2017 Subaru Forester: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Subaru Forester? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 566 complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions as the top reported area.
2017 Subaru Forester Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2017 Subaru Forester trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2017 Subaru Forester Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Subaru Forester has 566 owner complaints, 39 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Subaru
- Model
- Forester
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 566
- Crash-related complaints
- 39
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 25
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 23 / 27
- Fuel type
- Premium Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Subaru Forester Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Electrical Faults
Visibility/Wiper
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Electrical Faults, Visibility/Wiper. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Subaru Forester?
The 2017 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Subaru Forester
Inspection Focus
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and visibility/wiper components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect airbag system for any warning lights or known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and visibility/wiper components.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Subaru Forester, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Subaru Forester are concentrated in airbag, electrical, and visibility/wiper systems. The data suggests potential issues with these components, but the low confidence level means these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Airbag Malfunctions account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Electrical Faults and Visibility/Wiper issues also have a significant number of complaints.
- The single model year analyzed (2017) limits the ability to identify year-over-year trends.
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Electrical Faults
- Visibility/Wiper issues
All 2017 Subaru Forester Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 153 | 14 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 105 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 103 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 94 | 6 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 47 | 4 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 42 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 33 | 18 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 29 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 24 | 1 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 14 | 6 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 11 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 9 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My 2017 Subaru Forrester has experienced a second failure of the front passenger Occupant Detection System (ODS) sensor mat, error code B1760. This system controls whether the passenger airbag is active — when the warning light is on, the airbag will not deploy, creating a seriou…
I was driving around the city at about 25mph and the hood flew open, almost entirely blocking my view out the front of the car. I was able to pull off into a parking lot and reclose the hood and get home. A couple of days later, I set out on a longer road trip and I carefully che…
The driver’s seat in my 2017 Subaru Forester suddenly became loose and moves left to right while driving. The vehicle has only 27,000 miles, has never been in an accident, and has been meticulously maintained. The Subaru dealer diagnosed failed seat frame rail guides and replaced…
My 2017 Subaru Forester [Touring] (VIN: [VIN]) has a recurring front passenger airbag deactivation problem even when an adult is seated and belted. The console shows “Passenger Airbag OFF” with an adult occupant. The seatbelt chime recognizes a passenger, but the airbag remains O…
My 2017 Subaru Forester Touring (VIN: [XXX] , 118,200 mi) has a recurring EyeSight failure where the system becomes disabled and will not complete camera registration or calibration. Subaru of Sterling (VA) diagnosed active code B28A0 “Vehicle Model Judgment” and noted that the E…
There is intermittent failure of the passenger air bag occupancy detection system (ODS). This shows up as aporadic display of the passenger air bag failure code in the car, and became more frequent until the code rained on. This was previously an issue, but a couple years ago I p…
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that upon opening the tailgate, the tailgate quickly fell unintendedly and struck the contact's head while the contact was retrieving items from the trunk. The contact sustained head soreness but had not received medical…
After traveling for unknown number of miles on repeated occasions, arriving at the destinations to the smell of burning oil. Smell was evident while driving as well. Subaru was able to diagnose this issue to a leaking CVT pump seal causing CVT fluid to leak and run down on top of…
Intermittently, for the past few months, either when I wish to back up or go forward, a buzzer will sound, the anti-lock brakes and eye-sight indicators on the dash will say that neither system is working. The brakes malfunction and the steering wheel is very difficult to turn. T…
Airbag light came on intermittently at first, then constantly in 2023. It was determined to be a defective ODS in the passenger seat, and was repaired at Subaru’s expense “Goodwill” on November 2 2023. Again in 2025, the SRS alert appeared intermittently at first, then continuo…
There was a recall on this vehicle from 2022, and we did not own this vehicle at that time. Recall passenger side airbag contact under seat can cause fire or electrical issues. I contacted Subaru and they said the recall was satisfied in 2022. If that's the case, the repair piec…
On feb 28 2025 I bumped into car at stop light. Don’t know how it happened. 11 4th about 2 as I was stopped behind car at bank, the car lunged forward-jumped- no reason for it. This is the 4th time something has happed. I slammed on brakes so no incident this time. I am being cau…
Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. Then Battery died again, we replaced the alternator on June 5, 2025. Then on Saturday September 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. Car locks up and is stalle…
Passenger airbag safety intermittently turns on stating that the passenger airbag is not able to deploy. If I turn the car off and on it goes away and doesn't turn until another time I start the car. Also detects a passenger in the seat when there is no passenger or weight in tha…
I had an Occupant Detection System replaced under recall in my 2017 Forester. Five years later it went bad. Obviously, still faulty. Cost $1,800.00+ (you read that right) to have it replaced. Contacted Subaru twice about this and both times denied for replacement cost. Really unf…
I want to bring a widespread safety issue up that is not being resolved by the manufacturer. I have a 2017 Subaru Forester with a faulty ODS sensor. This is a known issue to Subaru and there are bulletins issued on this topic (WUM-98 and 17-19-24). I had the original ODS sensor r…
Previous recall for passenger ODS. Having continued issues with passenger airbag ODS not recognizing someone sitting there. Intermittently turns on and off even if no one is sitting there. Took it to a dealer and they want me to pay out of pocket for diagnostic and possible parts…
I just noticed today that the air bag warning light was illuminated. There was an adult in the passenger seat and the car indicated that the passenger air bag was OFF. This vehicle had a previous air bag recall applied that was to correct these same symptoms. I noticed that a z…
In 2020 my ODS wireharness had been replaced. I'm now having the same issue in 2025 with the ODS system. I had the ODS recall fixed but the dealership is telling me it is the ODS seat mat not the harness that needs repair and that is not covered under the recall. The airbag light…
My srs airbag system is off for the drivers. It went off for no reason. I went to Subaru but they said it would be $3000 and an undetermined wait for the part to come in. But I’m supposed to keep driving my primary car with no guarantee my airbags will deploy if in an accident.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Subaru Forester.
2017 Subaru Forester Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Subaru Forester. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Subaru Forester Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 566 owner complaints, 39 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2017 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (153 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (105 complaints). #3: Visibility/Wiper (103 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Subaru Forester?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Subaru Forester?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Subaru Forester, NHTSA complaints include 39 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 566 total complaints. 26 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2017 Subaru Forester. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION. 1 recall campaign is on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Subaru Forester?▾
The 2017 Subaru Forester shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Subaru Forester reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Subaru Forester based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.