2017 Subaru Forester
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 586 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 4th highest complaint count among 26 Forester model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 40 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 28 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, sensor, occupant classificationOct 3, 2019
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 19V701000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: power train
44 reports, newest first. Show all
Power train, Jul 6, 2026
The shift guide plate in my 2017 Subaru Forester failed, causing the ignition key to become stuck and not release when the engine is off. The component is available for inspection upon request. The failure was confirmed by a Subaru dealer, who diagnosed the defective shift guide plate and provided a repair estimate of $685.23. The safety risk is significant - an inability to remove the key from the ignition can prevent the driver from securing the vehicle and creates confusion about whether the engine is truly off. There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the failure. The problem presented suddenly and has been reproducible consistently since it first appeared. This is a known manufacturing defect. Subaru acknowledged it by issuing an 8-year extended warranty extension (TSB 16-112-18R) specifically covering this component. My vehicle has only 71,000 miles - well below average for a 9-year-old vehicle - and falls just outside the 8-year window. I contacted Subaru of America requesting goodwill assistance, which was denied with no explanation beyond the warranty expiration. I am filing this complaint to establish an official record of this defect and the manufacturer's failure to stand behind it.
Power train, May 11, 2026
2017 SUBARU FORESTER WITH 40,000 MILES, REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE ARE BAD. $2100.00 TO FIX. SEEMS A LITTLE EARLY IN MILEAGE FOR SUCH AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. I HAVE READ ABOUT BAD REAR WHEEL BEARINGS AND PLATE FROM SEVERAL PEOPLE.
Power train, Feb 21, 2026
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 the transmission pan onto the hot exhaust system. Subaru has acknowledge this is an issue back in 2016 due to the sealant us from the factory. Customer was quoted $1400 for the repair this known issue. Vehicle had 90,000 miles at the time of occurrence.
Power train, Sep 3, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while operating the vehicle and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle wound not properly accelerate. The failure also occurred while accelerating from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who determined that the transmission was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Power train, Jul 24, 2024
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the contact stated that all four wheels seized. The contact stated that the transmission had seized. The contact stated that the failure occurred while driving on a busy highway. The contact stated that the driver of a big truck assisted by stopping the oncoming traffic. The contact stated that a tow truck and the Police arrived on the scene. The contact stated that the tow truck driver was unable to load the vehicle onto the tow truck. The tow truck driver had to drag the vehicle onto the tow truck. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 117,000.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 26, 2023
After driving the vehicle I will arrive at my destination. I will stop, continue pressing the vehicle break while moving the shifter from drive to park. Then, I turn the key to the off position in an attempt to remove my key from the Ignition. About 40-50% of the time, the key can not be removed. In order remove the key I will have to do one of the following: Option 1. Let my foot of of the break, pause, then press my foot hard on the break peddle, move to shifter from park to drive, while continuing to press my foot down hard on the break peddle, move the shifter back from drive to the park position. Often I will have to repeat this process several times to remove the key form the ignition or attempt Option 2.. Option 2. When Option 1 above does not work, with the vehicle turned off and I park, I will release my foot from the break, pause, press down on the break, start the ignition, place my vehicle in drive or reverse (depending how I am parked) and drive the vehicle 2-3 feet, stop and repeat step 1 above. Again, I many have to try this procedure several times. Option 3. After 5-10 minutes and several attempts, I will give up, turn the vehicle off, place it in park, and leave the car unlocked with keys in the ignition. I'm not sure why this has not been addressed prior as I have found several articles from 2008 to 2020 on the same issue, specifically on Subaru's.
Power train, May 5, 2023
automatic transmission shifting sluggish
Power train, Jan 30, 2023
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound. The oil temperature, ABS, and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the AWD failed to operate, and only the FWD was operable. The vehicle had previously been at the dealer for an air conditioner repair, and the dealer reset the warning lights; however, the failure recurred. Additionally, the rear wheel bearings, and valve body solenoid were previously replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,095.
Power train, Aug 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. The contact veered to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the transmission clutch was replaced. However, the failure reoccurred while driving approximately 30 MPH, and the vehicle had 95,000 miles. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the transmission clutch, the ball bearings, and the flywheel needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Suspension, Power train, Feb 4, 2022
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while driving over 60 MPH, the vehicle would shudder and produce a loud noise coming from the engine compartment. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the lower control arm bushing and transmission pan needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Power train, Nov 2, 2021
Making a sharp turn going slightly uphill from a full stop, the car moves forward enough to enter the intersection and then there is no throttle response. The car does not respond at all to the accelerator peddle. The engine does not stall but rpm drop to idle speed. After a few seconds, throttle response returns. Very dangerous as you move onto a highway because the car lingers in the intersection while the car behaves as if it has totally lost power. This has happened repeatedly but at random times.
Power train, Oct 4, 2021, crash
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to shift gear into reverse, the vehicle made a strange noise, then lunged forward inadvertently. The vehicle's front driver-side tire ran over the contact's daughter's upper legs. The contact's daughter received medical attention on the scene for injuries sustained to her legs and was now receiving physical therapy. A police report was filed. The vehicle was appraised by the insurance company for front-end damage and was repaired by an auto collision center. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was not available.
