subaru Forester problems
0 safety recalls. 566 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
The WUM-98 recall fix did not address the problem with the front passenger occupancy detection system. We, and many other Subaru Forester owners are continuing to experience problems post recall repair with the SRS Airbag light on, indicating error code B1760 "Occupant…
Srs airbag system needs to be checked error. Airbag not going on sometimes when passenger is in seat
INTERMITTENTLY, THE KEY IN THE IGNITION WOULD NOT GO TO THE "OFF" POSITION SO THAT I COULD REMOVE IT AFTER THE CAR WAS IN "PARK." I WOULD HAVE TO MOVE IT (THE KEY) BACK TO THE "ON" POSITION, THEN BACK AGAIN TO THE "OFF" POSITION (BEYOND THE "ACC" SETTING).
THERE IS A CHIP/DENT IN THE BOTTOM LEFT OF THE WINDSHIELD OF UNKNOWN ORIGIN. IT IS MY BELIEF THAT THIS SHOULD NOT HAVE OCCURRED FROM REGULAR USE AND THAT THE WINDSHIELD IS INFERIOR/DEFECTIVE.
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Common questions
Is the 2017 Subaru Forester reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.0 out of 10 based on 566 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Subaru Forester is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
What's the most common problem on the 2017 Subaru Forester?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 139 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Subaru Forester has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2017 Subaru Forester?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 566 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.