2017 Subaru Forester problems
The Subaru Forester (Japanese: スバル・フォレスター, Hepburn: Subaru Foresutā) is a compact crossover SUV that has been manufactured by Subaru since 1997. The first generation was built on the platform of the Impreza in the style of a taller station wagon, a style that continued to the second generation, while the third-generation model onwards moved towards a crossover SUV design. A performance model was available for the second-generation Forester in Japan as the Forester STi.
First generation (SF; 1997)
The Forester was introduced at the Tokyo Motor Show in November 1995 as the Streega concept, and available for sale in February 1997 in Japan, and to the US market in 1997 for MY1998. The Forester was one of the first crossover SUVs; the idea was inspired by Volkswagen (VW). It was built in the style of a station wagon, but had a taller stance, higher h-point seating, and an all-wheel drive drivetrain. Subaru advertising employed the slogan "SUV tough, Car Easy". It used the Impreza platform but with the larger 2.5-liter DOHC EJ25D four-cylinder boxer engine from the Subaru Outback, making 123 kW (165 hp; 167 PS) at 5,600 rpm and 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) of torque at 4,000 rpm.
Japan
In its domestic market, the Forester replaced the Impreza Gravel Express, known in the US as the Subaru Outback Sport. However, the Outback Sport remained in production for the U.S. market. The Forester appeared after the introduction of the Nissan Rasheen in Japan with a similar appearance, and the Forester's Japanese competitors include the Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi RVR, and the Suzuki Grand Vitara. Because of the Forester's low center of gravity, it meets the United States federal safety standards for passenger vehicles and does not require a "risk of rollover" warning label on the driver's visor. Size- and price-wise, it fits between the shared Impreza platform and the larger Legacy.
The automatic transmissions used on AWD-equipped vehicles will normally send 60% of the engine's torque to the front wheels and 40% to the rear wheels, using a computer-controlled, continuously variable, multi-plate transfer clutch. When the transmission detects a speed difference between the front and rear axle sets, the transmission progressively sends power to the rear wheels. Under slip conditions, it can achieve an equal split in front and rear axle speeds.
When accelerating or driving uphill, the vehicle's weight shifts rearward, reducing front-wheel traction, causing the transmission to automatically send torque to the rear wheels to compensate. When braking or driving downhill, the vehicle's weight shifts towards the front, reducing rear-wheel traction. The transmission again compensates by sending torque to the front wheels for better steering control and braking performance. If the automatic is placed in reverse or first gear, the transmission divides the torque 50/50 to both front and rear wheels. The manual transmission cars are set up with a near 50/50 torque split as a base setting, and it varies from there. Essentially, manual cars are set up with more bias towards the rear than automatic cars.
Social links
Common 2017 Subaru Forester problems
The 2017 Subaru Forester has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from owners.
Another common problem with the 2017 Subaru Forester is the rear spring failure, which can result in suspension issues. Subaru has recently started recalling Foresters manufactured between March 2013 and October 2018 due to faulty rear suspension springs and engine valves. This recall includes free repairs at dealerships for affected vehicles.
Wheel bearings in the 2017 Forester have also been reported to have a short lifespan, which can lead to premature failure and require replacement.
The 2017 Forester's battery has also been reported to have issues, with some owners experiencing a dead battery around 30,000 miles. This problem is believed to be caused by software in the ECU that prevents the alternator from charging the battery properly during short trips.
Lastly, the engine of the 2017 Subaru Forester has been described as "adequate" by some owners, indicating a desire for more power.
While these problems should be considered when purchasing a used 2017 Subaru Forester, it is important to note that the Forester is generally considered a reliable vehicle. Most of these issues are manageable, and the vehicle's overall reliability is still relatively high compared to other vehicles in its class.
Are there any problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester?
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Forester Have? Common problems found on the 2017 Subaru Forester include shuddering while shifting between gears, excessive oil consumption, as well as premature battery failure. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs, with slightly higher repair costs.
What is the transmission problem on a 2017 Subaru Forester?
