VehicleVerdict

2017 Subaru Forester problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 787 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.0 times the median Forester year — the 2017 model ranks #4 of 29 Forester years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 35 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across airbags (192), visibility & wipers (115), and electrical system (110), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

787

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

63

Crash-involved

1

Fires reported

35

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Forester years?

Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1,084 complaints1998: 138 complaints1999: 156 complaints2000: 95 complaints2001: 169 complaints2002: 109 complaints2003: 238 complaints2004: 270 complaints2005: 105 complaints2006: 121 complaints2007: 89 complaints2008: 67 complaints2009: 228 complaints2010: 307 complaints2011: 195 complaints2012: 140 complaints2013: 94 complaints2014: 576 complaints2015: 891 complaints2016: 609 complaints2017: 787 complaints2018: 669 complaints2019: 1,084 complaints2020: 798 complaints2021: 281 complaints2022: 134 complaints2023: 102 complaints2024: 38 complaints2025: 103 complaints2026: 15 complaints
Forester NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Forester years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Subaru Forester problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Airbags19224%
Visibility & Wipers11515%
Electrical System11014%
Other9612%
Engine476%
Transmission435%
Speed Control334%
Seats314%
Steering243%
Driver Assistance172%
Body & Structure162%
Brakes142%
Tires & Wheels132%
Suspension111%
Fuel System111%
Seat Belts91%
Lighting41%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V701000AirbagsOctober 3, 2019 · 366,282 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“INVOLVED IN A CAR ACCIDENT THAT WAS WHERE THE SUBARU WAS T-BONED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, RESULTING IN EXTENSIVE DAMAGE. BOTH FRONT AND REAR DOOR AND ALL PANELING ON THE PASSENGER SIDE HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. MY VEHICLE WAS MOVING AT 40MPH AND THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 4, 2019 · crash

“MY WINDSHIELD DEVELOPED A CRACK AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A PERIOD OF 8HRS WHILE I WAS AT WORK. THE CRACK STARTS FROM THE BOTTOM AND EXTENDS VERTICALLY AND THEN MOVES HORIZONTALLY. I BELIEVE IT TO BE INTERNAL AS IT HAS NO EXTERIOR MARKS OR CHIPS FROM THE OUTSIDE. I ALSO HAVENT HAD ANY DEBRIS HIT MY…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers · January 31, 2021

“ON OCTOBER 4, 2019 MY CAR WAS PARKED AND THE PASSENGER REAR BUMPER WAS HIT AND DAMAGED BY A SCHOOL BUS. MY CAR HAS BEEN IN THE SHOP 4 TIMES TO GET FIXED AND IT IS STILL NOT FIXED. THE BSD/RCTA SENSORS ARE NOT WORKING. THE DEALERSHIP HAS "FIXED" THIS ISSUE 4 TIMES NOW AND I AM TAKING IT BACK TO THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 4, 2019 · crash

“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 cautious such as…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · February 28, 2025 · crash

“On May 20, 2022, I was attempting to back into a parking space when my car lunged forward and crashed into two parked cars. I suffered a cracked sternum. No one else was hurt but I was just a few feet from the ground-level windows of a motel. Much body damage to my car (in excess of $13,000) and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 20, 2022 · crash

2017 Subaru Forester — common questions

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 787 complaints put the 2017 model at #4 of 29 Forester years. It is one of the Forester years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Forester problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are airbags (192 complaints), visibility & wipers (115 complaints), electrical system (110 complaints).

Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2017 Subaru Forester. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Subaru Forester years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Forester years to avoid are 2019, 2015, 2020, 2017, 2018, 2016, 2014, 2010, 2021, 2004, 2003. The cleanest record among Forester years belongs to 2026.

How safe is the 2017 Subaru Forester?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Subaru Forester earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.