Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual / Driving tips / Trailer towing / Trailer Hitches

Subaru Forester: Trailer towing / Trailer Hitches

WARNING

Never drill the frame or under-body of your vehicle to install a commercial trailer hitch. If you do, dangerous exhaust gas, water or mud may enter the passenger compartment through the drilled hole. Exhaust gas contains carbon monoxide, a colorless and odorless gas which is dangerous, or even lethal, if inhaled. Also, drilling the frame or underbody of your vehicle could cause deterioration of strength of your vehicle and cause corrosion around the drilled hole.

CAUTION

Do not modify the vehicle exhaust system, brake system, or other systems when installing a hitch or other trailer towing equipment.
Do not use axle-mounted hitches as they can cause damage to the axle housing, wheel bearings, wheels or tires.

Do not use a trailer hitch other than a genuine SUBARU trailer hitch. A genuine SUBARU trailer hitch is available from your SUBARU dealer.

Tongue load

When you do not tow a trailer

CAUTION The housing should be kept dirt and corrosion-free at the points of contact. The surfaces only require cleaning with a cloth. Grease or other lubricants should never be used...

Other information:

Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual: Stopping the engine / Steering lock

Stopping the engine The ignition switch should be turned off only when the vehicle is stopped and the engine is idling. WARNING Do not stop the engine when the vehicle is moving. This will cause loss of power to the power steering and the brake booster, making steering and braking more difficult...

Subaru Forester 2019-2026 Owners Manual: Ignition switch (models without “keyless access with push-button start system”)

WARNING Never turn the ignition switch to the “LOCK” position while the vehicle is being driven or towed because that will lock the steering wheel, preventing steering control. And when the engine is turned off, it takes a much greater effort than usual to steer...

Windshield wiper and washer switches

The wiper operates only when the ignition switch is in the “ON” or “ACC” position.