If you notice an odd noise or grinding sound when you shift gears or if you feel your gears catching when you change them then your transmission conceivable needs more lubricant or something more adequate could be at fault. An conspicuous sign would be if your 2017 Subaru Forester transmission warning light is on.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
Most Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated. ...
- Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. ...
- Oil Consumption. ...
- Electrical Issues.
Are there any recalls on 2017 Subaru Foresters?
Summary: 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.
Are there any problems with the 2017 Subaru Forester?
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Subaru Forester Have? Common problems found on the 2017 Subaru Forester include shuddering while shifting between gears, excessive oil consumption, as well as premature battery failure. Overall, these problems are similar to other compact SUVs, with slightly higher repair costs.
What is the transmission problem on a 2017 Subaru Forester?
If you notice an odd noise or grinding sound when you shift gears or if you feel your gears catching when you change them then your transmission conceivable needs more lubricant or something more adequate could be at fault. An conspicuous sign would be if your 2017 Subaru Forester transmission warning light is on.
What is the most common problem with the Subaru Forester?
Most Common Subaru Forester Problems
- Engine Issues. There are a variety of issues that owners have reported that are related to the Check Engine light being illuminated. ...
- Transmission Problems. Subaru Forester transmission problems typically occur in two ways – shuddering or jerking. ...
- Oil Consumption. ...
- Electrical Issues.
Are there any recalls on 2017 Subaru Foresters?
Summary: 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.
2017 Subaru Forester car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Subaru Forester problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Air bags problems
- Visibility/wiper problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Engine problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2017 Subaru Forester vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints 2017 Subaru Forester
The NHTSA has received 509 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2017 Subaru Forester. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for 2017 Subaru Forester vehicles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-28
- VIN: JF2SJAGC1HH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When I park my car, I have to press extremely hard on the brake pedal before I move the gear shift into park. If I do not, it will not let me remove my keys from the ignition and the car stays on. It seems as though the keys get stuck and the car will not turn off. I have not taken it in for servicing yet. It started happening after I got it inspected. Sometime in July/August. It happens almost every time I drive unless I press really hard and down on the brake pedal. I am going to use today’s day, see below.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-15
- VIN: JF2SJAGC3HH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hello, RE: Recurring Occupant Detection System problem, 2017 Subaru Forester The occupant detection system for the front passenger seat is intermittently failing. The symptoms are exactly the same as before 2020 repairs of wiring harness were made for recall WUM-98R. Despite having a passenger in the front passenger seat, the warning lights will sometimes show that the airbag is off. I have had the problem verified by my local Subaru dealer, Fitzgerald Subaru in Rockville, MD, on [XXX]; they simply reset the warning system. But the problem comes back, putting my passenger at risk. And I have contacted the Subaru Customer Advocacy Department, representative Abie on [XXX], who assigned a case number [XXX]. However, there has been no follow-up, despite my four additional calls in an effort to recontact Abie, who fails to return calls or make other contact efforts. I am unsure based on Fitzgerald Subaru's inspection if the issue is caused by the wiring harness again, or a different component in the occupant detection system. Thank you for any help. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-01
- VIN: JF2SJAGC5HH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Hello. Subaru has a recall: WUJ-95R for cracked exhaust bellows. It turns out, these bellows crack as a result of the materials used in manufacturing and have issued a Service Bulletin: 09-84-22R. My question is why is 09-84-22R a Service bulletin and not a recall like WUJ-95R? My cabin fills with exhaust fumes at low speeds when the fan is blowing and I'm not using recirculation. Subaru refuses to extend the warranty through the Service Bulletin on a branded title vehicle. It's still an unsafe condition, regardless of the branded title. It's the same issue that spans multiple models and production years. Subaru of America has refused repairing my vehicle and local dealerships won't service with a warranty.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-10
- VIN: JF2SJAEC3HH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
