2017 Subaru Forester: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
1 recall campaign to confirm with a dealer. A lot of owner complaints, 28% about airbags.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2017 Subaru Forester
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2017 Subaru Forester recalls
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Airbags
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.
Details 19V701000
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.
Fix: 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.
2017 Subaru Forester safety investigations and free repairs
No open safety investigations.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Warranty extension: This letter provides information regarding the warranty extension for the Telematics Data Communications Module (DCM).
- Exhaust and emissions: This bulletin announces Warranty Extension and design changes made to the front exhaust pipe and covers to address the concerns of some customers regarding a rattle-type noise or fluttering sound coming from the undercarriage, during acceleration.
- Battery: Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2017 Subaru Forester safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
586 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, which is a lot.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Subaru Forester years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator