2017 Subaru Forester recalls and problems

The 2017 Subaru Forester has 1 safety recall and 594 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Subaru dealer.

Recalls

Complaints

594

Crashes / fires

40 / 1

Injuries / deaths

28 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2017 Subaru Forester vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2017 Subaru Forester recalls

Recall 19V-701: Air Bags

Reported Oct 3, 2019 · 366,282 vehicles affected · Subaru of America, Inc.

Problem: 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: 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.

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 problems reported by owners

Problem area	Reports
Air Bags	200
Electrical System	106
Visibility/Wiper	104
Unknown or Other	98
Engine	47
Power Train	46
Seats	34
Vehicle Speed Control	33
Steering	25
Structure	16
Service Brakes	13
Suspension	13

Most reported parts

Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification — 25
Structure › Body — 12
Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification › Front Passenger — 10
Visibility › Windshield — 7
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 4
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
Electrical System › Ignition — 2

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 30,000 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2017 Subaru Forester complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Unknown or Other · reported Nov 2, 2026

Rapid acceleration from a stop. When the accelerator is pressed down even slightly the car lurches forward at a very fast rate. It can travel several feet before I am able to stop it by braking. This is a dangerous condition. In several instances I have almost crashed into a car ahead of me in accelerating after a stop light has turned green. This issue was noted shortly after I purchased the car (purchased new) and shortly contacted the dealership. They said it was inherit to the car and could not be fixed. They test drove the car and said everything is ok. In the last 2 months It has only…

Air Bags · reported Oct 29, 2026

The Occupant Detection Sensor had a recall in 2019 and we replaced under that recall in 2020, but the part has once again failed and in looking at other Subaru forums, many others with this model year of Subaru Forester have dealt with the same ODS replaced ODS sensor failing again. This sensor deactivates the passenger airbag.

Seats · reported Oct 20, 2026

After replacement of the passenger ODS harness under recall WUM-98, the system still fails to detect a passenger in the seat, making it impossible for me to safely drive with a passenger. Subaru will not fairly cover the defect and would have to install a new seat and recode the new seat to the airbag module. The repair would cost me at least $1500. The capacitive passenger sensor is a major engineering flaw in Subarus, and a very good reason to never buy from them again.

Suspension · reported Oct 19, 2026

I am filing a formal complaint regarding repeated, costly, and premature failures on my 2017 Subaru Forester, as well as the outright refusal by Subaru Consumer Advocacy to provide financial relief or goodwill reimbursement. Between 2024 and 2026, reaching under 90,000 miles, I was forced to pay out-of-pocket for over $6,200 in major repairs: Rear Wheel Bearings (2024): $2,000+ for premature bearing failure. A/C Evaporator Repair (Feb 2025, ~87,000 miles): $2,000 A/C Compressor Replacement (March 2026): $2,200 following additional system breakdown. Subaru issued Service Program Bulletin WRB-21…

Air Bags · reported Oct 8, 2026

the occupant detection system has failed for years, the subaru dealership keep temporarily fixing the problem and has finally quoted me 2,000 to completely replace the seat as that is where the sensor is located. If i get in a wreck with a passenger they will have no airbag, and i dont think the seatbelts would work either. This is a faulty part that came with the car. The ODS light is on always, the dealership confirmed this.

Other Subaru Forester years

2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 201820172016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

Compare all Subaru Forester years · All Subaru models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru Forester: 19V-701 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2017 Subaru Forester?

Owners report air bags problems most often (200 reports), followed by electrical system (106). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 30,000 miles.

Are Subaru recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Subaru dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.