- Summary: The Occupant Detection System (ODS) has failed in this 2017 Subaru Forester. The dealership tried replacing the wiring harness under a previous recall but it did not fix the problem. The ODS does not correctly identify when a passenger is seated in the passenger seat and therefore will not properly activate the passenger airbag. I ordered a replacement seat assemby in October 2023 but to date the dealership has been unable to obtain the part, and has been unable to fix the ODS malfunction in any other way.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-08-19
- VIN: JF2SJGEC6HH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-08
- VIN: JF2SJAEC4HH
- Components: AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS
- Summary: Passenger air bag light on dash coming on, started off dinging even with no one sitting in the passenger seat. Now the Air bag light stays on constantly. I was told by the Subaru dealership near me that they found a B1650 in the system for occupant detection malfunction. Tested the seat with a human and the scan tool and they found the sensor is not picking anything up. The mechanic told me the seat appeared to be wet, which it was not and has never had water damage. The vehicle is garage kept and has low mileage so minimal exposure. The dealership told me I would have to pay $160 for diagnostic and $1200 before tax to have the seat base replaced. I know there was a recall for the passenger air bag in the past which I did take into the same dealership who says the replaced the defective part. I feel the Subaru company should stand behind their product and correct this issue. I was told they would not guarantee the airbag would work, which is a HUGE safety issue.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-24
- VIN: JF2SJABCXHH
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 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.
AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-21
- VIN: JF2SJGTC6HH
- Components: AIR BAGS,LANE DEPARTURE
- Summary: Airbag warning light and blind spot failure warning lights are on and staying on.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-01
- VIN: JF2SJAECXHH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Passenger side airbag alert for not working. Came on was repaired by dealer came on again. Dealer says part needed not currently available. Part needed is the passenger seat.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-21
- VIN: JF2SJABC0HH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Key is stuck in ignition. This happened 2 or 3 times and I was able to remove key after reversing, then putting it back in park. That no longer works and the key cannot be removed. Parked in my driveway now but my car is not secure since I’m not able to lock it with the key in the ignition I see many, many reports of this happening with Subarus. There really should be a recall for the issue as Subaru identified the problem in 2018.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-15
- VIN: JF2SJAEC6HH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Cracked windshield for no reason
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-06-14
- VIN: JF2SJAEC6HH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owns a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the SRS warning light illuminated when a passenger entered the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired from a previous recall with the OCS wiring harness. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the OCS Mat sensor/seat bottom which needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 107,784.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-26
- VIN: JF2SJAEC1HH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: Front Passenger airbag sensor fault causing airbag to be turned off despite unit having been repaired under recall 19V-701. Occurs approximately 50% of the time after starting car and appropriate adult weight passenger sits in front seat. Has occurred on at least 3 occasions in last week.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-06
- VIN: JF2SJAEC1HH
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: Suddenly ignition starts having an issue where driver cannot pull out ignition key, which creates risky situations. If an emergency and unable to remove keys, then the driver is stuck. Apparently, this has been happening to Subaru's from 2014-2018 all over the country, and clearly defective design. Here is the TSB [XXX] Subaru should do a recall to prevent dangerous cases of drivers unable to pull their keys out, or having drivers "hack" the car, which remove important safety features. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-07
- VIN: JF2SJAGC1HH
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: I am reporting a safety issue with an aftermarket driver’s side mirror manufactured by TRQ, intended as a replacement for a 2017 Subaru Forester. The mirror does not provide sufficient side visibility, increasing blind spots significantly compared to the OEM part, thereby putting driver safety at risk. The problem persists even after a replacement mirror was sent, suggesting a design flaw rather than an individual defect. Both mirrors, original and replacement, are available for inspection. The safety risk has been directly observed and documented through personal use rather than being confirmed by a dealer or service center. The manufacturer, TRQ, was contacted multiple times regarding this issue. They failed to acknowledge the defect adequately, instead suggesting I contact the retailer, Amazon. There were no prior warning lamps or messages related to this aftermarket mirror as it is a purely mechanical component without electronic integration. I have not had the mirror inspected by police or insurance representatives, but I have extensive documentation of the issue, including email communications with the manufacturer and photographic evidence comparing the TRQ mirror’s field of vision with the OEM part. This documentation will be included as a PDF attachment to this report.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-02
