2017 Subaru Forester AWD recalls and complaints

NHTSA lists 1 recall for the 2017 Subaru Forester AWD; the most frequently affected component is air bags — occupant classification. Owners filed 586 complaints, most often about air bags. Among the 25 model years of this model in the database, 2017 ranks #21 for number of recalls.

Recalls1

Complaints586

Crashes reported2in stored complaints

Check your own vehicle by VIN at NHTSA →

Recalls (1)

Air bags — Occupant classificationCampaign 19V701000 · 03 Oct 2019

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.

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.

What owners complain about

Share of the 40 most recent complaints stored for this model year, by component. Owners can list more than one component.

Air bags23 · 58%

Seats8 · 20%

Electrical system5 · 12%

Unknown or other3 · 8%

Forward collision avoidance3 · 8%

Power train3 · 8%

Lane departure2 · 5%

Suspension2 · 5%

When complaints were filed

20259

202631

From owner complaints

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 staying 1car length back.…
Unknown or other · May 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

Two incidents happened first battery died, we replaced the battery. Then Battery died again, we replaced the alternator on June 5, 2025. Then on Saturday September 13, 2025; all system lights came on at once on the dashboard then the battery died again. Car locks up and is stalled out. Cannot restart car, has to be…
Electrical system · Feb 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

Passenger airbag safety intermittently turns on stating that the passenger airbag is not able to deploy. If I turn the car off and on it goes away and doesn't turn until another time I start the car. Also detects a passenger in the seat when there is no passenger or weight in that seat. Overall some sort of issue with…
Electrical system · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

I had an Occupant Detection System replaced under recall in my 2017 Forester. Five years later it went bad. Obviously, still faulty. Cost 1,800.00 (you read that right) to have it replaced. Contacted Subaru twice about this and both times denied for replacement cost. Really unfair and absurd. Will never own another…
Air bags · Nov 2025 · NHTSA complaint record

How this year compares

Recalls per model year for this model.

200918

201017

201116

201215

201312

Full specifications All model years 2017 Subaru lineup

Source

Recall and complaint records from the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A recall listed here may not apply to every vehicle of this model year — always check your VIN with NHTSA or a dealer.

2017 Subaru Forester AWD Car specs
2016 Subaru Forester AWD recalls and complaints Recalls
2015 Subaru Forester AWD recalls and complaints Recalls
2018 Subaru Forester AWD recalls and complaints Recalls
2009 Subaru Forester AWD Car specs
2010 Subaru Forester AWD Car specs
2007 Subaru Forester AWD Car specs