Fourth generation (SJ)
2017 Subaru Forester
The most reported problem on the 2017 Subaru Forester is airbag, with 164 complaints, usually around 32,000 miles.
- 587owner complaints
- 1recalls
- 40involved a crash
- 33,000median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Forester doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2017 model year.
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?
The 2017 Subaru Forester has 587 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.9 times the median of 307 for 2017 SUVs on this site. Of the 13 Forester model years since 2014, it has the 4th most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2016 and 2018
- At 59 complaints for each year on the road, the 2017 runs above the 2016 (38) and close to the 2018 (55).
- Top problem
- Airbag leads with 164 of the 587 complaints (28%), ahead of windshield at 114. A quarter of the 90 owners who gave a mileage for airbag saw it by about 19,000 miles, and half by about 32,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 46 of the 587 complaints (8%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, a little above the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 40 reports mention a crash, 1 mentions a fire and 28 people were hurt. The most crash reports, 14 of 40, fall under airbag.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- Airbag has a recall on the same system (19V-701). Windshield and dead battery have none. A recall on the same system doesn't always cover the failure owners describe, so compare its summary with the complaints.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 128 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 41. So far in 2026, 31 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: airbag warning light or recall, 164 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
587 complaints is 2.2 times the median 2017 model on this site and 1.9 times the median 2017 SUV. Among the 12 Forester model years here it ranks 4th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2017 Subaru Forester
Subaru filed 443 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2017 Subaru Forester. 52 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Windshield cracks or distorts 5 bulletins · 114 complaints
This bulletin provides a service procedure to address customer concerns of a rattling-type sound coming from the defroster vent grille area of the instrument panel (IP) near the base of the windshield.
This bulletin announces a design change made to the front door glass run channels. Water can enter the run channels and cause a stick-slip (judder) condition to occur as the door glass opens and closes.
3 more on this problem
This bulletin provides a repair procedure for replacing the foam cushion installed between the top front edge of the IP and the windshield glass.
This bulletin describes a design change to the center bracket component of the window regulator assembly. The change was made to address customer concerns of the front door glass shuddering while opening or closing.
This Service Information bulletin provides a guideline to use for placement of required or mandated windshield stickers (inside and / or outside) on vehicles equipped with EyeSight Driver Assist Technology and High Beam Assist (HBA) features.
Battery dies or the car will not start 9 bulletins · 46 complaints
Subaru has extended the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from 3 years 36,000mi to 8 years or 100,000mi. In rare cases, customers may experience a dead battery as a result of the DCM continually trying to access the 3G network.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is extending the Data Communication Module (DCM) warranty from three years (36 months or 36K miles) to eight years (96 months or 100K miles), whichever comes first.
7 more on this problem
Subaru Battery Drain Product Liability Litigation.
Battery Drain Class Action Settlement- Warranty Extension Training.
Announcement to Subaru Retailers regarding the preliminary settlement in a class action lawsuit regarding battery drain in certain Subaru vehicles.
On Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models, after re-connecting the battery, if the ignition switch is turned back ?ON? within one minute after the first time the ignition is turned ?OFF?, it becomes possible for the CEL to illuminate storing DTC P0606 in ...
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM and address the following customer concerns: ? Check Engine light coming on (with DTC P05A0 stored in memory).
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM and address the following customer concerns: * Engine RPM surge on light acceleration caused by improper EGR operation * Potential battery discharge (dead battery) after ...
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models. The engine management system is equipped with a back-up memory.
Seat belt or seat problems 3 bulletins · 39 complaints
This bulletin provides a procedure to address customer concerns of a squeaking sound originating from where the front seat belt buckle assembly attaches to the seat frame.
This Service Information Bulletin provides a revised troubleshooting procedure and tips to follow when diagnosing a DTC B1650- ?Occupant Classification System Malfunction?.
1 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin provides a procedure for diagnosis of Occupant Detection System (ODS) DTC B1760- Sensor Mat Abnormal and/or B1650- Occupant Classification System Malfunction.
A/C blows warm or the compressor fails 7 bulletins · 21 complaints
This bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
This Service Information bulletin announces the new procedure and Warranty Fail Code for FirstTime air conditioning (A/C) performance concerns possibly resulting from an undetected A/C refrigerant leak.
5 more on this problem
In the interest of customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service program to check and, if necessary, replace the air conditioning condenser assembly in certain 2017 and 2018 model year Forester vehicles.
In the interest of providing continued customer satisfaction, Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is extending the Basic New Car Limited Warranty coverage for the Condenser component of the Air Conditioning system on all 2017 and a limited number of 2018MY Forester ...
This bulletin announces availability of a new HVAC blower motor unit assemblies developed to address isolated concerns of the blower motor becoming inoperative. If this issues occurs on models with Auto A/C, the blower fan may become totally inoperative.
This bulletin provides a diagnostic procedure for a chattering-type sound originating from the a/c compressor assembly.
This bulletin outlines design changes made to the Condenser Assembly to help increase productivity during assembly. In addition, the new part utilizes materials with increased anti-corrosion performance.