- VIN: JF2SJAEC2HH
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: need new engine keeps burning oil
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-07
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJABC8HH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that while attempting to make a left turn at an intersection, the contact observed there was a vehicle coming towards the intersection at high speeds. The contact stated that the stop light was green, however, the contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle coming towards the contact, depressed the brake pedal causing the vehicle to swerve and crash into the contact's vehicle on the front passenger's side at approximately 50 MPH. The contact stated that the vehicle spun around about 90 degrees. The air bags did not deploy, and no warning lights were illuminated. The contact sustained severe whiplash causing a concussion, crushed disc, ruptured at least 1 vertebrae, and spinal column nerve damage. The contact had been receiving medical treatment since the accident. The vehicle was towed to the tow company's storage lot. A police report was filed. The insurance company determined that the vehicle was a total loss. The other driver sustained severe burns when the air bags deployed. The contact was informed that the vehicle was in dealer mode, which did not allow warning lights to illuminate the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-02-01
- VIN: JF2SJAEC1HH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: For the last 2 yrs. our airbag light comes on and off saying we don't have air bags, some days it works and others it doesn't. I took the car into a Subaru dealership, and they said I had to replace the passenger seat at a cost of $1,200.00. I just saw that there is a recall about this and would like to get them to fix this issue at no cost. Subaru is supposed to be the safest car on the road, we'll I'm not feeling safe now.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-15
- VIN: JF2SJGWC4HH
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: Left front head light will turn off while turning left, more than 10deg. This is part of the Steering Responsive System where the headlights will move with the steering. This is a sealed unit and not a user replaceable component such as a head lamp. Replacement costs are excessive for this manufacture failure. This left front headlight turning off while turning left is a common problem found on the Subaru Forums.
STRUCTURE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-07
- VIN: JF2SJAAC3HH
- Components: STRUCTURE
- Summary: The front windshield is extremely prone to cracks. I've gotten three cracks in my windshield, all along the bottom half in close proximity to each other, which leads me to believe there is a structural issue with either the body of the car or the glass that is causing this. Two of the times, there were no other cars around me and a pinhead size piece of gravel lodged into the outside layer of the windshield, chipping and cracking it.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-10-01
- VIN: JF2SJABCXHH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: My passenger airbag light goes on and off while someone is sitting in the passenger seat. I've experienced this with people of different weight in that seat. I looked it up and found a TSB related to this issue (NHTSA ID: 19V-701, Number: [XXX] ) but my specific car is not covered even though it is having the same problem and is the same year, make/model. I took the car to the Subaru dealer on Monday [XXX] and they confirmed there is a faulty passenger occupant sensor but they will not cover the repair. This issue puts my wife or anyone else sitting in the passenger side at huge risk for loss of life. The light that goes on and off is just the sensor light, my error light in the dashboard does not go on even though the dealer has confirmed this issue. I am requesting that you recall all cars with my year/make/model since this issue is life threatening. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-02-02
- VIN: JF2SJAGC3HH
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: This has been a recurring issue. Frequently, at dusk and night, I have been blinded by my side view mirrors and some oncoming traffic. I have had my mirrors looked at by certified Subaru mechanics at the dealership, and they have yet to find any issues. It seems like every time I drive at night, a vehicle behind me or in front of me has temporarily blinded me with white/blue lights. I get no warning signs from my car. My safety, and the safety of others, has been put at risk because I am unable to see for 10-20 seconds after being blinded by cool white LED lights. If the NHTSA cannot regulate the out-of-control headlights on newer vehicles, then what is the point of the NHTSA?
