2017 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 581 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (28% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 7 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Oct 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 581 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Airbag sensor does not work. It is not activated when someone sits in the passenger seat. This was recalled in other Subaru Foresters but for some reason our specific vin number is not eligible for repair.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2026
“Had recall completed for passenger airbag prior now SRS airbag on since 6/7/2026 per dealer code B1650 & B1760 as history codes. States found passenger side airbag sensor has erratic operation, recommended replacing seat bottom with integrated sensor for $2015 at Spreen Subaru of San Bernardino. Why is the sensor failing again? Unable to drive vehicle due to potential of airbags not deploying, making the vehicle unsafe to drive. No other issues with vehicle no one in front passenger seat when SRS airbag illuminated on dashboard, no spills, have seat covers to protect from ant fluids. No accidents that would cause this issue.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jun 2026
“My windshield cracked significantly after shutting the passenger side door. I chalked that up to maybe a possible chip was put under stress, until a few months later, my driver's side window burst spontaneously right in front of my eyes as I was shutting the trunk door. The pieces went half inside the car and half outside the car. Even though most of it was chunks of glass, I have been sliced and cut up trying to remove it from the driver's, passenger and rear seats, carpets, doors, etc. The entire thing shattered completely, like it almost exploded. The car was parked in the shade on a relatively cool day (it was about 75 degrees) and had not been running.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · May 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“2017 subaru forester with 40,000 miles, rear wheel bearings and plate are bad. $2100.00 to fix. Seems a little early in mileage for such an expensive repair. I have read about bad rear wheel bearings and plate from several people.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
“After traveling for unknown number of miles on repeated occasions, arriving at the destinations to the smell of burning oil. Smell was evident while driving as well. Subaru was able to diagnose this issue to a leaking CVT pump seal causing CVT fluid to leak and run down on top of the transmission pan onto the hot exhaust system. Subaru has acknowledge this is an issue back in 2016 due to the sealant us from the factory. Customer was quoted $1400 for the repair this known issue. Vehicle had 90,000 miles at the time of occurrence.”Owner report · Power Train · Feb 2026
“Intermittently, for the past few months, either when I wish to back up or go forward, a buzzer will sound, the anti-lock brakes and eye-sight indicators on the dash will say that neither system is working. The brakes malfunction and the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. Turning off the engine and restarting once or twice usually solves the problem, as if restarting reboots the system. But then the problem recurs randomly on another day. The most recent date of occurrence is listed under additional details”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2026
“The driver's seat in my 2017 Subaru Forester suddenly became loose and moves left to right while driving. The vehicle has only 27,000 miles, has never been in an accident, and has been meticulously maintained. The Subaru dealer diagnosed failed seat frame rail guides and replaced the entire seat undercarriage at a cost of $1,742 because the guides cannot be replaced individually. The dealer stated they had never seen this failure before. Because the seat moves laterally while driving, I believe this represents a potential safety defect.”Owner report · Seats · Feb 2026
“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon opening the tailgate, the tailgate quickly fell unintendedly and struck the contact's head while the contact was retrieving items from the trunk. The contact sustained head soreness but had not received medical attention. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the tailgate sending unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2026
“Passenger airbag safety intermittently turns on stating that the passenger airbag is not able to deploy. If I turn the car off and on it goes away and doesn't turn until another time I start the car. Also detects a passenger in the seat when there is no passenger or weight in that seat. Overall some sort of issue with the airbag safety system in the front passenger seat. I will state no liquids have been spilled on the seat.”Owner report · Air Bags · Nov 2025
“The front lower control arm bushing were breaking apart at 53,156 miles. Shop reported significant play in the wheel while on the stand. Sounds like a safety hazards.”Owner report · Suspension · Nov 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 39 of these complaints and injuries in 27 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Forester vehicles equipped with heated seats. An electrical connection in the front passenger seat for the Occupant Detection System (ODS) may loosen.
Remedy: Subaru will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the ODS sensor mat harness, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2020. Owners may contact Subaru customer service at 1-844-373-6614. Subaru's number for this recall is WUM-98.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2017 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Forester by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?
NHTSA has 581 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 2017 Subaru Forester. The most complained-about area is air bags (28% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Forester problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 31,059 miles or less.
Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning air bags:sensor:occupant classification. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.