2017 Subaru Forester problems
What owners reported to NHTSA, at what mileage, and every safety recall for this model year.
- Complaints are unverified owner reports. NHTSA does not confirm each one.
- No denominator: popular cars get more complaints. Counts are not failure rates; a best-seller will show more reports than a rare model.
Most reported problems
Complaints by component. One complaint can name more than one component, so these add up to more than 591.
When problems show up
Reports by odometer reading at the time of the problem, top components. Each bar is a 25,000-mile band, labeled by where it starts (0 = 0–25k miles). Reports without mileage are left out.
Air bags
Electrical system
Visibility/wiper
Safety recalls (1)
Recalls that cover the 2017 Subaru Forester. Some apply only to certain trims or build dates. This page cannot tell whether a specific car's recall work was done.
Check a specific VIN's open recalls on nhtsa.gov
Air bags › sensor › occupant classification
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…
Full recall text and remedy
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the connection loosens, the front passenger airbag may deactivate even though the seat is occupied, increasing the risk of injury to the front passenger in the event of a crash.
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.
Questions to ask the seller
Has the airbag warning light ever stayed on? Was any airbag replaced after a crash?
165 owner complaints mention the air bags, half of the reports with mileage are between 18,000 and 45,000 miles.
Any battery drain, dashboard warning lights, or electrical repairs? Test every switch, screen, and power accessory before buying.
106 owner complaints mention the electrical system, half of the reports with mileage are between 20,000 and 49,000 miles.
Do the wipers work on every speed and park correctly? Any wiper motor repairs?
104 owner complaints mention the wipers, half of the reports with mileage are between 15,000 and 45,641 miles.
Has the engine had any repairs, oil leaks, or check-engine lights? Ask for the invoices and listen for knocking or ticking on a cold start.
47 owner complaints mention the engine, half of the reports with mileage are between 8,500 and 41,550 miles.
Has the transmission been serviced or repaired? On the test drive, watch for slipping, delayed engagement, or harsh shifts.
46 owner complaints mention the transmission or drivetrain, half of the reports with mileage are between 21,300 and 50,000 miles.
Has the open recall work been done? Ask for dealer service records, and check the VIN on nhtsa.gov/recalls.
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year.
Other Subaru Forester years
Owner complaints per model year (2010–2022). Older cars have had more time to collect reports.
Get the LotCheck app
iOS & Android app coming soon: scan the VIN at the lot, see this report offline, and get a printable inspection checklist. One email when it launches. No spam.