VISIBILITY/WIPER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-21
- VIN: JF2SJAEC3HH
- Components: VISIBILITY/WIPER
- Summary: Right side of windshield had a small crack. Illinois law can’t drive with a cracked windshield. Called Subaru they don’t fix windshield problems. Appointment at Safelite on 1/23/24 crack had gotten bigger they cannot repair now have to replace windshield. Appointment on 1/25/24 to replace windshield. No prior incident that would have led to this situation. Never owned a car where the windshield needed to be replaced.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-01-10
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JF2SJARC0HH
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owned a 2017 Subaru Forester. The contact stated that after driving into a parking space in a parking lot with the brake pedal depressed, the vehicle jolted and veered to the right. The passenger's side of the vehicle hit the driver's side of another occupied vehicle. The other vehicle was scratched and there was no injury sustained. The contact stated she then reversed out of the parking space, and the vehicle made an abnormal growling sound. The vehicle then accelerated unintendedly while reversing. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal continuously but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact then shifted into drive (D), and the vehicle accelerated increasingly. The contact swerved and hit another unoccupied vehicle; however, the vehicle continued to accelerate unintendedly. The contact stated that she then attempted to drive into a tree to stop the vehicle, but a high curb caused the contact to miss the tree, and the vehicle crashed into an unoccupied vehicle that was parked behind the tree. The vehicle then stopped. The unoccupied vehicle then hit another vehicle, which caused a train of reaction that involved 6 unoccupied vehicles. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that an unknown rear tire blew out, and the vehicle was severely damaged. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The insurance company then towed the vehicle to another lot, where it was totaled. There was no police report filed. The contact sustained pain in the right SI joint and on the right leg. The contact stated that the incident might have intensified her pre-existing neck injury. The contact also sustained mental and emotional trauma. The contact received medical assistance and was undergoing physical therapy. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-11-01
- VIN: JF2SJATC5HH
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: In November 2023 I noticed a warning light indicating an issue with the passenger side airbag. Additionally I noticed that even when a passenger was sitting in that seat, the status light still displayed 'airbag off'. I took the car to a Subaru dealer who told me the sensor was bad and the whole seat assembly would need to be replaced. After waiting 2 1/2 months I was told by the dealer that they could not locate a part anywhere in the U.S., and they had no timetable for completing the repair. I was encouraged to contact Subaru Customer Service for help. I've done so, but have received no satisfaction. I've since learned that this exact same defect was part of an earlier recall of my vehicle (I bought the car used; see attached). As of now, I have a car with a defective airbag with no prospect of resolution from the dealer or manufacturer.
2017 Subaru Forester recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2017 Subaru Forester.
- Manufacturer: Subaru of America, Inc.
- Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
- Summary: 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.
Negative 2017 Subaru Forester car reviews
Positive 2017 Subaru Forester car reviews
-
Compared to my other car, a 2016 VW GTI, I found the Forester to be the perfect fit for me. It has all the well-known virtues that I was looking for, including the best driving position, visibility, ease of entry, AWD system, modern safety features, fuel economy, and hopefully reliability. The handling exceeded my expectations, and while the ride is not always totally settled on the highway, it does absorb bad bumps with ease. The Forester is also pretty quiet, much quieter than the CX-5. The rear seat is comfortable and very spacious, and the cargo area is terrific considering the exterior dimensions. I parallel park in the city every day, and the visibility, big mirrors, and rear-view camera make it easy. While the front seats (the standard cloth) do the job, they could be more comfortable. The interior plastics are mostly hard, shiny, brittle, and ugly, but they fit well. The EyeSight controls are scattered randomly about the cabin, and the EyeSight cameras require that the sun visors aren't wide enough to be useful. The power rear tailgate is slow, but it's easy to just use it manually. The USB ports have no ability to retain index information between starts, so choose the first song on your USB device carefully because you'll be hearing it a lot! Overall, the Forester is the best compact SUV for my needs, and I'm hopeful that future Foresters will overcome the weaknesses of the current model.
