2017 Subaru Forester
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1998 | 101 |
| 1999 | 131 |
| 2000 | 75 |
| 2001 | 139 |
| 2002 | 88 |
| 2003 | 189 |
| 2004 | 219 |
| 2005 | 93 |
| 2006 | 88 |
| 2007 | 72 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 613 |
| 2016 | 410 |
| 2017 | 583 |
| 2018 | 493 |
| 2019 | 831 |
| 2020 | 597 |
| 2021 | 207 |
| 2022 | 97 |
| 2023 | 73 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 90 |
| 2026 | 17 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
34% of complaints: air bags — 197 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I was in an accident hit from left driver side and no deployment of airbags
NHTSA ODI report, 20231112
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260801
My 2017 Subaru Forester is experiencing the exact component failure and severe safety hazard outlined in NHTSA Recall 19V-701 (Subaru Campaign WUM-98R).
NHTSA ODI report, 20260718
Also filed under SEATS
18% of complaints: electrical system — 106 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing ignition and speedometer/odometer.
CRASH INJURY18% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 103 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: engine — 46 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY8% of complaints: power train — 44 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.
CRASH INJURYSAFETY TIMELINE
Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure
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.
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.
Campaign 19V701000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2017 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (197 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (106 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for visibility/wiper issues (103 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 19V701000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2017 Subaru Forester is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Forester have?
1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.