Power train, Engine, Aug 10, 2021
My 2017 Subaru Forester has 52,000 miles driven. Recently the ignition key will NOT turn to start the engine. The transmission was in park and all the doors were fully closed. After 15 minutes trying several times to no avail it did finally turn to the right and the engine started. Also, previously a few times, randomly, the key would not turn all the way to to the left to turn the engine off. Again, the car was in park and I kept my foot on the brake while trying. Each time this happened I had to move the transmission from Part to Drive and back to Park again, (while keeping my foot on the brake) and the key finally turned all the way to turn the engine off. I am now bringing the car to a Subaru dealer service shop (in Annapolis, Maryland) to try to have them repair this problem once and for all. Thank you, [XXX]. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 26, 2021
The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that the key remained stuck in the ignition after multiple attempts to shut-off the vehicle. The contact stated that he had to restart the vehicle or move the shift lever back and forth from the park position to release the key from the ignition. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the failure could be related to the shifter cable or the ignition switch. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000.
Power train, Jul 13, 2021
I have a 2017 Subaru Forrester that has 60,000 miles. At least twice a week the past month my key gets stuck in the ignition. I put the vehicle in park and turn it off and the key wont come out. I have to turn the vehicle on and off a few times in order to get the key to release.
Power train, Jul 13, 2021
On July 12, 2021, I had an appointment for service at Subaru because 2017 Forester AC was blowing hot air. Was assured condenser would be replaced at no charge. While checking the car in, I mentioned the key sticks and cannot be removed without re-starting engine moving the car back and forth and trying again to remove key as many as 3-4 x. They were aware of the problem, but no recall on it. Shifter plate, etc., was replaced at approx. cost of $370. The Service Bulletin # is 16-112-18R dated 03/15/18 and revised 11/06/18. The mileage on this vehicle is 12,717.
Power train, May 19, 2021
Once vehicle is stopped, transmission shifted to Park, and ignition key turned to off, ignition key will not come out of ignition. This has happened 8-19 times. Driver must start car, put in drive then back in park, turn off then key can be removed. I understand TSB 16-112-18R addresses this issue known to Subaru. It has not been inspected by a mechanic.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Other or unspecified, Apr 27, 2021
I BOUGHT A CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2017 SUBARU FORESTER ON JUNE 19 2020. I HAVE HAD AN INTERMITTENT SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE VEHICLE NOT RESPONDING CORRECTLY WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE SINCE. WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR WILL BEGIN TO ACCELERATE WITH MY RPMS RISING NORMALLY. THEN MY RPMS WILL START TO DROP WHEN THEY WOULD NORMALLY RISE AND MY CAR STOPS OR MAINTAINS THE ACCELERATION PRIOR. ONCE THEY HAVE DROPPED THEY WILL STAY THERE FOR A LITTLE AND THEN WILL SHOOT UP SUDDENLY AND RED LINE. I HAVE TRIED A VARIETY OF THINGS TO PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING; I HAVE TAKEN MY FOOT OFF THE GAS, KEPT THE SAME OR MORE PRESSURE ON THE GAS, AND BREAKING. REGARDLESS OF WHAT I DO THE VEHICLE RED LINES AND MY SPEED WILL EITHER DROP OR STAY THE SAME. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO SUBARU DEALERSHIPS ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS AND IT WAS RETURNED TO ME WITHOUT DIAGNOSING OR REPAIRING THE PROBLEM. THE LAST TIME I DROVE MY VEHICLE IT DID THIS AGAIN AND THE RPMS RED LINING CAUSING MY ENGINE TO FAIL. I WAS ACCELERATED FROM A STOP AT A STREET LIGHT AND THE VEHICLE STOPPED ACCELERATING EVEN THOUGH I WAS PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. THE RPMS REDLINED AND MY ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A TERRIBLE NOISE THAT WE LATER DISCOVERED WAS FROM UNREPAIRABLE ENGINE DAMAGE. THE VEHICLE HAS NOW BEEN AT THE DEALERSHIP FOR OVER A MONTH TO REPLACE MY ENGINE AND TRY TO FIX THIS ISSUE. EVERY WEEK THEY TELL ME I WILL GET IT BACK THE NEXT WEEK AND THEN SOMETHING ELSE FAILS OR CAUSES A SET BACK. I BOUGHT A SUBARU FORESTER BECAUSE OF ADVERTISEMENTS ABOUT HOW "SAFE" AND 'RELIABLE' THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO BE. INSTEAD I HAVE HAD NEAR MISSES WHEN MERGING ONTO THE INTERSTATE OR TURNING ACROSS TRAFFIC IN A BUSY DENVER INTERSECTION BECAUSE THE VEHICLE DOESN'T RESPOND AS EXPECTED. THE DEALERSHIP HAS IGNORED MY CONCERNS BY EITHER SAYING "THAT JUST HAPPENS WITH FORESTERS SOMETIMES" OR "WE CAN'T FIX IT UNLESS WE CAN REPLICATE IT.'