-
This is a great car for the money! The Touring trim offers a solid package and good value. Although the gas mileage is not exceptional, we have been getting around 26-27mpg based on the first 1000 miles of driving. The car feels roomy for its size and the sunroof is incredible, letting in a ton of light even on rainy and dark days. While the seats could be more comfortable, they are otherwise cozy. We recently took the car to the snow and it performed great, just as expected. After 8 months and 6,000 miles, we are still happy with our purchase. The CVT transmission can be a bit finicky at low speeds, but it performs smoothly in the mountains. Overall, this is a practical and nice-looking little wagon that we are happy to own!My previous review is still accurate - the CVT is a bit unusual, and the throttle sensitivity off the line can be a bit much, but overall, I have had a great experience with our Forester. It has been amazing in snow and off-road, and it handles really well for an SUV. Plus, it tows our 1500# camper with ease. Other than changing the oil and air filters, it has needed no maintenance in its first two years.
-
I've been driving the '17 Forester XT Touring for about 5 months now, averaging 1k miles per month. Most of the time, I use it to commute to and from work, but I've also taken it on a road trip through the Appalachian mountains. The twin turbo in the XT adds a lot of pep, and the suspension and AWD handle corners with confidence. I'm happy to report that I haven't had any mechanical or reliability issues with the car. The thicker glass and increased insulation around the doors have helped cut down on road/wind noise that many complained about in prior year models. Although it's still noticeable on the highway, it's not a major issue for me, especially not with the radio on. Overall, the car has been comfortable, reliable, and fun to drive. In fact, I'm planning on holding onto it for a long time, especially now that Subaru has dropped the XT from their lineup. The only downside is that there won't be any official CarPlay/AA retrofitting options, but that's a minor gripe.
-
Only have for two weeks but the car rides a lot smoother and quieter than expected. It has great pickup and the fit and finish are very good. The controls and info system are simple and utilitarian, which is exactly what I was looking for. It meets all my needs. So far, the cons are few; the wipers and lights are not synchronized, the doors don't lock automatically when the car gets going, there is no glovebox light, and there isn't enough room to put in 3 car seats. Overall, this is a very good SUV.
-
I absolutely love my Forester Premium with EyeSight! It's incredibly easy to operate, even for my wife who is only 5'1
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2017 Subaru Forester problems:
Is the 2017 Forester a reliable car? | Page 2 | Subaru Forester ...
Jul 27, 2020 ... Subaru's in general are pretty reliable. From reading on this forum, the main issue I've seen with the 2017 model year was the A/C suddenly not ...
2017 Forester Common Issues : r/SubaruForester
Jul 22, 2019 ... 2017 Forester Common Issues · Battery was no longer holding a charge and needed to be replaced at 30k. · AC not blowing cold air. Compressor to ...
2017 Subaru Forester Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Nov 29, 2022 ... It is a reliable car, and we love all the large windows and space to carry passengers and/or things. We like that the rear seats can recline for ...
Questions, possible first time subaru, looking at a 2017 forester 2.0xt ...
Feb 15, 2021 ... ... issues with the vehicle. Questions I have are mostly around reliability or common problems, or if you want to reassure me that it is a ...
2017 Subaru Forester Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2017 Subaru Forester? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...
Other years of Subaru Forester
Are you having problems with your 2017 Subaru Forester?
Austen Donnelly 2024-10-08
I recently had an issue with my new Subaru Forester where the brakes were squealing and my husband noticed that the front passenger brake was hot. I brought it back to the dealer after having it for only 5 days. The dealer mechanic informed me that I should have called to make an appointment instead of just stopping by. However, I was able to get an appointment and was told that there was a problem with the O2 sensor software and that Subaru is currently working on a fix for it. Although I could feel a lack of power when the engine light came on, I was assured that the car is okay and that I should bring it back to have the engine light reset if it comes back on again. The brakes still make noise and the engine feels like it gets a slight
Garfield Hartmann 2024-07-25
I strongly advise against purchasing from Electronics. My personal experience was nothing but problems. I was relieved when I traded it in three weeks ago and have no intention of purchasing a Subaru again. The dealer I bought it from lacked knowledge of the vehicle and provided me with incorrect information, in addition to poor customer service.
