2017 Subaru Forester Common Problems & Defect Telemetry
Authoritative defect intelligence synthesized from 582 verified NHTSA owner complaints, 1 federal safety recalls, and interquartile failure mileage telemetry.
The 2017 Subaru Forester receives a 4.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 582 verified NHTSA federal complaints and 1 safety recalls. The primary reported failure mode is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports with a median failure point at 37,000 miles (IQR: 25,437 – 50,000 mi). Out-of-warranty repairs benchmark at $450 – $1,400 .
38.8 complaints / 10k sold
Verified US federal records
Crash, fire & stall audit
1 Active / Free Remedies
Top Reported Problem Clusters (7)
Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports
- Sudden loss of electric power steering assist
- Steering wheel pull or highway wander
- Clunking / knocking noise over bumps
“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.”
“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 pi...”
“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...”
Airbag Occupant Detection & Inflator Defect Reports
- SRS Airbag warning lamp illuminated
- Passenger occupant classification sensor failure
- Seat belt retractor lockup
“The airbag sensor in the passenger front seat has malfunctioned and it is indicating that the passenger airbag will not deploy. This is after the recall that was completed on the ODS from service campaign 19V701000.”
“The airbag warning light for the front passenger seat has been intermittently lighting. Both when the passenger seat is occupied and vacant. The light sometimes indicates the passenger airbag is off when there is a passenger in the seat. I took the car to the Subaru dealer whe...”
“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.”
Electrical Parasitic Drain, Infotainment & Harness Reports
- Unexplained battery drain after sitting overnight
- Infotainment display / instrument cluster blackouts
- Accessory malfunction / alternator fault warnings
“The airbag warning light for the front passenger seat has been intermittently lighting. Both when the passenger seat is occupied and vacant. The light sometimes indicates the passenger airbag is off when there is a passenger in the seat. I took the car to the Subaru dealer whe...”
“My 2017 Subaru Forester is experiencing the exact component failure and severe safety hazard outlined in NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Subaru Campaign WUM-98R). The front passenger seat Occupant Detection System (ODS) is failing continuously, which illuminates the "Passenger Airbag Of...”
“The passenger airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) has failed on my 2017 Subaru Forester (VIN: ...) at 78,255 miles. This failure completely deactivates the front passenger airbag, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard for any front-seat passenger. This vehicle previou...”
Engine Stalling, Oil Consumption & Cooling Defect Reports
- Engine sudden stall / hesitation while driving
- Abnormal oil burning / consumption
- Check Engine Light (MIL) flashing
- Engine overheating / coolant loss
“The passenger airbag Occupant Detection System (ODS) has failed on my 2017 Subaru Forester (VIN: ...) at 78,255 miles. This failure completely deactivates the front passenger airbag, creating an immediate, severe safety hazard for any front-seat passenger. This vehicle previou...”
“The shift guide plate in my 2017 Subaru Forester failed, causing the ignition key to become stuck and not release when the engine is off. The component is available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the defective shift gui...”
“My 2017 Subaru Forester [Touring] (VIN: [VIN]) has a recurring front passenger airbag deactivation problem even when an adult is seated and belted. The console shows “Passenger Airbag OFF” with an adult occupant. The seatbelt chime recognizes a passenger, but the airbag remain...”
Transmission Hesitation, Hard Shifting & Slipping Reports
- Hard gear shifts / delayed engagement into Drive/Reverse
- Transmission shudder / jerking under acceleration
- Transmission slipping between gears
“The shift guide plate in my 2017 Subaru Forester failed, causing the ignition key to become stuck and not release when the engine is off. The component is available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the defective shift gui...”
“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.”
“My 2017 Subaru Forester [Touring] (VIN: [VIN]) has a recurring front passenger airbag deactivation problem even when an adult is seated and belted. The console shows “Passenger Airbag OFF” with an adult occupant. The seatbelt chime recognizes a passenger, but the airbag remain...”
Service Brakes, ABS Actuator & Master Cylinder Reports
- Spongy or hard brake pedal travel
- ABS / Brake warning light illuminated
- Extended stopping distance / pedal vibration
“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...”
“On feb 28 2025 I bumped into car at stop light. Don’t know how it happened. 11 4th about 2 as I was stopped behind car at bank, the car lunged forward-jumped- no reason for it. This is the 4th time something has happed. I slammed on brakes so no incident this time. I am being ...”
“I had an Occupant Detection System replaced under recall in my 2017 Forester. Five years later it went bad. Obviously, still faulty. Cost 1,800.00 (you read that right) to have it replaced. Contacted Subaru twice about this and both times denied for replacement cost. Really un...”
Fuel Pump Pressure Loss & Fuel Delivery Defect Reports
- Sudden loss of propulsion power at highway speeds
- Extended engine cranking / failure to restart
- Fuel odor near fuel tank / engine bay
“CAR NEARLY STALLS WHEN STARTING FROM STOP AFTER SITTING AT LIGHT OR INTERSECTION WHEN IN REGULAR (NOT SPORT) MODE. ESPECIALLY OCCURS WHEN HAVING TO TURN FROM A STOP AND ACCELERATE FASTER. HAVE ALMOST BEEN HIT BY ONCOMING TRAFFIC SEVERAL TIMES. DOES NOT OCCUR IN THE OTHER MODES...”
“FIRST TIME, I WAS DRIVING IN THE MIDDLE LANE ON INTERSTATE AT HIGHWAY SPEED, ALL OF SUDDEN THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND, THE CAR PANEL WENT BLACK, NO LIGHTS OR INFO SHOWED. I COASTED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, THE CAR WAS IN DRIVE, IGNITION ON. THE EMERGENCY LIGHT WOULD...”
“SMELL OF GASOLINE AT STARTUP. THE CAR HAS ONLY 30000 MILES ON IT AND SEEMS TO BE A WIDELY REPORTED PROBLEM/ISSUE WITH SUBARUS OF ALL MAKES/MODELS. THIS WAS NOT IN COLD WEATHER. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE! *TR”
Official NHTSA Safety Recalls (1)
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
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.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist for 2017 Subaru Forester
Before purchasing a used 2017 Subaru Forester, perform the following targeted inspections based on reported federal defect patterns:
Scan the OBD-II port under the dash for pending freeze-frame codes (e.g. P0300 misfires, P0087 fuel rail pressure, P0420 catalytic efficiency).
Test vehicle at low-speed stop-and-go and highway merges. Check for delayed reverse engagement or gear shift shudder between 2nd and 3rd gears.
Verify that all 1 NHTSA safety recall campaigns have been performed by an authorized dealership using the VIN.
Ensure the instrument cluster, center screen, and auxiliary charging ports operate with stable 12.0V–14.4V alternator voltage.
Defect & Reliability Q&A: 2017 Subaru Forester
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester a reliable used car?
The 2017 Subaru Forester earns a 4.7/10 MazicBay Reliability Index based on 582 federal owner reports. Vehicles maintained under factory service schedules exhibit strong longevity past 150,000 miles.
What is the most frequent defect reported on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
The leading complaint category is Electric Power Steering Assist & Suspension Noise Reports, with a median failure point around 37,000 miles (IQR: 25,437 – 50,000 mi).
Are there free recall repairs available for the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Yes, the NHTSA records 1 safety recall campaign(s) for this model year. All safety recalls are performed 100% free of charge by authorized franchise dealerships regardless of vehicle warranty status.