Blue Book or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
💡 This is a general estimate, not real data for this specific vehicle. Get the real, transaction-based Verified Market Value with VIN Pro Plus — $4.99 →
📚 Helpful Vehicle Resources
Safety Ratings
Overall Rating
5 Stars
Front Crash Rating
5 Stars
Side Crash Rating
5 Stars
Rollover Risk
4 Stars
Safety Recalls
No recall campaigns found
NHTSA returned no recall campaigns for this model/year.
Service bulletins and open investigations aren't part of this report. You can search them for free on NHTSA's site.
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)
$11,000
Depreciation (5yr est.)
$12,330
⛽ Fuel Cost Calculator
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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
Experience a total engine stall while stopped/accelerating at an...
Experience a total engine stall while stopped/accelerating at an intersection. The stall triggered immediate 'EyeSight Disabled' and 'Engine Oil' dashboard warnings, requiring a manual button restart in traffic....
Experienced parasitic battery drain which disabled the vehicle. The...
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...
Smoke and fire occurred in the engine and spread...
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.
Three times within 30 minutes on short drive, the...
Three times within 30 minutes on short drive, the engine stalled at stop sign or stop light. The car had a half tank of gas, and at the...
Component/System Defect: Failed Thermo Control Valve (TCV) leading to...
Component/System Defect: Failed Thermo Control Valve (TCV) leading to sudden vehicle power loss / limp mode. Description of Safety Incident: While operating my vehicle at highway speeds late...
Car stalls when it shouldn't i.e. when stopped at...
Car stalls when it shouldn't i.e. when stopped at traffic light Transmission Control Module (TCM) Software Issue
24th February 2020 - Bought the car from Subaru...
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:...
This 2020 Subaru Forester has experienced repeated failures involving...
This 2020 Subaru Forester has experienced repeated failures involving the Auto Start/Stop system. When stopped in traffic, the system shuts the engine off as designed, but on multiple...
Showing 8 of 602 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/Chain Service
Every 60,000–105,000 mi (belt) or per manufacturer schedule (chain)
CRITICAL if belt-equipped — timing belt failure destroys engine. Confirm whether this engine uses a belt or chain (chains typically don't require scheduled replacement) before assuming this interval applies.
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. These are projections from today’s general estimate, not past sale prices. Verify with KBB or Edmunds for mileage-adjusted value.
Now
$24,000
+1 yr
$21,100
-12%
+2 yr
$18,700
-22%
+3 yr
$16,300
-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
16%
Maintenance
$1,500/yr
20%
Fuel/Energy
$2,200/yr
29%
Depreciation
$2,466/yr
32%
Registration
$250/yr
3%
Estimated Total Annual Cost
$7,606/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.
General editorial reference for this manufacturer, not a live or VIN-specific measurement — see the sources below for detailed, current data.
Use this checklist to track which recalls have been resolved. All recall repairs are free at authorized dealerships.
✓ No NHTSA recall campaigns were returned for this model/year.
Vehicles in a similar class to the 2020 SUBARU Forester and their approximate current price range:
Private Party
$18,100–$25,200
No warranty · Lower price · Inspect first
Dealer (Used)
$21,600–$30,100
Some warranty · Financing available
CPO / Certified
$22,200–$31,500
Manufacturer-backed limited warranty · Inspected · Best protection
Negotiation tip:
No recall campaigns on file for this model year. 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 (typical)
See door jamb
Rear Tires
33 PSI (typical)
See door jamb
Spare Tire
60 PSI (typical)
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
Has likely ended
Powertrain
5yr/60k
Has likely ended
Corrosion / Rust
5yr/unlimited
Has likely ended
Estimated from the model year only. Factory coverage runs from the vehicle's original sale date, which this report can't confirm, and mileage limits can end coverage sooner. Verify remaining coverage with a Subaru dealer using the VIN.
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
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🔍 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 602 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.
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VIN JF2SKARC0LH499945:
No recall campaigns 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.
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 recall campaigns are currently associated with the 2020 SUBARU Forester at the time of this report. Always verify at NHTSA.gov before purchasing.
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 $20,600–$27,400. 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 29 MPG combined (26 city / 33 highway). Estimated annual fuel cost is $2,200.
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