2020 Subaru Forester Mk5 (SK)
Browse our directory of 2020 Subaru Forester Mk5 (SK) vehicles. Access instant MOT history reports, tax status, and reliability insights for any registration listed below.
Registration Directory
Showing registrations 1–40 of 244 for the 2020 Subaru Forester Mk5 (SK). Select any plate for an instant vehicle history check.
Common Problems & Reliability
The 2020 Subaru Forester Mk5 (SK) has 6 known issues. 6 are moderate concerns worth inspecting before purchase.
Thermo Control Valve Failure
ModerateSK Foresters can trigger multiple dashboard warning lights and poor cabin heater output when the thermo control valve sticks or fails internally. Warning-lamp and electrical faults are a commonly recorded MOT area on this model.
Symptoms: Engine management warning, Poor heater performance...
Est. repair cost: £400–£900
Lineartronic CVT Hesitation or Judder
ModerateLater CVTs are generally better, but neglected fluid changes can still lead to shuddering, hesitation and expensive transmission diagnostics.
Symptoms: Shudder under light throttle, Delayed response pulling away...
Est. repair cost: £300–£1,800
Starlink Infotainment Screen Faults
ModerateThe Starlink touchscreen fitted from around 2013 onwards can freeze, go blank or fail to reboot, with owners quoting roughly £1,500 for a dealer replacement unit. It is an annoyance rather than a safety fault, but electrical and dashboard-message faults are a common MOT area on the Forester.
Symptoms: Frozen or blank touchscreen, Delayed response to inputs...
Est. repair cost: £100–£1,500
e-Boxer 12-Volt Battery Drain
ModerateOn 2020-on e-Boxer hybrids the small 12-volt starter battery can go flat or struggle to hold charge after the car sits for several days, especially on short local journeys. Battery condition and dashboard warning lamps are recorded MOT checks on this model.
Symptoms: Battery flat after a few days of sitting, Need for frequent jump-starts...
Est. repair cost: £100–£250
Suspension Knocking and Worn Bushes
ModerateOwners report creaks and knocks from the front end and rear subframe over speed bumps and potholes, usually traced to worn control arm bushes, strut top mounts or sway bar links. Suspension is the standout MOT failure category for the Forester, and Subaru recalled Foresters built April 2017 to May 2019 because rear stabiliser-bracket bolts could work loose.
Symptoms: Knocks or creaks over speed bumps and potholes, Clunking from the front or rear suspension...
Est. repair cost: £200–£600
Exhaust System Corrosion and Leaks
ModerateThe SK's exhaust system can rust under UK winter salt, producing loud blowing or hissing noises and a potential MOT failure on exhaust noise, emissions or leaks. Noise, emissions and leaks is a recorded failure area on the Forester, more visible as the car builds mileage.
Symptoms: Loud exhaust roar or hissing, Rattling from underneath the car...
Est. repair cost: £250–£700
Buying Tips for the 2020 Subaru Forester Mk5 (SK)
- Check Eyesight warnings clear immediately and ask about any windscreen replacement, as calibration is expensive if done badly.
- e-Boxer cars should feel smooth in stop-start traffic; any hybrid or charging warning deserves investigation.
- A quiet CVT and evidence of fluid changes matter more than a glossy dealer stamp book alone.
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