2017 Subaru Forester Problems
Compared with other Subaru Forester years
More complaints than typical for this model
69/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.5× that of a typical Subaru Forester year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 200 of its 592 complaints were filed by the end of 2019.
- Most reported problem: Passenger air bag light on / occupant detection failure (144 complaints, median 30,000 mi).
- 1 recall campaign on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with a typical complaint level and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014, 2016
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 592filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 30,000miles, 321 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 1campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 25 mpgcombined, 2.0L 4-cyl AWD · 23 city / 27 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2017 Subaru Forester (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this 2017 Forester most often write about windshields that crack or chip, and about the passenger-side occupant detection system behind the air bag warning light. A third recurring theme is the ignition key refusing to come out after the car is shifted into park. Windshield complaints appear both at low mileage and later in life, and many describe cracks appearing while the vehicle was parked or driving with no visible impact.
- Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Windshield cracks or chips without an obvious impact
- 135 complaints (23%)
- median 34,500 mi at 3.0 yrs old (100 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $631 (median of 8 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe windshields developing cracks or chips that owners say they cannot tie to a rock or other impact — sometimes noticed after the car sat parked, sometimes spreading while driving. Several owners report repeat replacements, and some mention the cost of recalibrating the EyeSight camera system when the glass is replaced. A few note that a small chip grew into a long crack within a short time. Reported from roughly 5,000 to 85,000 miles, with many at 25,000 miles or less, and in both warm and cold conditions.
What to check: Inspect the windshield closely for chips, star cracks or repairs along the lower edge and in the driver's line of sight, and ask whether the glass or its camera calibration has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My windshield was cracked 3 times in the span of 2.5 years of ownership. I've had to completely replace it twice and patch the crack once. The first and third time it happened I was on a highway going ~60mph but the second time was on a 35mph road. I don't tailgate other cars and I've never had so much as a small star crack on my previous vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11317089, filed 2020-03, 10,000 miles“My windshield cracked in december 2019. I parked the car overnight in my family's driveway and in the morning there was a 6 inch crack from the bottom left side. The crack eventually became much larger, encompassing half the winshield. No pictures were taken but I replaced the windshield for $435 in january 2020.”
NHTSA complaint #11318342, filed 2020-03, 45,000 miles - Air bags
Passenger air bag light on / occupant detection failure
- 144 complaints (24%)
- median 30,000 mi at 2.9 yrs old (77 state mileage)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,650 (median of 20 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Owners describe the passenger air bag warning light or "air bag off" indicator staying lit, or the seat failing to sense a passenger who is sitting in it. Some say the dealer identified the occupant detection system or seat sensor as the cause; a number report the part being unavailable or on back order, and a few say the warning light returned after the recall repair was performed. Mostly reported between about 30,000 and 110,000 miles, with some at 45,000 miles or less.
What to check: With the ignition on and the passenger seat empty, confirm the air bag status indicator reads correctly, then sit in the seat and check that it switches; ask whether recall 19V701000 was completed and whether the sensor was replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Passenger side air bag came on with no passenger in the seat. It would happen with the vehicle stationary or moving. Sometimes it would reset on its own but after a few days the complete airbag system warning has come on and won't go away. Found out online that it is common problem with the Subaru Forester and the manufacturer needs to put to task as they are definitely not doing enough and are playing with the lives of people. …”
NHTSA complaint #11297360, filed 2020-01, 45,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the passenger’s side air bag sensor showed that there was no passenger in the seat. The contact stated on other occasions while there was a passenger seated in the seat, the occupant detection system failed to detect a passenger seated in the seat. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but recurred several times. …”
NHTSA complaint #11546927, filed 2023-09, 75,000 miles - Electrical system
Ignition key will not release after parking
- 53 complaints (9%)
- median 37,100 mi at 3.7 yrs old (27 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $500 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2017–2026
Complaints describe the key sticking in the ignition after the car is shifted into park and shut off, sometimes requiring repeated cycling of the shifter or restarting before it releases. Several owners point to a switch in the gear selector assembly as the cause and mention a Subaru service bulletin covering the symptom. Dealers in some cases diagnosed the park range switch, and one owner was told the repair was not covered. Typically reported between about 20,000 and 55,000 miles, occurring repeatedly once it starts.