Power train, Oct 8, 2020
REFERENCE SUBARU TSB # 16-103-16R, REVISION 08/29/19. I PULLED SCREENSHOTS, BUT I HAVE A FULL VIDEO CLIP OF THE LEAK DESCRIBED IN THIS BULLETIN AND SUBARU IS DENYING COVERAGE BECAUSE THEIR DEALERSHIPS ARE NOT EQUIPPED WITH THE PROPER TOOLS OR DO NOT EMPLOY TRAINED TECHNICIANS IN ORDER TO PROPERLY DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Sep 9, 2020
HAVE A 2017 FORESTER. AT LEAST A COUPLE TIMES A WEEK, THE KEY GET STUCK IN THE IGNITION. YOU CAN TURN THE CAR OFF, BUT YOU CAN'T REMOVE THE KEY. IF I START THE CAR BACK UP, AND SHIFT IT INTO DRIVE, AND THEM SLAM IT BACK INTO PARK, THEN I CAN TURN THE CAR OFF AND REMOVE THE KEY.
Power train, Aug 30, 2020
AFTER 20K MILES, TRANSMISSION HESITATES MORE AND MORE. BE CAREFUL AND TRY TO AVOID SITUATIONS WHERE YOU HAVE TO ACCELERATE QUICKLY. THE CAR DOES NOT MOVE OR ACCELERATE WHEN YOU HIT THE GAS PEDAL QUICKLY. CVT SLIPS, ESPECIALLY FROM REVERSE TO DRIVE. AT SLOW SPEEDS, IT JERKS THE CAR TRYING TO FIND THE RIGHT GEAR. THE PROBLEM BEGAN UNDER 10K MILES, AND I TOOK IT TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP, THEY TOLD ME THAT IS HOW THE CAR DRIVES AND TOLD ME IT IS NORMAL. THIS IS NOT MY FIRST FORESTER, BUT DEFINITELY THE WORST. I CALLED SUBARU AMERICA, AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO KNOWN PROBLEM WHIT THEIR TRANSMISSION. I ALMOST GOT KILLED IN A HIGHWAY STOP AND GO SITUATION, WHERE I HAD TO ACCELERATE AFTER A SLOWDOWN, AND THE CAR DECIDED NOT TO. IF YOU OWN ONE, BE CAREFUL.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Aug 14, 2020
MY FIANC AND I BOUGHT THIS CAR AND WE WERE TOLD IT WAS NOT AN ACCIDENT, AFTER WE PURCHASED IT WE FOUND OUT THAT IT HAD BEEN IN 2 ACCIDENTS AND DURING DRIVING 1 NIGHT IT BUCKED REAL HARD AND WOULD NOW ACCELERATE AND IT SCARED BOTH OF US. SO THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT TO CENTER SUBARU IN TORRINGTON CONNECTICUT TO GET IT INSPECTED, DURING THE TRIP TO THE DEALER IT HAD BUCKED THREE MORE TIMES VIOLENTLY. I TOLD THEM ABOUT IT AND THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY CODES IN THE SYSTEM, I SPOKE WITH THE MECHANIC LATER AND HE SAID IF IT DOESN'T THROW TROUBLE CODES IT HAS SERIOUS ISSUES IN THE COMPUTER. I EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS IN A TWO ACCIDENTS AND HE GOES I WOULD EXPLAIN A LOT, HIS OFF THE BOOKS RECOMMENDATION TO ME WAS GET RID OF THE VEHICLE AND FIND SOMETHING ELSE. I TOLD HIM I BOUGHT IT FROM A BETTER WAY WHOLESALE AUTOS IN NAUGATUCK CONNECTICUT AND HE SAID TO CONTACT YOU. I WANT THIS CAR FLAGGED SO WHEN WE TURN IT BACK IN SOMEONE ELSE DOES NOT COME ACROSS IT THE SAME WAY WE DID, I KNOW THE DEALERSHIP WILL PUT THIS ARE BACK OUT FOR SALE AND NOT TELL ANYONE.
Power train, Electrical system, Jul 22, 2020
WHEN SHIFTING VEHICLE FROM REVERSE TO PARK, THEN TURNING VEHICLE OFF, THE KEY CANNOT BE FULLY TAKEN OUT OF THE CAR. THE ONLY WAY TO GET IT OUT IS TO RESTART THE VEHICLE, TAKE IT OUT OF PARK AND SLAM IT BACK INTO PARK. SUPPOSEDLY A SWITCH WITHIN THE SHIFTER THAT PREVENTS A SOLENOID IN THE STEERING COLUMN FROM OPENING. THIS IS ALL COVERED ON TSB 16-112-18 AND THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE COMPLAINING ABOUT THE ISSUE ONLINE.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Jun 29, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 SUBARU FORESTER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE APPLYING THE BRAKES AT SPEEDS SLOWER THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT EXTRA EFFORT WAS NEEDED WHILE DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL TO SLOW AND STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. NEITHER THE DEALER NOR THE MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.
Power train, Apr 26, 2020
CVT TRANSMISSION FAILED AFTER 24000 MILES.