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 3 bulletins · 15 complaints
This bulletin provides diagnosis and procedure information to be applied when diagnosing potential fluid leaks on front and rear brake calipers. This information has been developed to reduce unnecessary brake caliper replacement.
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new front brake pad shim kit to specifically address customer concerns of a squeaking or squealing sound on the models listed above.
1 more on this problem
This Service Information bulletin announces instruction for application of additional lubrication between the brake caliper support and pad clips.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 8 bulletins · 14 complaints
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.)
This bulletin has been developed to outline the steps for gathering basic essential information during diagnosis and repair of the Infotainment concerns. (Applicable to all models with Harman or Denso CP1 Infotainment).
6 more on this problem
This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the new-generation âGen 2â and âGen 2.1â F10 Navigation and Display Audio systems.
This bulletin announces new reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address additional operational concerns received from the field and listed involving âGen 2â F10 Navigation and Display Audio units with 7â display.
This bulletin announces reprogramming file availability and the software installation procedure to address a group of operational concerns received from the field and listed below involving the Clarion Display Audio unit with 6.2" display.
All 2015-2017 MY vehicles with Fujitsu TEN (F10) 7in. Multimedia Navigation (AVN) & Display Audio Units. This bulletin provides information to help diagnose and address different conditions relating to customer concerns which may arise when operating the ...
Models with FujitsuTEN (F10) Gen 2.0 / 2.1 Navigation or Display Audio Head Units ONLY. This bulletin provides a repair procedure to address specific, confirmed customer concerns of: ? Audio output interruption every 2-3 seconds when listening to AM or FM ...
Subject: Removal of Certain Fujitsu 10 Audio / Navigation Update Files from Subarunet The following update files have been temporarily removed from Subarunet due to potential quality concerns with the 2nd file used in those updates.
Suspension noise, struts or alignment 3 bulletins · 12 complaints
Due to incomplete repair instructions previously provided in the WQK-47 recall bulletin, the WQQ-52 recall will involve applying additional anti-corrosion material to the four-way (2-2 way) joint connector area of the brake line system on Forester, Impreza, ...
This Bulletin provides guidance for diagnosing a leaking front or rear suspension strut.
1 more on this problem
This bulletin announces a design change made to the forward bushing used in the front lower control arm to address customer concerns of a rattle-type sound and / or a possible vibration felt in the steering wheel.
Check engine light or misfire 14 bulletins · 9 complaints
This bulletin announces the design change made to the high-pressure fuel pump developed to prevent DTC P0087 (Fuel Rail/System Pressure – Too Low Bank 1).
This Service Information Bulletin announces diagnostic service procedures to be followed when DTC P0420 (Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1) is detected by the Engine Control Module (ECM).
12 more on this problem
This bulletin provides a new flow chart and additional diagnostic tools to assist technicians with troubleshooting DTC P0841- SECONDARY OIL PRESSURE SENSOR PERFORMANCE.
This bulletin announces the availability of Engine Control Module (ECM) reprograming files to correct DTC P015A and/or P015B.
This Bulletin provides information regarding DTC P0606 related specifically to the determination of this code on Forester Turbo and applicable WRX models.
This bulletin announces availability of reprogramming files to optimize the Engine Control Module (ECM). These new files address concerns of the check engine light coming on and setting a DTC P0400: EGR âAâ FLOW.
Subaru of America, Inc. (Subaru) is initiating a service campaign for certain 2015-2018 Forester 2.0L Turbo and 2016-2018 WRX models which may experience a loosening of the front exhaust pipe nuts.
This bulletin announces the availability of reprogramming files to optimize the ECM. These new files will address customer concerns of: ? Spark knock (ping) during high intake air temperature operation ? Surge on acceleration due to phantom knock detection ? ...
This Service Information bulletin announces availability of a new control valve assembly (valve body) designed to prevent false detection of DTC P0841 and / or illumination of the AT Temp light.
This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability.
TURBO MODELS ONLY. This bulletin announces availability of new parts to address a limited number of reports involving an engine vibration felt when at idle after the engine is up to operating temperature.
2.0L Turbor Models only. This Service Information Bulletin announces design changes to the engine?s knock sensor which will help improve vehicle assembly line efficiency and increase durability.
Plus 2 older ones not listed here.
Complaints filed by year
128 complaints came in 2019, 3.0 times the year before. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Occupant detection system (ods) failure. Closed jan 22, 2020, led to recall 19V-701.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2017 Subaru Forester
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
The recall on the 2017 Subaru Forester, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide Buying one used? How to research one car’s history before you pay
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Airbag, with 164 of the 587 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 32,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2017 Subaru Forester problems start?
Of the 359 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 19,000 miles and half by about 33,000.
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester better or worse than the 2016 and 2018?
Counted per year on the road, the 2017 has more complaints than the 2016 and about as many complaints as the 2018: 59 a year against 38 and 55.
How many 2017 Subaru Forester complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
46 of them (8%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for airbag on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Yes, NHTSA lists a recall on the same system: 19V-701. Its summary says which failure it covers, and that isn't always the one owners describe.