What to check: Before buying, park the car, shut it off and try removing the key several times; ask whether the shifter or park range switch has been replaced and whether the related service bulletin was applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Key remains in ignition and will not disengage from ignition with radio and all dash lights still on. It has happened 12 times since purchased in the middle of june. The car was parked moved several , turned on and off with no result . Car was in park at all times. After several times of moving car , turning on and off several key finally relased”
NHTSA complaint #11343357, filed 2020-08, 41,000 miles“After putting the vehicle in park and shutting off engine unable to turn key all the way back to remove. Have to make several attempts at it. Subaru has a TSB 16-112-18r for this. It's becoming more numerous. My brother has a Subaru with same problem. Can happen anytime you drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #11321302, filed 2020-04, 41,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Transmission hesitation or shudder
- 29 complaints (5%)
- median 42,000 mi at 3.2 yrs old (21 state mileage)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2016–2026
Complaints describe the CVT hesitating or failing to accelerate properly, bucking during driving, and in some cases a dealer diagnosis that the transmission needed replacement. Owners also report unusual noises and unintended movement when shifting, and one describes the vehicle seizing while driving at highway speed. Generally reported from about 90,000 miles upward, though a few appear earlier.
What to check: During a test drive, note any shudder, delayed engagement or hesitation from a stop, and ask whether CVT fluid was serviced and whether any valve body work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My fianc and I bought this car and we were told it was not an accident, after we purchased it we found out that it had been in 2 accidents and during driving 1 night it bucked real hard and would now accelerate and it scared both of us. So the next day I took it to center Subaru in torrington connecticut to get it inspected, during the trip to the dealer it had bucked three more times violently. …”
NHTSA complaint #11349318, filed 2020-08, 97,120 miles“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. Very scary! ?fuel pump or other defect? City and county roads. Reproducible.”
NHTSA complaint #11414231, filed 2021-04, 54,135 miles - Electrical system
Battery drains or goes dead when parked
- 49 complaints (8%)
- median 33,000 mi at 3.1 yrs old (17 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2025
Owners report batteries found dead or too weak to jump-start, sometimes repeatedly, and one describes the battery needing a charger after each use. Some say the dealer replaced the battery under warranty while others suspected an underlying electrical drain. Complaints also mention stalling without warning and a check engine light coming on. Reported from about 18,000 to 45,000 miles, often after the vehicle sat unused.
What to check: Ask about the age and replacement history of the battery, and have a shop check for excessive parasitic draw if the car has sat for long periods or needed repeated jump-starts.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The battery on my 2017 Forester has been replaced under warranty three times after being found dead. All three times Subaru has said it was a bad battery. The battery couldn't be jumped and my mechanic said it was an electrical issue if it happened more than once. Luckily it was at my house all three times so only a simple tow. If this happened 300 miles off road, it would be a massive issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11416767, filed 2021-05, 42,000 miles“The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle would not start due to battery drainage. The contact stated that the battery had to be connected to a battery charger after each use. The contact stated that the check engine warning lights was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 22,375.”
NHTSA complaint #11424681, filed 2021-07, 22,375 miles
Buying note. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on the windshield for cracks or prior replacement, the passenger air bag indicator, and repeated key-removal trouble. Ask for records of battery replacements, CVT service, and whether recall 19V701000 was completed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 592 consumer complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester. 321 of the complaints include a mileage, and 77% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 30,000 miles. Of all complaints, 40 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 28 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign and 449 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Subaru Forester model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 69 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Air bags166 28%
- Electrical system106 18%
- Other or unknown97 16%
- Engine47 7.9%
- Transmission and drivetrain46 7.8%
- Seats34 5.7%
- Vehicle speed control33 5.6%
- Steering25 4.2%
- Brakes15 2.5%
Also reported: Body and structure (15), Suspension (13), Wheels (13), Fuel system (11), Seat belts (10), Forward collision avoidance (8), Electronic stability control (5), Lane departure (5), Exterior lighting (4), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (2), Engine cooling (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1).
Example complaints
Air bags: “Involved in a car accident that was where the Subaru was t-boned on the passenger side, resulting in extensive damage. Both front and rear door and all paneling on the passenger side had to be replaced. The side airbags failed to deploy upon impact. My vehicle was moving at 40mph and the vehicle that hit me was going 20-30mph and accelerating.”
NHTSA complaint #11265346, filed 2019-10, 41,500 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “My windshield developed a crack after being parked for a period of 8hrs while I was at work. The crack starts from the bottom and extends vertically and then moves horizontally. I believe it to be internal as it has no exterior marks or chips from the outside. I also havent had any debris hit my vehicle during the last times I have commuted to work.”
NHTSA complaint #11390951, filed 2021-02, 21,349 milesElectrical system: “Driving on the highway and the driver side window which is rolled up completely shattered. There are no cracks no indentation that the glass would have broken at time of the incident. The only issue leading up to this the window would not roll up all the way at times. Which is why I personally never rolled the window down once I knew that was an issue”
NHTSA complaint #11414092, filed 2021-04, 119,201 milesOther or unknown: “Windshield cracked for no apparent reason. Got into my vehicle following memorial day parade and started driving down the road (a small town road with speed limit of 35) and noticed a crack starting at the top edge of the windshield, about in the center. The crack eventually traveled into the driver's viewing area and I had to replace the windshield.”
