YearToAvoid

2017 Subaru Forester Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2017 Subaru Forester ranks 4th worst out of 21 model years, with a complaint index of 85 and 587 complaints logged with NHTSA. Airbags are the top problem area (164 complaints, 28% share), and it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Forester years.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
85/100
#4 of 21 Forester years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
587
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
1
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
40
reported in complaints
Fires
1
Injuries
28
Top issue
Airbags
Best nearby year
2024
rated Best
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG
25
23 city / 28 hwy
Injuries / deaths
28 / 0

Top 2017 Subaru Forester problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Airbags164 (28%)
  2. Visibility & Wipers115 (20%)
  3. Electrical System108 (18%)
  4. Other96 (16%)
  5. Engine76 (13%)
  6. Structure & Body49 (8%)
  7. Transmission & Powertrain44 (7%)
  8. Steering25 (4%)
  9. Suspension, Wheels & Tires21 (4%)
  10. Brakes20 (3%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, such as backing into a parking spot or merging, leading to crashes into fixed objects or other vehicles.
  • Some describe brakes failing to slow the car as expected, with the vehicle instead lunging forward on its own after the brake pedal was pressed.
  • Steering wheel locking up during a turn was reported in at least one case, resulting in a crash into a pole.
  • Airbags reportedly did not deploy during a rear-end collision, despite the driver's chest and head striking interior surfaces.
  • A low oil level warning light was reported to intermittently illuminate on inclines or after driving over snow, then clear once the vehicle was parked on flat ground.
2017 Subaru Forester complaints: complaints filed per quarter522016 Q32018 Q12019 Q32021 Q12022 Q32024 Q12025 Q3
587 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2016 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q4 (52).

2017 Subaru Forester recalls

1 NHTSA recall campaign list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 19V701000Oct 3, 2019Airbags366,282 vehicles

    Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

    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.

    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.

2017 Subaru Forester fuel economy and fuel cost

City
23 MPG
Highway
28 MPG
Combined
25 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$2,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2017 compared with other Forester years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’09’10’11’12’13’14’15’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2015Avoid90613325
2016Caution65414325
2017Avoid85587125
2018Avoid75495325
2019Avoid100833329

All Subaru Forester years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?
Compared to other Forester model years, the 2017 ranks 4th worst out of 21 years tracked, with a complaint index of 85 and 587 NHTSA complaints, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Airbags are the top problem area, accounting for 164 complaints (28% of the total) and 14 crashes, with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles.
Does the 2017 Subaru Forester have any recalls?
NHTSA lists one recall (campaign 19V701000) covering the airbag Occupant Detection System sensor mat harness in vehicles with heated seats; it is not a do-not-drive recall.
How does the 2017 Forester compare to nearby model years?
The 2015 Forester is worse with a complaint index of 90 and also rated Avoid, while the 2016 (index 65, Caution) and 2018 (index 75, Avoid) sit close by; the 2024 model year has the lowest index at 20 and rates Best.
What is the fuel economy of the 2017 Subaru Forester?
EPA rates the 2017 Forester at 25 mpg combined (23 city / 28 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,700.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.