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
- 587
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 1
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2017
Opened by NHTSA
34% of complaints
Complaints per year
2017: 587 complaints
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 | 74 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 178 |
| 2010 | 262 |
| 2011 | 147 |
| 2012 | 105 |
| 2013 | 77 |
| 2014 | 403 |
| 2015 | 615 |
| 2016 | 413 |
| 2017 | 587 |
| 2018 | 497 |
| 2019 | 832 |
| 2020 | 601 |
| 2021 | 209 |
| 2022 | 98 |
| 2023 | 74 |
| 2024 | 29 |
| 2025 | 96 |
| 2026 | 25 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
34% · 197 reportsMost commonly citing occupant classification and front passenger.
Show complaint excerpts
I was in an accident hit from left driver side and no deployment of airbags
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-11-12
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, 2026-08-01
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, 2026-07-18
Also filed under Seats
Electrical system
18% · 106 reportsMost commonly citing ignition and speedometer/odometer.
Visibility/wiper
18% · 104 reportsEngine
8% · 47 reportsPower train
7% · 44 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and column shift.
Safety timeline
1 recall · 1 investigation · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2017Complaint volume 587 complaints filed for this model year.
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I
2019-08-06Preliminary evaluationClosed 2020-01-22 Occupant Detection System (ODS) Failure
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R
2020-02-11Air bags19V701000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2017 Subaru Forester — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 197 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 106 reports on file for this year.
- Visibility/wiper: 104 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V701000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.