NHTSA complaint #11310958, filed 2020-02, 41,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
77% of the 321 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 16,257 and 48,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester · SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 16.9% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2017 model year: forward collision warning optional, lane departure warning optional, automatic emergency braking not available.
Neighbouring years: 2016: same overall rating; 2018: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2017 Subaru Forester version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forester AWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | CVT | 23 | 27 | 25 | $3,300 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | CVT | 26 | 32 | 28 | $2,400 |
| Forester AWD | 2.5L 4-cyl | 6-speed manual | 22 | 28 | 24 | $2,800 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 19V701000Oct 3, 2019Air bags › Sensor › Occupant classificationCovers: Subaru Forester 2015–2018
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.
Recall details for the 2017 Subaru Forester → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE19009Occupant Detection System (ODS) FailureClosed · Aug 6, 2019
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 449 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11037943Oct 5, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This announcement provides information on a new software update for the Midtronics Dss and DCA machines.
- 11037940Sep 18, 2026Other or unknown. This bulletin provides paint code information for 2027 model year vehicles.
- 11037934Sep 16, 2026Engine. This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding an odor or a rattle-type noise/fluttering…
- 11037930Sep 15, 2026Other or unknown. This announcement provides an update to all 2027 model year Subaru warranty coverages for wear items and adjustments.
- 11037929Sep 14, 2026Other or unknown, Electrical system. This bulletin contains illustrations of exchange components and their manufacturer as well as a description of the proper exchange procedure. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11037927Sep 14, 2026Electrical system. This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. This is an revised version of the original bulletin.
- 11036810Aug 20, 2026Transmission and drivetrain. This bulletin announces a design change made to the CVT Control Valve Body. The updated valve body incorporates an enhanced valve sleeve to improve durability. This is an revised version of the…
- 11036807Aug 20, 2026Electrical system. This Service Information Bulletin outlines a systematic procedure for diagnosing parasitic draw (dark/standby current) in vehicles experiencing battery drain when the ignition is off, leading to…
- 11036796Aug 13, 2026Electrical system. This Bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic but essential information during diagnosis of Infotainment concerns. (This is an revised version of the original bulletin.)
- 11036794Aug 5, 2026Electrical system. Techtips newsletter locator index.
Other model years of the Subaru Forester
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 32 | 3,500 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2025 | 99 | 2,800 | 4 | 5 | 28 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 31 | 5,000 | 2 | 5 | 29 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 74 | 6,750 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 21 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 100 | 5,500 | 1 | 5 | 29 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2021 | 212 | 8,000 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 603 | 5,800 | 0 | 5 | 29 | 94 · More | Falling |
| 2019 | 834 | 8,575 | 3 | 5 | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 498 | 16,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 85 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 592 | 30,000 | 1 | 5 | 25 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2016 | 416 | 39,000 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 59 · Typical | Falling |
| 2015 | 615 | 43,919 | 3 | 5 | 25 | 74 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 403 | 53,500 | 2 | 5 | 25 | 45 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 78 | 50,000 | 12 | 4 | 23 | 8 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2012 | 106 | 45,702 | 15 | 4 | 23 | 28 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 147 | 60,000 | 16 | 4 | 23 | 30 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 262 | 65,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 55 · Typical | Falling |
| 2009 | 178 | 57,000 | 17 | — | 22 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2008 | 50 | 88,900 | 1 | — | 22 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2007 | 74 | 56,750 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2006 | 88 | 51,000 | 2 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 93 | 80,000 | 1 | — | 22 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 219 | 96,500 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 189 | 90,000 | 3 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 88 | 87,365 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 139 | 57,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2000 | 75 | 78,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 131 | 73,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 101 | 93,998 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Subaru Forester model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Owners of this 2017 Forester most often write about windshields that crack or chip, and about the passenger-side occupant detection system behind the air bag warning light. The issues reported most often: Windshield cracks or chips without an obvious impact; Passenger air bag light on / occupant detection failure; Ignition key will not release after parking.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2017 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA recorded 592 consumer complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2017 Subaru Forester is reported most often?
Air bags is named most often, in 166 complaints (28% of the total), followed by visibility with 116.
Has the 2017 Subaru Forester been recalled?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2017 Subaru Forester do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2017 Subaru Forester 5 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Forester get?
The EPA rates the 2017 Subaru Forester (Forester AWD, 2.0L 4-cyl) at 25 mpg combined, 23 city and 27 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,300 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester reported?
Among the 321 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 30,000 miles and the middle half falls between 16,257 and 48,000 miles; 77% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.