Subaru Forester 2019-2023 Owners Manual / Driving tips / Trailer towing

Subaru Forester: Driving tips / Trailer towing

Your vehicle is designed and intended to be used primarily as a passenger-carrying vehicle. Towing a trailer puts additional loads on your vehicle’s engine, drivetrain, brakes, tires and suspension and has an adverse effect on fuel economy.

If you do decide to tow a trailer, your safety and satisfaction depend upon proper use of correct equipment and cautious operation of your vehicle.

Seek the advice of your SUBARU dealer to assist you in purchasing a hitch and other necessary towing equipment appropriate for your vehicle. Do not use towing equipment other than genuine SUBARU towing equipment. In addition, be sure to follow the instructions for proper installation and use provided by the trailer or caravan’s manufacturer.

SUBARU assumes no responsibility for injuries or vehicle damage that result from trailer towing equipment, or from any errors or omissions in the instructions accompanying such equipment or for your failure to follow the proper instructions. Regularly check that the hitch mounting bolts and nuts are tightened securely.

Connecting a trailer

Warranties and maintenance

SUBARU warranties do not apply to vehicle damage or malfunction caused by trailer towing. If you use your vehicle to tow a trailer, more frequent maintenance will be required due to the additional load...

Other information:

Subaru Forester 2019-2023 Owners Manual: Warning and indicator lights

Seatbelt warning light / Front passenger’s seatbelt warning light Rear seatbelt warning light SRS airbag system warning light Front passenger’s frontal airbag ON indicator Front passenger’s frontal airbag OFF indicator CHECK ENGINE warning light/Malfunction indicator light Coolant temperature low indicator light / Coolant temperature high warning light Charge warning light Oil pressure warning light Engine low oil level warning light AT OIL TEMP warning light ABS warning light Brake system warning light (red) Electronic parking brake indicator light Door open warning light Engine hood open warning light AWD warning light Power steering warning light Auto Vehicle Hold ON indicator light Auto Vehicle Hold operation indicator light Depress brake indicator light (if equipped) Vehicle Dynamics Control warning light/Vehicle Dynamics Control operation indicator light Vehicle Dynamics Control OFF indicator light Turn signal indicator lights LED headlight warning light High beam indicator light High beam assist indicator light (if equipped) Automatic headlight beam leveler warning light Steering Responsive Headlight warning light/Steering Responsive Headlight OFF indicator light Front fog light indicator light (if equipped) Access key warning indicator light (if equipped) Security indicator light Sport (S) mode indicator (if equipped) Intelligent (I) mode indicator (if equipped) Sport Sharp (S#) mode indicator (if equipped) Headlight indicator light (if equipped) Cruise control indicator light (if equipped) Cruise control set indicator light (if equipped) X-MODE indicator light (if equipped) Hill descent control indicator light (if equipped) Low fuel warning light Low tire pressure warning light (U...

Subaru Forester 2019-2023 Owners Manual: If the light illuminates steadily

If the light illuminates steadily while driving or does not turn off after the engine starts, an emission control system malfunction has been detected. You should have your vehicle checked by an authorized SUBARU dealer immediately. NOTE This light also illuminates when the fuel filler cap is not tightened until it clicks...