2017 Subaru Forester recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru Forester and 590 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are air bags (165), electrical system (106), visibility/wiper (104). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 25–28 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2017 ranks #11 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (332). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
Recalls 1
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2017 Subaru Forester. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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+…
Valve control assembly failure. A known TSB. Disables safety features of the car. Should be a recall.
Transmission light over heating comes on
Safety ratings
2017 Subaru Forester SUV AWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2017 Subaru Forester.
Forester AWD
Auto (AV-S8) · 4 cyl · 2.0 L · Turbo
Premium
Forester AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2017 Subaru Forester have?
NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru Forester, most recently for air bags · sensor · occupant classification (10/03/2019). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Based on 590 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are air bags (165), electrical system (106), visibility/wiper (104).
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester safe?
The 2017 Subaru Forester earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2017 a good year for the Subaru Forester?
The 2017 ranks #11 of 14 Forester model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (332). It has 1 recall vs. an average of 3.5 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Subaru Forester get?
EPA ratings for the 2017 Subaru Forester range from 25 to 28 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2017 Subaru Forester in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: FORESTER, Forester.