Jules Wiegand 2024-06-21
*Everything in my review is of my own personal opinion and experiences.* I was really excited to own this vehicle as it was my first new car, but unfortunately, it turned out to be a complete disappointment. While the safety features are solid, there are some areas where it falls short. The transmission is incredibly sluggish for a CVT and the gearing designed to simulate actual shifting is terrible. At low speeds, the vehicle jerks you around rather than driving smoothly because it can't decide if you are driving in its fake 2nd or fake 3rd gears. Additionally, the transmission either slips or cannot decide whether it is time to engage when you hit the gas suddenly from a standstill, which can be particularly dangerous if you need to accelerate to avoid a collision. The ventilation system is also cheap, and I had my vehicle detailed professionally about a month after purchase, during which the vent direction adjusters snapped off. When I questioned the professional about what happened, he showed me how easily they came off. The air conditioning system is incredibly weak, and the dealer explained that they made it weaker to try and get more mpg. If it's in the upper 90s outside, you're going to be sweating in this car. Within two years of owning the vehicle, I had to get an entire seat bottom replaced because the seat belt/airbag interlock was somehow shot. Apparently, the system is so sensitive to moisture that high humidity can cause it to fail. A car seat should be expected to withstand a certain amount of moisture, especially one geared toward the outdoorsy types. Finally, the Bluetooth interface is slow, unrefined, and honestly looks like a failed app developer created it.Perhaps a different career path would be better suited for whoever attempted to create this interface. My nephew has even built more user-friendly interfaces in Minecraft. Unfortunately, this vehicle continues to be a disappointment in 2021. Additionally, dealing with Subaru for maintenance schedules has proven to be quite extortionate. They even tried to charge me $80 to replace a non-LED bulb for the license plate lamp that had burnt out. I was able to replace the bulb with an LED for less than $12 myself. The wheel bearings have failed multiple times in the 5 years that I have owned this vehicle, which, according to mechanics, is actually normal for Subaru products. It is quite frustrating to constantly be paying out of pocket for maintenance repairs on a vehicle that was supposed to be incredibly reliable. In my experience, this has been far from the case. I would highly recommend purchasing from a different vehicle manufacturer, as this product is simply not worth it. Even in 2022, it remains a disappointment. Please do not buy.
Nathanael Greenfelder 2024-06-19
I bought a 2017 Subaru Forester last year because of Subaru's reputation for making high quality cars. Unfortunately, I've had some issues with it and it's been in the shop more times than I can count. The eyesight started failing less than a week after I got it, and despite multiple attempts to fix it, the problem persisted. There was also a recall because the engine fluid wasn't properly filled, and the tire pressure monitoring system alarm went off. Although the service center took longer than expected to fix the issues, they were eventually resolved. While it's been a frustrating experience, I appreciate the efforts of the service center to make things right. I hope that Subaru can improve the quality of their products and service in the future.
Joel Muller 2024-05-02
We owned a 2004 Forester for 13 years and it was a reliable car with a durable interior. That's why we decided to purchase a 2017 model. However, after driving it for two years and 22K miles, we have been disappointed with the quality of the interior and the CVT/performance. Despite having only one 9-year-old child, the light gray fabric is impossible to keep clean, which was not a problem with our '04 model. The front of the rear seat is already showing wear on the fabric, and the front has really cheap plastic floor mat holders that will probably break soon. The carpet between the floor of the rear seats is showing wear already. The plastic center console that houses the 2nd display rattles. We miss the auto transmission since the CVT really lags when you pull out into traffic or get on the highway. Also, at MPH speeds ending in 5, the transmission slows/speeds up for some reason. Despite being a lot quieter, due to the interior quality issues and CVT, we are considering selling our '17 already and getting out while we can. In August 2019, we had the condenser go out at 27K miles, which, after some research, we found to be a common issue. After experiencing all these issues in just two years, we decided to sell the car while we still could.